Chris Anthony Announced as MC for the 2023 Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Celebration

The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame is thrilled to invite Chris Anthony back to the stage as the host of the 2023 Celebration slated for August 27th in Vail, Colorado. Chris was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. Since his induction, Chris has stayed active in the snow sports industry through his recent award-winning 10th Mountain Division documentary, “Mission Mt. Mangart.” Chris joins us from all facets of the snow sports industry as a skier, public figure, fundraiser, historian, and inspiration to many. “Being asked to MC the 2023 Inductions this August in Vail is truly an honor. I am looking forward to this event as well as introducing the latest most amazing class," explains Chris Anthony. For more than 27 years, Colorado native Chris Anthony has traveled as a member of the Warren Miller film team. During his career, he has freelanced for several publications, co-authored a guidebook, commissioned and written a screenplay, and hosted and produced several television and film projects. He has also volunteered thousands of hours for several charitable organizations, raising over $1 million on their behalf, prior to building his own youth outreach project. In recent years, Chris has dedicated his time to the documentary project: “Mission Mt. Mangart.”

Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Proudly Announces 2023 Annual Awards

Tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Celebration this August 27th. The institution proudly announces the Annual Award recipients for the year, representing snow sports advocates and some of our state’s greatest athletes. In addition, the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame welcome the incoming class of inductees announced last April: Cheryl Jensen, Hilaree Nelson, John Norton, Sandy Shellworth Hildner, & Seth Masia. The Hall of Fame’s annual honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the Museum; Top of the Hill Award, which recognizes entities that have contributed to the development of skiing in Colorado; the Competitor of the Year Award, the Collegiate Athlete of the Year Awards, and the Adaptive Athlete of the Year Award. The following individuals and organizations will be recognized along with our five inductees on Sunday, August 27, 2023, for an evening of inspiration and celebration. Annual Awards for this year go to David and Renie Gorsuch, SOS Outreach, Mikaela Shiffrin, Kendall Gretsch, Filip Forejtek, and Nora Brand.

Colorado Snowsports Museum is Proud to Welcome a New Donation: An Atomic Ski Representing Mikaela Shiffrin’s Recent Record-Breaking History

After Mikaela Shiffrin’s “Mikaela87” event in Vail, Eileen Shiffrin, Mikaela’s mother, donated one of the Atomic skis presented to Mikaela at the event to the Colorado Snowsports Museum (CSM). At the event, snow sports athletes presented Mikaela with Atomic skis created for the event – symbolizing each record Mikaela broke in 2023. When each ski was passed on to Mikaela the record she broke was acknowledged. The ski that we received was given to Mikaela by Oksana Masters, representing the “Most Alpine Ski World Cup Wins by Any Skier in History (88).” “The Colorado Snowsports Museum is thrilled and honored to receive this important piece of contemporary history,” Dana Mathios, Curator and Director of Collections with the CSM, explains enthusiastically. She goes on to say: “A lot of the work that we do deals with preserving history and material culture of the past. Being able to acquire this ski ensures that Mikaela’s important record-breaking history today will be preserved in our collection for generations to come!”

Snowsports MuseumJuly 5, 2023Mikaela Shiffrin, Mikaela87, Vail, Colorado, Ski history, World Cup, GOAT, AtomicComment

Remember and Honor – Memorial Day 2023

On Memorial Day, and every day, the Colorado Snowsports Museum (CSM) remembers and honors all U.S. military personnel who have died while serving the United States. In honoring the fallen, we wanted to remember Robert “Bob” R. Fischer (Rank: T/SGT, Company C, 85th Mountain Infantry), who died while fighting against the Germans in World War II, as well as 10th Mountain Division veterans Hugh Evans (Rank: T/SGT, Company C, 85th Mountain Infantry) and Malcolm "Mac" N. Mackenzie (Rank: PFC, Company C, 85th Mountain Infantry). Through an oral history persevered at the Colorado Snowsports Museum, Hugh Evans tells of this horrific battle – and the witnessing of the death of Bob Fischer. Evans was so enraged by the loss of his friend and platoon sergeant that he acted, in his words foolishly, but to many others, he acted with great courage and strength. At the end of 1944, the Allies’ 16-month war struggle had left Italy in shambles, and the Germans were prepared with artillery batteries around the country. By mid-January of 1945, the 14,000 men of the 10th Mountain Division had quietly moved into small villages surrounding ridges in the northern Apennines area and began planning possible routes up Riva Ridge. This ridge held the German observatory post and was therefore crucial to defeating the rest of the Germans in the area and breaking their Gothic line.

Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2023

Representing Telluride, Crested Butte, Aspen, Copper Mountain, Boulder, Vail, and Colorado at large, we look forward to inducting the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 on Sunday, August 27th, 2023, in Vail, Colorado at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. The nominations have been submitted and votes were cast by snow sports industry professionals. The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the Class of 2023. Representing many areas of our great state of Colorado, this year’s class contains an inspiring group of snow sports enthusiasts – from varying aspects of the industry. “Every class of inductees is different and this year we celebrate individuals that have dedicated their lives to educating, inspiring, and preserving snow sports in Colorado. This class truly represents what the Colorado Snowsports Museum is all about!” explains the Executive Director of the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame, Jennifer Mason. She goes on to say: “We’re proud of the Class of 2023 and think they represent so many areas of Colorado illustrating the fact that Colorado as a whole leads the way in snow sports development.”

Women's History Month - Women of the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame

The month of March is dedicated to commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. For Women’s History Month, we wanted to shine a spotlight on five women enshrined in the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame. These women contributed to and improved the snow sports industry as athletes, resort builders, promotors, and fashion icons. Join us in celebrating these stories and the inspiring women of our great state that have given us so much through their achievements. Here, we shine a spotlight on Kiki Cutter, Marnie Jump, Sarah Will, Georgie Lodders, and Renie Gorsuch. Christina “Kiki” Cutter, a native of Bend, Oregon, is the first American skier, male or female, to win a World Cup title (in the slalom at Oslo, Norway in 1968). A member of the U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame, she has been called one of America’s greatest women athletes, and is acknowledged by ski coaches to be among the finest skiers ever produced by the United States. For two decades, she held the American record for most World Cup victories by a U.S. skier.

Reflecting on the 10th Mountain Division’s 78th Anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge

February 18, 2023, marks the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge, fiercely fought by the 10th Mountain Division of World War II. In honoring this anniversary, the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame wants to pay tribute to this historic battle and share artifacts from our collection that speak to this history and the story of the brave men of the 10th Mountain Division. The men assigned to the Riva Ridge operation found five routes up the 2,000-foot vertical cliff, the most difficult of which required ropes and pitons. Ironically, the specialized equipment that the 10th had developed and tested was back in the United States. The Germans believed that the steep slopes and cliffs of Riva Ridge could not be climbed, and the ridge was unassailable. The men of the 10th would prove the Germans wrong. Vital to this operation was completing it at night, without artillery fire and as quickly as possible. As the sun set on February 18, 1945, 700 men congregated on Riva Ridge, while the rest of the division waited to take Mount Belvedere the next night.

“NBS Style Through the Decades” – A New Guest Curated Exhibit Celebrating the Fashion & History of the National Brotherhood of Skiers

Artist Lamont Joseph White was invited to help the Colorado Snowsports Museum revamp their 100 Years of Ski Fashion exhibition through the lens of the fashion and history of the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS), as they celebrate their 50th Year Anniversary Black Ski Summit in Vail this winter. The Colorado Snowsports Museum is excited to collaborate with Lamont Joseph White, the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, and all NBS members who contributed to putting this collection together for our latest rotating exhibition “NBS Style Through the Decades.” Here, Lamont and members of the NBS sourced two outfitted mannequins showing clothing from the 1980s/1990s that was worn by members of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, a nonprofit group that represents Black skiers, riders, and snow sport enthusiasts across the nation. The NBS is comprised of dozens of clubs in the United States.

Our Popular Speaker Series “Through the Lens” is Back at the Colorado Snowsports Museum

As winter is in full swing, we're happy to announce the start of our popular educational programming series – “Through the Lens”. This January, we welcome speakers from various snow sports related topics to share their story, celebrated through their own lens. Kicking off our series Wednesday, January 11 is: “Celebrating 60 Years of Vail - Growing up in Vail” presented by Pete Seibert Jr. and Friends. Learn about an insider’s look at the Wonder Years of Vail from those who lived it. They will talk about the early days of life in a new ski town with loads of dreams but few rules! The event starts at 5:30pm at the Colorado Snowsports Museum in Vail, Colorado. Tickets are $20 for Museum Members and $25 for the public. Beer, wine, and appetizers are included with ticket purchase. All proceeds go to the Museum in fulfilling our mission to celebrate Colorado snow sports by telling stories that educate and inspire others to seek adventure.

