Saturday night was the Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Induction Dinner held at Deer Valley resort in Park City Utah. I was lucky enough to be among some of the biggest names in the ski industry to witness the Class of 2008 enter into the annals of ski and snowboard history.
What struck me the most was not all of the numerous and amazing accomplishments the four inductees, Cary Adgate, Nelson Carmichael, Liz McIntyre and Bill Brigs are responsible for but the fact that each one of them had their beginnings at humble local hills.
Whether it was passion or circumstances that brought them to the big mountains each of them maintained a link to their roots in the east and I was impressed by how this apparently factored into each of their lives. These people have had experiences that few have ever had the chance to even dream of yet the place it all started for them is accessible to all.
Small, local resorts often act as if they have an inferiority complex when compared to the big mountain resorts yet it was clear at the induction dinner that every resort has its role to play. Reaching out to local youth and offering the opportunity to be part of this wonderful industry is only one of their roles.
It was wonderful to see that an event like this can help to bring big and small mountains onto a level playing field. Whether the Class of 2008 knows it or not they can add one more accomplishment to their list of accolades, ambassadors for the small local resorts – and for that we thank them!
See ya on the slopes – big and small :)
Kjerstin
Monday, April 6, 2009
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