“Switzerland of the West”
Historic Winter Activities in Yosemite
On Sunday, November 20th, 2016, local author Sharon Giacomazzi will present tales of a forgotten era in Yosemite’s fascinating history.
Illustrated with beautiful old photos, find out why Yosemite was once the most developed winter sports location in the United States. It was even a contender to host the 1932 Winter Olympics. With the blessing of the Park Service and the determination and ingenuity of the Concessionaire, Yosemite Park, and Curry Company, the goal was to make the Company profitable during the winter.
The transformation began in 1927 with the construction of a half-mile long professionally engineered toboggan run. The Company’s vision of Yosemite as “Switzerland of the West” was underway.
Virtually everything that could be done on snow and ice was made available to the tourists. Seemingly without limits, Yosemite Park and Curry Company concocted an utterly amazing and often bizarre array of winter activities.
Imagine, a wingless airplane pulling skiers around the meadows; a 60,000-square foot skating rink, figure skating and curling on the Merced River, Mardi Gras and baseball games on ice, and a 70-mph toboggan run!
Join us to hear how and when it began, as well as how it ended.
Article by Sharon Giacomazzi
