Raymond Johnson’s 100th Birthday - 10th Mountain Division Veteran

Ray Johnson was born in Rose Lake, Idaho in 1924. At age 5, Ray and his siblings moved to Coeur d'Alene. The family homestead bordered on Lake Coeur d'Alene's Cougar Bay and extended west up Cougar Ridge. He was 17 and a senior when World War II broke out. Ray was drafted in 1943 and went to Salt Lake City to be inducted as ordered. He entered military service on March 18, 1943. During basic and advanced training, a call went out for men who could ski, and since Ray was a skier, he signed up. Ray was a skier before entering service but minimized his skill, when asked by family, explaining that his skis growing up were handmade. He practiced up on a hill at the farm.

Celebrating the Women Behind the Colorado Snowsports Museum

For Women’s History Month, we tend to focus on the many women of Colorado’s snow sports past that have made an impact on our industry. We’ll still honor these inspiring women this year, but we thought it was also important to celebrate the women behind the Colorado Snowsports Museum who are actively sharing and preserving our rich snow sports heritage every day. Did you know that the Colorado Snowsports Museum staff and volunteers are largely made of women? This month, we are going to let you get to know us through six questions we asked our female workforce. Below we asked our staff, volunteers, and board the same six questions. Get to know us!

The Story of the Lost Boy - Meet and Greet

Have you ever skied the run Lost Boy at Vail Mountain and wondered how the run got this name? It all goes back to April 1, 1964, when Vail was a lot less developed than it is today. Lost Boy is named after Martin Koether. When he was 14, he skied into Game Creek Bowl by mistake before it was developed and spent the long and cold night in a snow cave under a tree while rescuers searched the mountain for him – all during a blizzard. He made his way safely out of the bowl the following day and was discovered by Ski Patrol. When interviewed by the Vail Daily in 2003 (Andy Stonehouse), Martin explained, “Reality suddenly hit me. I was there by myself and lost, and the sun was going to be going down and I was probably going to be there for the night.” Martin goes on: “So I remembered my Boy Scout training and burrowed into a tree well under a big fir, covering myself with tree boughs, and bedded down for the night.”

Snowsports MuseumMarch 18, 2024The Lost Boy, Vail, Colorado, Self-Rescue, Ski Patrol, HistoryComment

Nominations Open for 2024 Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame

The Colorado Snowsports Museum today announces that nominations are open for the 2024 Hall of Fame. Every year, the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame inducts a new class of individuals who deserve to be celebrated among peers and honored in the State of Colorado’s official snow sports museum for their significant impact on the sport and industry of skiing and snowboarding in the State of Colorado. The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame relies on the public to help diversify and acknowledge the state's snow sports legends, and everyone is encouraged to submit nominations for the 2024 class. The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame was created in 1977 to honor Coloradoans. Nominees must have contributed significantly to the sport and industry of skiing and snowboarding in the State of Colorado.

Snowsports MuseumFebruary 5, 20242024, Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame, Nominations, Celebration, History, Snow sportsComment

Larry Zimmer (1935-2024)

With great sadness, we announce the passing of 2013 Colorado Snowsports Hall of Famer, Larry Zimmer. Larry died on January 20, 2024, at the age of 88. You might know Larry Zimmer as the voice of the Colorado Buffs and the Denver Broncos, but Larry was also influential in the snow sports industry and was a pioneer in covering skiing both on television and radio. He was most beloved by coaches, players, and fans he impacted by being the unique voice so many Coloradans grew up listening to. Larry was born on November 13, 1935, in New Orleans. He attended Louisiana State University before transferring to the University of Missouri, graduating in journalism in 1957, and serving two years of active duty in the United States Army. During his service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He broke into the business by broadcasting high school football and basketball games in Columbia, Missouri, and Lawton, Oklahoma in the mid-1960s and then moved to Denver to begin working at KOA in 1971. Larry worked at KOA for over 25 years.

Snowsports MuseumJanuary 22, 2024Larry Zimmer, Sports Broadcasting, Ski history, Colorado Buffs, Broncos, Ski CompetitionComment

“Through the Lens” Speaker Series Kicks off in 2024!