Snowsports MuseumJanuary 4, 2023Pete Seibert Jr., Vail, Through the Lens, Speaker Series, Programming, 60 Years, Education, Ski Towns, Colorado, HistoryComment

Celebrating Vail's 60th Anniversary

From Pete Seibert's Dream, to the many people that supported him in bringing it to fruition, Vail Mountain was built with a sense of community where all involved shared the common goal of creating a snow sports area unlike any other in Colorado - or the world. In 1957, Pete met fellow ski patroller Earl Eaton, who introduced Pete to the unnamed mountain that would become Vail. Pete was convinced it was the perfect place and quickly bought the land. Pushing forward Pete's Dream: others invested, construction began, trails were cut, lifts erected, and the resort opened for the first time on December 15, 1962. Today, we reflect on 60 years and celebrate Pete for his everlasting Dream. Here’s to all that have kept the Dream alive! Sharon, Massachusetts provided a hometown for Pete Seibert, the 10th Mountain Division directed his destiny, and Colorado became the place where he made his reputation in the world of skiing. After 17 months in Army hospitals from World War II injuries, Pete returned to Colorado as a veteran who hoped to recover his skiing skills. While skiing, Pete looked for a hill to develop for his favorite sport, which brought him to Vail.

Snowsports MuseumDecember 15, 2022Vail, 60th Anniversary, Pete Seibert, Colorado, Resort History, Vail Resorts, Earl Eaton, History, Legendary Back BowlsComment

Celebrating Veterans from the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame

Did you know that the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame (HOF) includes over 45 veterans? From both World Wars, to Vietnam, the Korean War, and more - these courageous individuals served our country and then came back to make a lasting impact on the snow sports industry we all know and love today. Their sacrifices and continued contributions post war give so many people the ultimate feeling we all seek on mountain: Freedom. Thank you to all the veterans that have served our country, and to those that continue to serve. This Veterans Day, the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame wanted to highlight three veterans enshrined in our Hall of Fame: Lowell Thomas (Class of 1978), Richard “Dick” Stillman (Class of 1995), and Jack Benedick (Class of 2011).

A World Record: The First 10-Person Ski

The story begins in the fall of 1981 in Winter Park, Colorado, when Rick Oldham, roommates, and a friend first discussed breaking a world record - constructing and successfully skiing on a ski for 10 people. In the spring of 1981, the original 10-person ski team was selected from a group of friends and the hard work began. The first order of business was to determine how to ski on an 18-foot-long ski. They began by fastening tennis shoes onto a pair of 18 foot long one by four lumber and practiced stepping in cadence on a flat surface to emulate an exaggerated stem turn. Once they got this down, they constructed the first pair of 10 person skis using 18 foot long two by fours with jumping ski tips onto the front and mounted 10 sets of bindings.

Snowsports MuseumOctober 3, 2022Skiing, History, Winter Park, 1980s, 10 Person Ski, Innovation, Snow Sports Stories, World Record, ColoradoComment

Tom Sims James Bond Snowboard on Display at the Colorado Snowsports Museum

The snowboard that is now back on display at the Colorado Snowsports Museum is the one James Bond rode in the movie "A View to a Kill.” Tom Sims and Steve Link rode this snowboard in the opening scene of the 007 movie filmed in 1984, as a double for Roger Moore as James Bond. This sequence exposed millions of people around the world to snowboarding for the first time. This snowboard is on loan to us by Hilary Sims through the Colorado Snowboard Archive. Along with the snowboard, the display also includes a monitor showing a clip from the film, bringing the board to life in the chase scene.

Snowsports MuseumSeptember 15, 2022Tom Sims, A View to a Kill, Snowboarding, Snowboard History, Steve Link, Exhibition, James Bond, Artifact HighlightComment

Artifact Highlights - Sims' Snowboard & Kloser's Olympic Uniform

The following is part of a series of articles compiled by the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame that will take a closer look at some of the priceless artifacts and stories contained in the Museum’s archives. Snow sports and the 10th Mountain Division are the cornerstones of Vail’s history and success, which the Museum preserves and celebrates year-round. The Museum has been one of the favorite family-friendly visitor attractions in Vail for nearly 50 years and, with our recent renovation, the Museum has become one of the best and most comprehensive snow sports museums in the world.

