Westby, Wisconsin

Why is Westby so ski-minded? In Westby, skiing is heritage. Skis were the common means of winter travel, from the time this community was settled by Norwegian immigrants in 1846, until the 1930's. Most of the present residents are of third, fourth, and even fifth generation, but the skiing tradition has remained.  This, however, is but one of the factors which have contributed to making Westby the recognized ski center of the middle west, and later in the nation. Climate, topography and the racial heritage of the inhabitants all played a part. Deep snow covers the entire countryside from December to March, as a rule; but there have been "open winters" also when snow has either been hauled in from the North or made by snow-machines in order to have the tournaments as scheduled. The 2, 5, 15, 30, 50, and 90 meter hills make Westby a leader in the Ski Jumping community.--Information from a book put together by the Westby Snowflake Ski Club.