Our popular "Through the Lens" speaker series is kicking off this January and will run all snow sports season-long. This year, we welcome films, authors, athletes, and more. Join us as we explore the snow sports industry through a different lens. First up, we welcome the all-women ski film “Advice for Girls.” The film puts a spotlight on the collective experience of women in the ski industry. The film showcases advice from three generations of women in skiing. Each generation reminds women and girls of all ages that they are worthy of success, allowed to take up space, and are extremely valuable to the ski industry. With an intersectional cast featuring all types of women – women of color, queer women, women with disabilities, and more – the crew hopes that everyone can find someone in the film to connect to.

Colorado Snowsports Museum Premieres New 10th Mountain Division Exhibit: Letters Home

Years in the making, the Colorado Snowsports Museum is excited to premiere a new interactive, digital touchscreen display in our 10th Mountain Division exhibition: Letters Home. This revamped exhibit now includes access to our 10th Mountain Division archive, including digitized letters from soldiers, scrapbooks, photos, army communications, rosters, and more at the touch of a visitor's fingertips. In conjunction with Vail’s Legacy Day, this exhibit will premiere to the public on Friday, January 12 from 5 pm to 8 pm. This exhibit was made possible by our generous donors Kent Erickson and Barb Krichbaum and the Tenth Mountain Division Foundation.

William A. “Bill” Bergman (1924-2023)

A day rarely goes by when we don’t hear Bill Bergman’s name mentioned at the Colorado Snowsports Museum. With great sorrow, we announce the passing of William A. “Bill” Bergman, a 2012 Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame inductee. The Colorado ski industry pioneer has died at 99. Bill’s impact was far-reaching as he transformed the ski industry and was co-founder of Keystone. He created environmentally friendly trail designs, installed snowmaking capabilities, and transformed skiing into a corporate enterprise. Bill’s legacy is forever enshrined on Keystone Mountain, with Bergy’s Glade, the Bergman Bowl, and the Bergman Express named in his honor. Next time you ride the lift or slide down the snow on this terrain, take a moment to think of Bill and his lasting impact on one of Colorado’s greatest resorts. Our deepest condolences go out to Bill’s family, friends, the Keystone community, and all who knew him.

Hart Axley (1931-November 2, 2023)

With great sadness, we announce the passing of 1993 Colorado Snowsports Hall of Famer and long-time Board Member, Hart Axley. Starting in Madison, Wisconsin at age three on single toe-strap skis, Hart has been involved for more than a half-century with almost all facets of skiing. A Class A Racer for the University of Wisconsin Hoofers Ski Club in all four events, he was honored by the CUSSA for leadership as Intercollegiate Ski Chairman. For his leadership of the Badger Ski Patrol, the National Ski Patrol System (NSPS) appointed him National Ski Patrolman #1413. Moving to Colorado in 1956, Hart patrolled Arapahoe Basin for twenty-nine years, and was a member of three Outstanding Ski Patrols: Denver Metropolitan Ski Patrol (1959), Olympic Ski Patrol (1960), and Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrol (1977). In 1958, Hart and Kenneth Wright were awarded the NSPS Purple Star and ARC Award of Merit for saving a human life.

Veterans Day: Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Spotlight

Veterans Day is a time to honor all military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Enshrined in our respected Hall of Fame, we have over 45 veterans, who served during both World Wars, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. After their courageous service, these individuals came back to Colorado and made a lasting impact on the snow sports industry. The following will shine a spotlight on three veterans from our Hall of Fame who helped build the snow sports industry and inspire so many of us through their courage, perseverance, and hard work. All three of these individuals were instrumental in educating and teaching the next generation. Thank you to these veterans, and all veterans. In 1930, Adolph was born in Leadville, Colorado. An outstanding skiing athlete, his accomplishments include divisional, national, and international levels of competition.