Snowsports MuseumAugust 3, 2022Tom Sims, Snowboarding, History, Heidi Kloser, Winter Olympics, 2014 Sochi Olympics, U.S. Ski Team, Skiing, FreestyleComment

Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Announces Annual Award Recipients – Tickets on Sale Now

The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame is excited to announce the Class of 2022, revealed last month as: John Dakin, Ron LeMaster, Peter Rietz, Jeannie Thoren, and Chester “Chet” Upham. In addition, the Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the Annual Award Recipients. The Hall of Fame Celebration will once again take place at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, on Sunday, August 21st, with ticket prices starting at just $50 for adults. All proceeds support the Colorado Snowsports Museum, a non-profit organization, and the State of Colorado’s official snow sports museum.

Artifact Highlight - GROMEL 163cm Snowboard

Aleksey Ostatnigrosh the founder and co-owner of GROMEL snowboards stopped by the Colorado Snowsports Museum this past March and dropped off a donation for our collection – a GROMEL 163cm snowboard. The board graphic is an art collage made of exotic wood veneers and hand drawn graphics, making abstract composition influenced by the Bauhaus School of design. Not only is this board stunning, but we also learned that GROMEL works with several snowboard instructors in Colorado. Thank you for coming by and for your generous donation, Aleksey. The following provides a deeper dive into the history behind GROMEL snowboards.

Snowsports MuseumJune 10, 2022Artifact Highlight, Acquisition, Snowboarding, Snowboards, GROMEL, Russia, Snowboard HistoryComment

Happy Birthday! The Colorado Snowsports Museum Turns 47 Today, May 23rd.

The Colorado Snowsports Museum (CSM), originally named the Colorado Ski Museum then briefly changed to the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum, was founded on May 23, 1975, to honor and preserve Colorado skiing history. The institution was a result of a joint application to the Colorado Centennial Bi-Centennial Celebration Committee submitted in 1975 by Town of Vail Manager Terry Minger and Vail Centennial Ski Museum, Inc. aka Colorado Ski Museum.

Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2022

For an Evening of Inspiration: Join the 45th Annual Celebration on August 21 to Welcome the Five Newest Members of the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame. The nominations have been submitted and the votes cast, the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame is elated to announce the Class of 2022. An impressive group of industry pioneers, inspirational individuals, and snow sports builders will be formally inducted on August 21 at the 2022 Hall of Fame Celebration in Vail, Colorado. The Class of 2022 includes: Ron LeMaster, Jeannie Thoren, Chester “Chet” Upham, John Dakin, and Peter Rietz. Stay tuned for Annual Award announcements and for more information on how to purchase tickets.

Artifact Highlights - Poppen Family Collection

What does the Smithsonian Institution and the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame have in common? Both cultural institutions house a permanent collection of artifacts from Sherman Poppen, the inventor of the first commercially viable snowboard in the United States: the Snurfer. One significant artifact in the Poppen Family Collection includes the first mass-produced Snurfer intended to be ridden using a sideways stance. It belonged to Wendy Poppen, one of his children for whom Poppen conceived the Snurfer. Her name can be seen written on the board along with words like “Groovy” and “Wipeout”, as well as a hand drawn flower. This Snurfer is currently on display at the Colorado Snowsports Museum. Also currently on exhibit, is Sherman Poppen’s first production prototype (c. 1965) that he submitted for his Snurfer patent application. During production, the grip tape surface was changed to staples to improve grip, and a V-shaped tail was added for better turning performance.

Snowsports MuseumApril 19, 2022Snurfer, Snowboarding, History, Sherman Poppen, 1960s, 1970sComment

A Democratized Backcountry Ski Experience

After our second to last Through the Lens presentation with Erik Lambert, co-founder of Bluebird Backcountry, we linked up with Culturelines to provide a deeper dive into the story behind Bluebird, with an interview conducted by the Culturelines team and Lambert back in 2020. Here, they dive into the vision for Bluebird. Bluebird is the world's first human-powered backcountry ski area, with 4,200+ skiable acres (1,200+ avalanche evaluated and 3,000 guided only out-of-bounds). Bluebird boasts zero lifts and will welcome 200 skiers per day. “When someone asks me, “When you boil it down, what is Bluebird Backcountry?”, my answer is: It’s one part ski area - with all of the comforts and amenities of that; One part guide service - you can learn at the highest or most basic levels and we’re doing all of that on-site now; And one part true backcountry, where you get to have more of a wilderness experience than you would in bounds…”

Snowsports MuseumApril 15, 2022Bluebird Backcountry, Backcountry, Erik Lambert, Culturelines, ARTILECT, Colorado, Snow sports areasComment

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