The extension of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, first into the new town of Durango in 1881 and later into Silverton in 1882, revolutionized transportation. For the most part, skiing was no longer a necessity for transportation in the winter and became a popular pastime. But some years, like the winter of 1883 – 1884, there was so much snow that people resorted again to skis and sleighs.
Skiers at Animas City, circa 1920s.
Catalog number: 93.27.1
During the 1930s, Durango skiers would grab their skis and head up Highway 550. Some would ski down from Coal Bank Pass and hitchhike back to their cars. Cascade Village now stands at what was a popular ski hill called Cascade Meadows. About 17 miles north of town, just above the Lechner’s ranch, Chipmunk Hill also became a popular place to ski.
Cascade Meadow in summer, popular early ski spot, now Cascade Village on Highway 550.
Catalog number: 86.19.38
Walter (left) and his son Bob Balliger look ready to ski at Lechner Field. Many of these photos of Lechner Field and Cascade Meadows were taken by the Balligers and donated to the Animas Museum.
Catalog number: 12.38.1 Gift of Bob Balliger
Skiers prepare to leave their parked their cars on Highway 550 above Lechner Field, later called Chipmunk Hill in the late 1930s.
Catalog number: 12.38.2 Gift of Bob Balliger
A lone skier makes his way to the rope tow at Chipmunk Hill.
Catalog number: 12.38.5 Gift of Bob Balliger
Rope tow at Chipmunk Hill.
Catalog number: 12.38.6 Gift of Bob Balliger
Lechner Field, later called Chipmunk Hill ski area in the late 1930s.
Catalog number: 12.38.7 Gift of Bob Balliger
Ski jumping at Chipmunk Hill. The skier with the single pole is possibly Jerry Yeager.
Catalog number: 12.38.9 Gift of Bob Balliger
Rope tow at Chipmunk Hill. Fred Klatt Sr is seen in this photo at right and Walt Balliger is standing on the rope tow.
Catalog number: 12.38.10 Gift of Bob Balliger
Rope tow from Chipmunk Hill moved to Cascade Ski Hill.
Catalog number: 12.38.11 Gift of Bob Balliger
Cascade Hill ski area.
Catalog number: 12.38.12 Gift of Bob Balliger
Warming hut at Cascade Hill, later Jarvis Meadows. Walter Balliger is show with his arm around Fred Klatt Sr.’s shoulders.
Catalog number: 12.38.15 Gift of Bob Balliger
Unidentified group of skiers outside the warming hut at Cascade Hill, Spud Mountain is in the background.
Catalog number: 12.38.16 Gift of Bob Balliger