Ski Resort
AA-2026-19D786
On the image
The A-frame structure, popular in the 1970s for ski resorts, offered an architectural statement that declared, "This is not your grandfather's rustic cabin, but a modern place for modern recreation." It implied a new era of leisure, where efficient design met mountain grandeur, often without actually improving the efficiency of carrying ski equipment.
The snow-covered slopes behind the building attest to the primary purpose of these developments, where humans willingly subject themselves to cold temperatures and high speeds for the sake of enjoyment. A single ski lift tower peeks through the evergreens, silently promising a return to the top, regardless of how many times gravity intervenes.
Visible signs suggest this establishment might be the "Silver Queen," a name likely chosen to evoke either precious metals or a forgotten local monarch, depending on the marketing strategy of the day. The clear blue sky means someone probably thought it was a perfect day to take a picture, before heading inside for hot chocolate.
The historian's note
The image captures a ski resort lodge, likely known as "Silver Queen," during the 1970s. This period marked a significant expansion of winter sports tourism in North America, with new resorts and infrastructure developing in mountainous regions.
The A-frame architectural style, prominent in the lodge depicted, was a popular design choice for recreational buildings and vacation homes during the mid-20th century, favoured for its striking aesthetic, efficient use of materials, and ability to shed heavy snow loads.
Ski resorts like this one became important centres for leisure and outdoor activity, reflecting changing societal patterns towards recreational travel and the increasing accessibility of winter sports.
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Visually related — by likeness
Silver Queen Lodge and Ski Slopes in Winter, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-19D786. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/silver-queen-lodge-and-ski-slopes-in-winter-1970s.
@misc{aaAA202619D786,
title = {Silver Queen Lodge and Ski Slopes in Winter, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-19D786},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/silver-queen-lodge-and-ski-slopes-in-winter-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Silver Queen Lodge and Ski Slopes in Winter, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-19D786 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/silver-queen-lodge-and-ski-slopes-in-winter-1970s ER -
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