Description
Book Synopsis: Union Pacific Railroad's Averell Harriman had a bold vision to restore rail passenger traffic decimated by the Great Depression: create ski tourism in Idaho's remote Wood River Valley. A $1.5 million investment opened Sun Valley in December 1936 with a lavish lodge, luxury shopping, Austrian ski instructors and extensive backcountry skiing. Prestigious tournaments featured the world's best skiers. Chairlifts invented by Union Pacific engineers serviced skiers quickly and comfortably. Ski instructor and filmmaker Otto Lang recalled that seemingly overnight, it became "a magnet for the 'beautiful people,' a meeting place for movie stars and moguls, chairmen and captains of industry, Greek shipping tycoons, and peripatetic playboys--and playgirls--of the international social set." After World War II and Harriman's departure, Union Pacific's willingness to pay the $500,000 yearly subsidy waned. Bill Janss purchased it in 1964 and reimagined it as a year-round resort but lacked the capital for growth. Sinclair Oil owners Earl and Carol Holding acquired it in 1977, revitalizing it into a premier resort with international status. Award-winning ski historian John W. Lundin celebrates America's first destination ski resort using unpublished Union Pacific documents, oral histories, contemporaneous accounts and more than 150 historic images.
Details
Experience the fascinating history of Sun Valley, America's first destination ski resort, with the compelling book "Skiing Sun Valley: A History from Union Pacific to the Holdings". Discover how Union Pacific Railroad's Averell Harriman transformed a remote Idaho valley into a luxurious ski destination, defying the challenges of the Great Depression. With a $1.5 million investment, Sun Valley opened its doors in December 1936, offering a lavish lodge, luxury shopping, and Austrian ski instructors.
Immerse yourself in the glamorous world of Sun Valley, where prestigious ski tournaments featured the world's best skiers. Thanks to the innovative chairlifts invented by Union Pacific engineers, skiers were able to enjoy the slopes quickly and comfortably. As the years went by, Sun Valley became a magnet for the elite. It became the meeting place for movie stars, moguls, and captains of industry. The international social set flocked to this winter wonderland, making it a hub of luxury and excitement.
After the reign of Union Pacific came to an end, Sun Valley faced new challenges. However, Bill Janss had a vision and acquired the resort in 1964. He reimagined Sun Valley as a year-round destination, but lacked the funds for growth. It wasn't until 1977, when Sinclair Oil owners Earl and Carol Holding stepped in, that Sun Valley regained its former glory. The Holdings revitalized the resort, transforming it into a premier destination with international recognition.
Discover the captivating history of Sun Valley through the eyes of award-winning ski historian John W. Lundin. Utilizing unpublished Union Pacific documents, oral histories, contemporaneous accounts, and over 150 historic images, Lundin brings to life the remarkable story of America's first destination ski resort. Whether you are an avid skier, history enthusiast, or simply enjoy tales of innovation and perseverance, "Skiing Sun Valley" will transport you back in time and inspire you with its rich narrative.
Harness the power of knowledge and immerse yourself in the captivating history of Sun Valley. Order your copy of "Skiing Sun Valley: A History from Union Pacific to the Holdings" today by clicking here.
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