Member Type: Sport Builder

Raised in Aspen, “Johno” trained with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC). He was named to the US Development Team and went on to race for the University of Vermont. He started coaching with AVSC in 1989 until 1995 and then the US Ski Team from 1995 to 2008 where he led his athletes to a US record number of wins and podium finishes on the World Cup in addition to Olympic and World Cup medals. In 2002, he became the head men’s downhill and super-G coach. From 2007-2008, he coached Bode Miller to Olympic medal performances and two overall Crystal Globes and Daron Rahlves to 28 World Cup podiums and 12 World Cup victories. In 2008/2009, Johno returned to Aspen and coached at Challenge Aspen, a competitive ski team for individuals with cognitive or physical impairment. From 2010 to 2014, the Canadian Team recruited Johno to lead their speed team through the 2014 Sochi Olympics. He led the Canadian team to 20 podiums in addition to Eric Guay’s gold medal at the 2011 World Championships and a bronze medal by Jan Hudec in the super-G at Sochi. Johno is currently focusing on the family ranch and stepped down from Alpine Director with AVSC (2014-2017, 2019-2024) at the end of May 2024 but would like to return to coach U12 athletes next winter.

Bjorn has been a force in elevating the sport of skiing through a lifetime of providing leadership and support for athletes, venues, and major events. His efforts and persistence were pivotal in bringing the FIS World Championships to the Vail Valley in 1989, 1999, and 2015. He consistently supported athletes in the United States, and his home country of Norway, making it possible for athletes to achieve their dreams on and off the snow through the creation and funding of educational scholarships. Through board service and leadership for the US Ski & Snowboard Team, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, and the Vail Valley Foundation, his efforts have resulted in the successful completion of major projects in the U.S. and abroad, from the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail Clubhouse and race venue expansion to the USSA Center for Excellence in Park City to the expansion and enhancement of Kvitfjell Resort in Norway.

Larry is legendary in the history of Colorado winter sports broadcasting. He was the primary sportscaster, journalist, and voice of Colorado throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His passion for promoting Colorado skiing was clear through his coverage of major races including the World Alpine Ski Championships, FIS World Cup Events, and the Winter Olympics. He is also a board member of the Rocky Mountain Ski Writers Association and the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum.

During World War II, Gordy served with the famed 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale. After service, he resumed competition by qualifying for all four events at the 1948 Olympics and placed 5th in Special Jumping at the St. Moritz games. After retirement, he began coaching youth in Steamboat Springs. During a span of 22 years, he served as area director and manager at Steamboat Springs, Loveland Basin, Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and Mt. Werner.

For over 30 years, Pete's U.S. Forest Service career involved him in ski area business. He convinced the Forest Service Chief to allow the industry to charge what they wanted for lift tickets. The result, which benefited all Colorado skiers, was increased investment in lifts, reduced lift lines, and improved on-mountain ski area development. He also helped organize the first National Avalanche School and his photography helped popularize back country skiing around the world.

During WWII, Leon served with the 10th Mountain Division and after with the Mountain and Cold Weather Training Command at Fort Carson. After the war, he helped develop Ski Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and worked as the sports director there for 33 years. Throughout his career, he also served as Executive Director of the World Figure Skating Championships, President of the Rocky Mountain Ski Area Operations Association, and a Vice-President of the USSA.

Frank arrived in Aspen in 1922. After graduating from the Colorado School of Mines, he managed the Midnight Mine in Aspen. He helped form the Highland Bavarian Corporation to develop the ski resort in Aspen. In 1937, he formed the Aspen Ski Club (originally named the Roaring Fork Winter Sports Club) and served as the club’s first president. With his help, the club hosted many races through the Southern Rocky Mountain Ski Association.

Knox developed an avalanche safety program recognized throughout the world. He built the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the oldest avalanche forecast center in the United States, into one of the most respected centers in the world. He developed a methodology for archiving weather and avalanche data, which has allowed for more accurate mountain weather and avalanche forecasting in Colorado and managed to preserve the Colorado Avalanche Information Center through 35 years of government cutbacks.

Elizabell, or “Willie” as she was affectionately known, came to Colorado to work as a nurse for the Children’s Hospital in Denver. Her love for children led to her coordinating a ski program for young patients with limb amputations. Starting as a small class with 17 boys, the program grew to become the internationally acclaimed National Sports Center for the Disabled. She also helped produce three instructional and inspirational films featuring adaptive skiing.

Sweden's loss was America's gain when Sven immigrated in 1949. As ski coach at Western State College in Gunnison for 19 years, he helped at least 12 members of his teams qualify to represent the U.S. in Olympic and FIS competition. He was selected to coach the U.S. team in the World Championships in Finland in 1958, the Olympic Games at Squaw Valley in 1960, and the International University Competition in Italy in 1966.