Each year, the Hall of Fame elects four new Hall of Fame members, along with selecting a Pioneer Hall of Fame member. As the name implies, the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame was created to honor “Coloradoans” and all nominees must have contributed significantly to the sport and industry of skiing and snowboarding in the State of Colorado.

While an individual may have made significant contributions on the national or international levels of skiing, the mere fact that he or she has chosen to live in the state is not a sufficient qualification.  Normally, residence in Colorado for at least 10 years is required to demonstrate lasting Colorado impact, though this residency minimum could be reduced in extraordinary circumstances, which must be clearly described in the nomination.

The accomplishments of the individual must have had a direct benefit to Colorado, whether through competition, by encouraging growth of the sport in the state or by exporting ideas, talent, techniques or products developed within the state that went on to have national or international significance. The direct result will be the enhancement of the image of Colorado as a source of skiing and snowboarding innovation. The intent of the Hall of Fame is to recognize worthy individuals in a timely manner.

Hall of Fame candidates must be nominated under the criteria of the Athlete, Sport Builder, Inspirational or Pioneer category.  The Nomination Committee will evaluate the merit of each nomination in order to ensure the candidate meets the standard established by the Hall of Fame.  Each candidate must be sponsored by an individual who is not a family member and the sponsor is responsible for compiling and submitting the complete 6-part nomination packet as described below. Please note that all 6 components of the nomination form must be completed in full before a packet will be accepted for consideration.

Hall of Fame Categories

Athlete – to qualify, the nominee must have an outstanding record of accomplishment at national or international levels of competition, resulting in a direct benefit to the State of Colorado. They must have achieved the highest levels possible in their discipline.  An athlete can only be nominated after retirement from competition.  Nominations must speak to the athlete’s specific accomplishment of one or more of the criteria set forth below.

Minimum criteria for consideration as a candidate:

• Olympic or Paralympic medalist
• FIS or IPC World Championships medalist
• Top three season finish in FIS or IPC World Cup Overall or discipline standings
• X Games medalist in skiing or snowboarding
• Athletes that competed prior to the creation of the World Cup or comparable tours that have distinguished themselves as notable international athletes for their achievements in the most recognized events of their time
• Freeride or big mountain athletes that achieved the highest level of national or international notoriety related to their athletic accomplishments
• Professional skiers in alpine, snowboarding or speed skiing that consistently won events or placed in the top three season standings on professional tours

Sport Builder – to qualify, the nominee must have made major and lasting contributions in areas of organization, promotion or development of the sports of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. Nominees must have had a clear statewide impact with their contribution and be widely known for their work.  Normally a prolonged period of demonstration is necessary for an individual to be recognized as a ski and snowboard sport builder.  However, there may be isolated instances of one action that dramatically and permanently changed the future of the entire industry that would qualify.

Inspirational – to qualify, the nominee must have provided inspiration in the sport, which has led to and enhanced the knowledge, pleasure, or pursuit of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. This category may include filmmakers, authors, performers, ski area operators or any individual that has performed an inspirational act that has a clear, well known statewide impact. Normally, a prolonged period of demonstration is necessary for a nominee to be recognized as an inspirational individual. However, there may be isolated instances where one action was so inspirational in and of itself to qualify an individual for nomination.

Pioneer – Individual is 65+ years old and is considered to be among the ‘first-generation” of the Colorado ski and snowboard industry. Their athletic, sport builder or inspirational accomplishments were firsts.  Candidates in this category must have been retired from their qualifying activity for 25 years or have participated in it for at least 25 years.  The Pioneer selection is made by the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Nomination Committee and approved by the Board of Directors prior to the annual election.