Few People Know Idaho Was Home To The First Chair Lift In America
By Courtnie Erickson|Published March 31, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
It’s well known that Idaho is home to the oldest ski resort in America. Sun Valley Resort was established in 1936 and since then, it has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state. But, what many people don’t know is that Idaho, Sun Valley Resort in particular, is also home to the very first chair lift.
Skiing is a popular winter activity in the Gem State. Throughout Idaho, there are approximately 18 resorts, each varying in size and amenities.
When Sun Valley Resort first opened in 1936, it not only became one of the first ski resorts in America, but it was also home to the world’s very first chair lift.
The chair lift was actually designed by Union Pacific Railroad engineer James Curran. The Union Pacific Railroad opened Sun Valley Resort and Curran’s invention, which had nothing to do with the railroad, was a big reason many individuals made the trek to this Idaho ski resort.
Before the chair lift was invented, skiers would either carry their ski gear up the side of the mountain or would be pulled up the mountain via a rope. When the chairlift debuted, many skiers had a hard time adjusting but they quickly realized how the chair lift drastically improved the activity.
And, it’s not just winter activities that benefit from this invention. Chair lifts are used at ski resorts during the summer to take individuals to mountain biking and hiking trails and other summertime activities.
No matter the time of year that we visit a ski resort in Idaho, we will forever be grateful that the chair lift was invented and are extremely proud it hails from the Gem State.
Did you know that Idaho was the first to use a chair lift? What other fun facts about Idaho do you know? Share them with us in the comments! And, if you are searching for a ski resort that comes alive during the summer months, you must plan a visit to Schweitzer Mountain Resort in northern Idaho.
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