In 1962, one very significant meeting gives birth to two of the defining moments in our history: The creation of Ski Area Management magazine (SAM) and the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). Forty-one ski area operators gather in Colorado Springs, Colo., to solidify the industry. NSAA’s first executive director, David Rowan, also has the foresight to create an independent magazine alongside the new organization to provide the industry a balanced view of the issues. Many of the defining moments that follow are due to the creation of these two important entities.
In the early 1960s, an insurance program designed specifically for ski areas is created and administered by Lukens, Savage & Washburn, with the goal of addressing rising insurance costs. In addition, lift inspection begins to be formalized.
In 1962, the first ski-area-as-resort-village is built from the ground up at Vail Mountain.
In 1963, the first tracked cats come on the scene. Tucker, Oliver, Polaris, and Thiokol lead the charge.
In 1964, Lange is credited for introducing the first plastic ski boots. In the early 1970s, the Hanson Bros. take it a step further with rear-entry boots.
Through the late 1950s and 1960s, Interstates 89, 91 and 93 make travel in New England easy. In California, I-80 opens in 1965. And in 1973, the Eisenhower Tunnel opens on I-70 in Colorado.
Boyne Mountain, Mich., installs the first quad—a Heron—in 1963. Also in 1963, SAM reports that triple chairs are making their debut at Boyne Highlands, which installed two Riblets.
In 1964, NSAA, under Ann Hasper Rowan, introduces the first uniform trail-marking system. The first stab (shown here) underwent later changes, as we have all seen.
During the mid 1960s, night skiing takes off. The first recorded use of lights on the slopes, however, goes to Bousquet, Mass., in 1935.
Under Perry Williams, the NSAA Legal Committee creates the Skier’s Courtesy Code, which debuts in 1966. The code aims to shift more responsibility onto the skier.
