A true ski boss, Stein Eriksen died at his Park City home yesterday at age 88 after an immensely colorful career in the ski industry. Photo via the International Skiing History Association.
According to the International Skiing History Association, one of the most enduring and endearing legends of the ski world is gone today with the passing of Stein Eriksen, who died yesterday, December 27th, at age 88 in his home in Park City. A multiple Winter Olympic medalist and the first male ski racer not from the Alps to win an Olympic gold medal, Eriksen then came to the United States, where he pioneered the cause of the American ski resort industry as a whole, founding ski schools from coast to coast.
He was the ski school director at Boyne Mountain in Michigan, Sugarbush in Vermont, Heavenly, Snowmass, Aspen, and finally Park City, where since 1981 he served as the Director of Skiing at Deer Valley, which named a lodge after him. Eriksen was knighted in his home country of Norway in 1997 for his contribution to the national honor.
Eriksen is survived by his wife of 35 years, Francoise, his son Bjorn, and his three daughters, Julianna, Ava, and Anja. He was preceded in death by son Stein Jr, who died at age 44 in California in 2012. En lieu of flowers, his family has requested that donations be made in his honor to the Stein Eriksen Youth Sports Opportunity Endowment, which assists Park City youths in getting involved in winter sports. RIP, Stein–get some good turns in heaven for us!
About The Author
stash member Ryan Dunfee
Former Managing Editor at Teton Gravity Research, current Senior Contributor, current professional hippy at the Sierra Club, and avid weekend recreationalist.
Chuxson
December 28th, 2015
I worked for Stein at his rental shop in Park City many years ago. He hosted some of the best holiday parties I’ve ever attended, pouring shots of Aqvavit and singing in Norwegian. He was a beautiful, fast skier and didn’t slow down a bit nor change his wide-arms, knees-together style regardless of the steepness or terrain. He also never wore a hat, even on the coldest days. RIP Stein, godspeed.