We’ve had quite a warm debate here at Heritage. We’re trying to decide whether the woman in this vintage New Hampshire poster has a huge smile on her face because she has just arrived at the famous resort for a day’s skiing, or because she has had a great day skiing on the slopes of the White Mountains and is on her way to the bar for several apres-ski drinks. Some people say that she looks too well-dressed. It is suggested her pristine vest with its attractive design, is too pristine and clean for her to have been skiing all day in it. Others argue that her skis are pointing in the wrong direction if she is coming down the mountain and that she must be going up. Her stance does suggest she is standing at the foot of the resort looking up towards the summit and her smile is one of excitement and joy as she contemplates the descent she will soon be making. What do you think?
The classic poster was produced by the New Hampshire State Planning and Development Commission in 1941 to promote skiing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is one of two posters for the ski resort created by the artist Lou Hechenberger. The first featured a dynamic of a downhill skier and was produced in 1938. This one, from 1941 features the striking skiing beauty carrying her skis up the mountainside.
Official records of speed skiing in America first began in 1932 with an 89mph run by Leo Gasper. However, it is known that skiing in America dates back to 1874. At this time races were taking place between Norwegians who had arrived during the Gold Rush. In 1898, a ski run by American Tommy Todd, was reported at 87 miles per hour (140 km/h). In the following years, a handful of other skiers achieved similarly impressive speeds. It wasn’t long before skiing was taking place in the cities of New York and Boston.
A combination of the Scandinavian workers who worked in the paper mills of New Hampshire, students from Dartmouth College, and members of the Boston-based Appalachian Mountain Club ensured New Hampshire was right at the center of skiing in the United States. The New Hampshire White Mountains were a natural draw for skiers, and soon resorts like Sun Valley and Stowe were able to capitalise on the region’s perfect skiing conditions.
Many of America’s skiing innovations were carried on snowy slopes of the White Mountains. For example, New Hampshire was the first to have trails cut specifically for downhill skiing. It was the first American resort to have an overhead wire-rope ski tow. It also had Ame first aerial tramway and the first ski village. Other notable events such as America’s first modern downhill which was held there in 1927. Shortly followed just a year later with the first slalom. New Hampshire opened America’s first resort-based ski school in 1929.
By the 1950s newer resorts like Vermont and ski areas further west became more popular. However, New Hampshire’s impact on skiing and winter sports tourism in America is undeniable and New Hampshire is still incredibly popular. According to the New England Ski Museum website, during the 2006-2007 season, people spent over 700 million dollars in the state because of skiing. Ski resorts also employed over 17,000 people during that year.
Today, the resort boasts 19 ski areas with 342 miles of skiable terrain which is served by 127 lifts. Mount Washington, the state’s highest peak, averages 23 feet of snow each year, making New Hampshire the snowiest place in America.
This New Hampshire skiing poster is the perfect home decor addition to any ski lodge, mountain cabin or home. It makes a stunning reminder of your time on the slopes in beautiful White Mountains. Order yours today and be the envy of your skiing buddies!
