The Vail Daily takes a trip back in time, guided by the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum, to recount the humble beginnings of the state's ski industry. Much of the early development was the work of the 10th Mountain Division, whose members were known as "soldiers on skis." They fought in the mountains of Italy during World War II, but trained in Colorado, and were the first to conquer the hills of today's Loveland Ski Area, where operations started out in 1936 with just one rope tow.

We've obviously come a long way since then. Today, even Beaver Creek's terrain park, which was recently redesigned for all skill levels, is apparently too simple for the more talented skiers and snowboarders (also via the Daily). Maybe they should sign up for next year's Colorado Freeride Championships in Snowmass. The event forces riders to find the most unique and challenging lines down burly backcountry courses. The Aspen Times has a recap and video from this year's competition, which took place over the weekend.