Just Crazy to Ski: A Fifty-Year History of Skiing at Los Alamos

A fascinating glimpse into the Los Alamos community since 1943, when entertainment was scarce, with the exception of the great outdoors. Work was challenging for the scientists, and the hours were long. Retreating to the outdoors occasionally must have been a tonic for them. It didn't take long before groups of people formed a tow association and built their own ski area. After working all week developing nuclear weapons, many of the physicists, chemists, mathematicians, engineers, and technicians spent their weekends cutting, or using explosives, to clear ski trails. The development of Pajarito mountain coincided with some of the most intensive Cold War work in the Laboratory's history. The history of skiing in Los Alamos is unique, and this book tells that story.