Snowsports MuseumNovember 6, 2023Veterans Day, Veterans, Adolph Kuss, Ben Duke, Curt Chase, Instruction, Learning, Legacy Comment

New Colorado Ski History Book Told Through the Colorado Snowsports Museum’s Photo Archive

Skiing in Colorado evolved from a transportation necessity to a world-class recreational pursuit. The first documented use of skis in Colorado occurred in the winter of 1859. As the popularity of the activity grew, ski resorts opened throughout the state. After World War II, Colorado saw a boom in the industry along with advancements in equipment, lifts, and safety; the development of ski schools; and the opening of new ski areas. This volume includes photographs from the Colorado Snowsports Museum that illustrate and celebrate the history of skiing in Colorado. Spearheading this book project, Dana Mathios, curator and director of collections with the Museum, was able to take the preservation work done since 1975 and meld it with photos donated to the institution to curate a glimpse of what skiing in Colorado was and continues to be.

Snowsports MuseumOctober 10, 2023History, Colorado, Skiing, 10th Mountain Division, National Ski Patrol, Ski Clubs, Lost Resorts, Hall of FameComment

Mikaela Shiffrin's World Cup Crystal Globe Gets a Makeover

For this blog post, the CSM is pleased to present a featured story by Jonathan Ingraham with the Denver Gazette. Here, Jonathan covered the story behind the Museum obtaining Mikaela Shiffrin’s World Cup Slalom globe and was on site for the unveiling. Once broken, now fixed...sort of, this crystal is on display in Vail. This story was featured by the Denver Gazette on October 26, 2023. Mikaela Shiffrin skis really fast and claims copious podiums, but when it comes to keeping her trophies intact, she is a bull in a china shop. While in Europe in March, Shiffrin broke one of her three 2022-23 World Cup crystal globes. According to Eileen Shiffrin, Mikaela's mother, Shiffrin's globe in Giant Slalom "rolled off the passenger seat while buckled in for a shoot with Land Rover in the lobby of the Hermitage Hotel in Soldeu, Andorra after the World Cup Finals."

*New* Jimmie Heuga Painting on Display

The Colorado Snowsports Museum is pleased to present a new work of art on display. This original artwork celebrates the achievements of Olympic bronze medalist Jimmie Heuga, with the source photograph captured in Grenoble, France in 1968. Jimmie was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 1987. Lovingly preserved in a box and recently recovered from the attic of the Heuga family’s cabin in Tahoe, this signed photograph (shown to the right), once served as a key component in Jimmie’s promotional events. The Heuga family chose this particular image from a selection presented to the artist because it encapsulates Jimmie as a youthful skiing sensation, reveling in the multifaceted experience of both an Olympic medalist and a champion athlete. Jimmie, a native of California, competed internationally on the US Ski Team for ten years and was a member of two championship teams in 1962 and 1966. Jimmie is the only American male to win the Arlberg Kandahar in Garmish, Germany; he was an Olympic bronze medalist in the 1964 slalom in Innsbruck, Austria; and was third in the 1967 World Cup giant slalom. In 1967 Jimmie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and retired from competition shortly after the 1968 Olympics in Grenoble, France. In 1983 Jimmie moved to Vail and founded the Jimmie Heuga Center for physical conditioning and consulting services to people with disabilities and personal challenges.

Jerry Lee "Moe" Mosley (August 3, 1933-August 4, 2023)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of 2018 Hall of Famer Moe Mosley, 90 of Golden, Colorado. Moe passed away on August 4, 2023, after being surrounded by family. Moe co-founded the Over the Hill Gang Ski Club in 1976, along with two friends, developing it into one of this nation’s most successful senior skiing organizations. Based in Copper Mountain, the Over the Hill Gang is a year-round activity program created for skiers over the age of 50. The club offers members the opportunity to share in lasting friendships and camaraderie while participating in skiing, summer sports activities, and social events. Moe showed us that age is no barrier to greatness. For generations to come, many will be able to enjoy snow sports and more thanks to Moe’s contributions. Jerry Lee "Moe" Mosley, was born in Canton, Ohio on August 3, 1933, to Donna and Raymond Jerry Mosley. Growing up on the tough streets of a steel mill town, Moe learned to fight. As a youngster, he turned to boxing like his own Dad, winning the Ohio State Golden Gloves title in 1951 and 1952. In his early years, his temper sometimes got him into trouble. So, he was "encouraged" to join the military; he served from 1953-55 in the Army.

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.

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Our blog is written by the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame: staff, Board of Directors, and supporters of the institution. Scroll down to see our blog archive below.