On September 7, 2024, the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame inducted iconic members of the skiing community. The list of people included not just incredible athletes but also people who worked closely behind the scenes to help advance the sport. Among the inducted was legendary alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn. The other inductees included the lightning-quick speed skier Ross Anderson, influential coach John “Johno” McBride, accomplished ski racer and one of the founders of Breckenridge ski resort Sigurd Rockne, and sport builder and philanthropist Bjorn Erik Borgen.
The event was held in Vail, Colorado, just a few steps away from the historic Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre. The event was not only to induct the aforementioned stars but also served as a fundraising event to help the museum preserve history and keep the museum open to the public free of charge. If you have not been to the museum and are a snow nerd like us at SnowBrains, it should be on your list of things to do, as the museum has a rich plethora of historic skiing artifacts that are certain to wow museum-goers of all ages.
Sigurd Rockne – an accomplished alpine ski racer and one of the founders of Breckenridge Ski Resort. A top Norwegian ski racer with three national championships and an Olympic team selection, Sigurd’s career was altered by injury, but he continued racing. Invited by Stein Eriksen, he moved to the U.S. in 1958 to teach skiing at Aspen Highlands before playing a key role in the creation of Breckenridge in 1961.
Ross Anderson – the fastest American on skis. Born in New Mexico and raised in Durango, Colorado, Ross became the fastest skier in the Western Hemisphere, hitting 154.06 mph in 2006. He is an eight-time national champion and a bronze medalist from the 2005 World Championships. He also introduced skiing to over 10,000 native youth through programs with the Southern Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Mescalero Apache tribes.
John “Johno” McBride – a coach behind some of the fastest skiers ever. Raised in Aspen, Johno coached for the U.S. Ski Team from 1995 to 2008, guiding athletes like Bode Miller and Daron Rahlves to World Cup wins. He also led Canada’s speed team to success at the World Championships and Sochi Olympics. Now focused on his family ranch, he plans to return to coaching U12 athletes next winter.
Bjorn Erik Borgen – an influential philanthropist. Bjorn elevated skiing by leading major events like the FIS World Championships in Vail (1989, 1999, 2015) and supporting athletes through scholarships in the U.S. and Norway. His leadership with the US Ski & Snowboard Team, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, and the Vail Valley Foundation drove key projects, including the USSA Center for Excellence.
Lindsey Vonn – a titan of alpine ski racing. Lindsey, one of the greatest American skiers, earned 82 World Cup wins, became the first women’s Olympic downhill champion, and set multiple records, including 18 victories at Lake Louise. In 2023, she became the first woman to ski the Kitzbühel Streif at night. She also founded the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, supporting young girls in sports, and serves on the Salt Lake City-Utah Games Board for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Overall, the event was monumental as it marked not only one of the greatest to ever do it (Lindsey Vonn) but also commemorated all the efforts these inductees put into the sport throughout the course of their lives. At the end of the day, sliding down snow is something that we, as well as the inductees, like to do. What was incredible to witness during this event was not only celebrating that passion but also exposing all of the ancillary good that comes out as a byproduct of this passion. From coaching and fostering growth to empowering underrepresented athletes, their contributions extend far beyond the slopes, inspiring others and making a difference.
