Tracing the origins of the ski industry in Colorado can be as thrilling as plunging downhill off a steep slope. A group of 10th Mountain Division soldiers carrying skis and rucksacks marches up a mountain road that is covered in water. “What really turbocharged the Colorado ski industry is the construction of the interstate highway system. Liz Copan/Summit Daily News archiveModern ski industry faces climate, crowding and accessibility challengesToday, Colorado’s ski industry is a behemoth that generates an estimated $4.8 billion in annual economic output. Colorado ski resorts have logged more than 10 million skier visits every winter since the 1991-92 season, according to Colorado Ski Country USA data.