Vail Colorado History

Gold was discovered in the mountains west of Colorado in 1859 where the early pioneers learned that webbed snowshoes, so popular with the Native Americans of the west, were a method of travel. However, Norwegian snowshoes and skis were incorporated.

Colorado skiing history was made when the 10th Mountain Division, U.S. Army men training for high country combat in Europe against Hitler's Nazi forces, were based near Vail. They returned from duty in Europe to the surroundings they had come to know so well during their training in the Rocky Mountains.

Father Dyer was one of the mail carriers in Colorado’s early history who provided a lifeline to the outside world. In 1880 there were over 50 skiing mail carriers in the state. They traveled up to fifty miles at a stretch over the mountains. Their skis were only a simple toe strap and heel block to keep the foot in place.

Mail carriers like Al Johnson (Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame) are legendary heroes. Johnson carried the mail from Crystal City, a ghost town above Marble, over Schofield Pass to Gothic, Crested Butte and Irwin. He was known internationally as one of the best skiers in the Elk Mountains. In 1886, 25 downhill racers competed in heats on a hill above Crested Butte.