Top 5 Past and Present Winter Sports Events to Hit the East Coast

The crowds are buzzing for a good reason. Killington Ski Resort is hosting the women’s 2016 Audi FIS Ski World Cup slalom and other great slalom events this Thanksgiving weekend. Women from 27 countries will be converging in Vermont and competing to ski away with the trophy and, more importantly, with bragging rights. Plus, over 2 million people are expected to watch the broadcast!

The West Coast has a hobby of stealing the hosting spotlight, so Vermont may not seem like the most conspicuous location for such a massive competition. But, the East Coast is no stranger to the big stage and bright lights. Throughout history, a fair share of major winter sports events have put the upper-right USA on the map. Here is a list of five representing the Eastern seaboard.

1. The 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and again in 1980, the latter of which included one of the most famous victories in sports history. When the U.S. hockey team defeated the Soviet Union, then the defending champion, the “Miracle on Ice” was born. This stunning and unpredictable victory is still today arguably one of the best Olympics moments. Many facilities can still be toured, so be prepared to feel that Olympic spirit.

2. Burton US Open

Stratton Mountain, Vermont

Although the competition has since moved to Vail, Colorado, Stratton Mountain hosted the US Open Snowboarding Championships for 27 years. Prior to Stratton, the competition was held at Suicide Six and Snow Valley, meaning it lived in Vermont for a grand total of 30 seasons. These events certainly helped with snowboarding’s progression and shaped the path for future US Opens.

3. World Cup Skiing

Stratton, Vermont and Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

Prior to this year, the last time World Cup events were held on the East Coast was in 1991 at Waterville Valley Resort and, before that, in 1978 at Stratton Mountain. With this trend, hopefully we can look forward to seeing more slalom events close by in the future.

4. Big Air at Fenway

Boston, Massachusetts

In February 2016, Fenway Park was filled with some of the world’s best slopestyle skiers and snowboarders impressing the crowd with big air entertainment, all part of a U.S. Grand Prix and FIS World Cup touring event. Fans normally look forward to seeing the green baseball field, but for this occasion, it was all about the white snow.

5. U.S. Grand Prix

Killington Mountain, Vermont

Hosting the 2016 World Cup on November 26th and 27th, Killington Ski Resort has been the location for several famous past and present events. In more recent memory, the U.S. Grand Prix used the grounds in 2008 and again in 2009, while the Dew Tour and the Gatorade Free Flow Tour have also passed through. As Killington offers the largest ski area and a longer winter season, it’s no wonder this resort has been selected multiple times.