Freestyle Skiing pioneer, Doug Pfeiffer, passed away yesterday morning. His lifelong friend and fellow freestyle skiing legend, Wayne Wong had these words to share:
"DOUG PFEIFFER"
Doug Pfieffer | Musée du Ski des Laurentides photo.
"Dear Friends and our Worldwide Freestyle Skiing Family, It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow and saddened to inform everyone that Doug Pfeiffer passed away this morning. Sunday, July 23.
It is important for all of you to know that Doug was truly the “FOUNDING FATHER” of Freestyle Skiing
In early 1970 , Doug had a conversation with Olympian and Waterville Valley Ski Area Founder, Tom Corcoran, He and Doug were discussing who were really the hottest skiers on the mountain. Tom’s opinion, being an Alpine ski racer said it was the ski racer. Doug, a founder of PSIA, and Editor In Chief of Skiing Magazine begged to differ and said what about the mogul, aerial, and trick skiers?
Tom and Waterville Valley agreed to host the first ever International Championships of Exhibition Skiing on a steep and challenging run called True Grit in early March 1971.
It was Doug’s vision to introduce a new form of skiing that could involve spectators and the skiing public.
Doug and Skiing Magazine secured Chevrolet as the title sponsor and gave away a Chevrolet Corvette as the grand prize. Skiing magazine put out an all-out challenge ad, and invited several international professional skiers to participate in this inaugural event.
Triple Gold Medalist, Olympic Champion, JEAN CLAUDE KILLY, was invited to be the head judge. Swiss Skiing Champion and Hart Ski demo team member ROGER STAUB was also asked to be a judge.
The event was a huge success and Vail, offered to host a second event immediately afterwards at the end of March 1971.This was the the turning point and the birth of Freestyle Skiing Worldwide, as we know it.
So for many of us who were there, and pioneers of the sport, we owe our gratitude and thanks to Doug and Tom. For without them and their vision, Freestyle Skiing and the spin off snow sports movements, may not exist.
DOUG, my friend, mentor, and inspiration….Thank you for the life you have given to me and the rest of the Worldwide Freestyle Family and Community…. I SHALL MISS YOU DEEPLY"
Doug Pfieffer | US Ski and Snowboard HOF photo.
Doug led an inspirational life. His legacy in the world of skiing is as impactful on the sport as anyone’s. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and many, many friends.
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