Colorado Ski Snowboard Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2011

Last Friday night November 4 I was inducted into the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of fame along with four others, Charles Elliott, Ron Allred, Jack Benedick, and John Garnsey. My favorite Ski and Snowboard Club was also recognized, Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club. I was honored when I was informed earlier in the summer about my selection, but I didn’t realize what an awesome event it was going to be. I really enjoyed preparing for my five minute speech the past weeks, reflecting on the highlights of my career. It sure has been a fun ride! Charlie Elliott spoke before me, who is 98 years old and still skis at Wolf Creek Mtn. He spoke about learning to ski 77 years ago. After the five inductees spoke all of the Hall of Famers were invited to the stage for a group photo. The history on that stage was incredible; it was a veritable who’s who of the history of skiing and snowboarding. I was proud just to be a part of it. My longtime coach Rob Roy and teammate and coach Ian Price both joined me for the ceremony at the Omni Interlocken in Broomfield, Colorado. Also in attendance were my family and my donor family. I have had the opportunity to thank my donor family in person a couple of times in my life and one of them was last Friday. I’m here today because of their heroic decision. I was happy to celebrate together! Thanks to all that helped make it possible. It has been an amazing ride. I’m not done yet, just shifting my focus to new adventures. Thank you!

I enjoyed a nice hike last Sunday with family and friends. There’s a lot of snow atop our local mountains. I’m excited to start shredding again. Snowmass Mtn. announced that they will open next weekend Nov. 19th.? More snow on the way tonight and tomorrow. I was hoping to get one more weekend of riding my mountain bike in the desert in before winter arrives, but climbing and riding pow on my split-board also sounds fun! Enjoy your weekend and a great winter ahead! Summit for Life 2011 just four weeks away. Hope you’ll hike Aspen Mtn. with me at night to support organ and tissue donation awareness. See you on the mountain. Thanks for stopping by! CK