The People Behind the Trail Names: The Hidden Stories of Our Mountains

Welcome back! If you love the exhilaration and adventure of skiing, you know that the names on a trail map often hold the deepest stories.

Join us as we take a run down memory lane—and down the actual slopes—to highlight the iconic ski trails named after individuals. We’re doing more than just making turns; we're skiing through living monuments that pay tribute to the founders, legends, risk-takers, and heroes whose vision shaped the mountains we cherish today.

In this video, we celebrate the dedicated people who made North American skiing what it is:

The Visionary Founders: Discover the stories behind runs like Watson’s Bowl (Alta, UT), Harriman Trail (Sun Valley, ID), Ruthie’s Run (Aspen, CO), and Thanks Walt (Mount Snow, VT), honoring the people who literally put these resorts on the map, including founders like W. Averell Harriman and Walter Schoenknecht.

The Skiing Legends: Honor the experts, directors, and Olympic champions who set the standard for what's possible on snow. We salute icons like Stein Eriksen on Stein's Way (Deer Valley, UT) and the legendary powder pioneer Alf Engen on Alf's High Rustler (Alta, UT).

The Beloved Locals and Employees: Hear the heartfelt stories of dedicated mountain people, from legendary trail maintenance supervisors to the local surgeon who skied Al’s Run (Taos Ski Valley, NM) with an oxygen tank! We share the tales of "First Chair Frank" and the famous "Lost Boy" at Vail.
The Heroes of the 10th Mountain Division: Learn about the lasting legacy of these WWII heroes whose service is preserved on resort maps. Discover the connection between the pivotal battle of Riva Ridge in Italy and the trails at Vail and Ski Cooper, where they trained at Camp Hale.

These personal stories add so much depth to the experience, transforming a slope into a meaningful journey.