2017 August Newsletter

One of the most important annual celebrations of the state's snowsports industry is on tap for Saturday, October 14, as the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort plays host to the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Induction Gala.

Each year, the event honors individuals and organizations that have played significant roles in the development and promotion of skiing and snowboarding throughout the state of Colorado. Inductees are nominated and selected based on their contributions as an Athlete, Sport Builder, Inspirational or Pioneer.

Heading the list of new Hall of Fame members is Aspen backcountry and ski mountaineering legend Chris Davenport. He will be joined by SKEA Ltd. owner, president and designer Diane Boyer of Vail; recently retired Steamboat Ski Resort president and author Chris Diamond; and former U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association National Competition Director Walt Evans.

In addition, Aspen ski racing administrator and official Dave Stapleton will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as the 2017 Pioneer selection.

Tickets are on sale for the Hall of Fame Induction Gala, with General Seating individual tickets priced at $225 and Reserved Seating tickets priced at $325, while tables of ten are available, starting at $3,250. To purchase tickets or for additional information, please contact [email protected] , visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum website at www.skimuseum.net or call (303) 273-5810.

All proceeds from the Hall of Fame Gala will benefit the Colorado Snowsports Museum.

John McMurtry Tabbed As New Museum Vice President Of Development

The Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame's full time staff was recently enhanced with the addition of Board and Hall of Fame member John McMurtry as the organization's Vice President of Development. McMurtry began his new role on August 2.

Formerly the lead development officer for Vail's Steadman Philippon Research Institute since 1994, the Denver native managed the planning and execution of the fund development and institutional relations program for SPRI. His programs provided a substantial portion of the Institute's operating, capital and endowment revenue.

From 1976-1984, McMurtry coached, developed and directed the U.S. Alpine Ski Team. During his tenure the Team won World Cup titles, Olympic medals and the first Nation's Cup for any U.S. Alpine Team.

During his time at the Ski Team, John joined orthopedic surgeon Dr. J. Richard Steadman in South Lake Tahoe and resumed his work in sports medicine/science.

In 1986, McMurtry was invited by the late Bob Parker to be part of the first U.S. ski industry delegation to visit the People's Republic of China. He was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame in 1995 and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2014.

Please join with us in welcoming John McMurtry to his new role with the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame.

Ann Bonfoey Taylor

Savvy Skiwear Designer

Ann Bonfoey Taylor (1910-2007) lived an extraordinary life. Among her many talents, she was a successful skiwear designer that continues to influence the ski fashion industry today.

Often self-designed, with no connection to the clothing chain Ann Taylor, her ski clothing and accessories demonstrated her bold, athletic and outdoor savvy elegance.

The image shows Ann Bonfoey Taylor's pleated, navy blue ski skirt. This item is heavy in weight and would be worn over pants or leggings. Just above this, and draped over the shoulders, is a knitted wool scarf with hood.

In the 1940s her skiwear designs, like this item from the Museum's collection, were featured in top fashion magazines and in the windows of Lord and Taylor and Bonwit Teller.

Not only was she successful with fashion, she was also selected as an alternate for the U.S. Olympic Ski Team, competed at Wimbledon and was a licensed pilot and World War II flight instructor. She was also the first skier on Vail Mountain to wear a helmet...of her own design of course.

To see more items from Taylor's collection, pay a visit to the newly transformed Museum this December and check out the first in a series of rotating exhibit exploring the past 100 Years of Ski Fashion.

Vail Resorts Announces New Plans To Attain "Zero Net Footprint"By 2030

Vail Resorts recently announced that the company will pursue a comprehensive sustainability commitment, called "Epic Promise for a Zero Footprint." The project, announced to employees at a company-wide event, commits to zero net emissions by 2030, zero waste to landfill by 2030 and zero net operating impact to forests and habitat.

Inspired by Whistler Blackcomb's environmental commitment, "Epic Promise for a Zero Footprint" comprises three elements: emissions, waste, and forests and habitats, with an approach to each that was developed in consultation with leading sustainability experts in the industry.

Vail Resorts' "Epic Promise for a Zero Footprint" is designed to enable resort guests and the company's more than 30,000 employees the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment and resources without leaving an impact.

Read Jason Blevins' complete story in the Denver Post here.

CLIMB TO GLORY DOCUMENTARY

NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD

The Museum's non-profit on-line gift shop features the newest 10th Mountain Documentary DVD, Climb to Glory. Visit Our Gift Shop