Hall of Fame Nomination Guidelines

The Board of Directors of the Colorado Ski Museum recognizes the fact that without inspired individuals, the sport of skiing would never have become the important state industry that it is today. Therefore, it was deemed appropriate to create the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame to honor the pioneers and industry leaders who have made contributions to the introduction, practice and development of skiing in Colorado. The Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame was initiated in 1977, and three to six new members are inducted annually.

As the name implies, the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame was created to honor Coloradoans. Nominees must have contributed significantly to the sport and industry of skiing in the State of Colorado. Although an individual may have done much on the national or international levels of skiing, the mere fact that he or she chooses to live in the state is not a sufficient qualification. The accomplishments of the individual must have a direct benefit to Colorado, whether by encouraging growth of the sport in the state or by exporting ideas, talent, techniques or products developed within the state that went on to have national or international significance. The direct result will be that of enhancing the image of Colorado as the source of skiing innovation.

Members inducted in the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame are honored at the Annual Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame Banquet in October. Artifacts, photographs and a short biography of the new Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame members are produced by the Museum and displayed permanently in the Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame gallery. Newly inducted members are privileged to be part of the Voting Panel for future Hall of Fame nominations.

Categories of Nomination

 * Athlete - to qualify the nominee must have an outstanding record of accomplishment at divisional, national or international levels of competition, resulting in a direct benefit to the State of Colorado.

* Ski Sport Builder - a nominee must have made major contributions in areas of organization, promotion or development of the snowsports industry in Colorado. Normally a long period of demonstration is necessary for an individual to be recognized as a snowsport builder; however, there may be isolated instances of one action that dramatically and permanently changes the entire industry for the future that would qualify.

* Inspirational - a nominee must have provided inspiration in the sport, which has led to and enhanced the knowledge, pleasure or pursuit of snowsports in Colorado. This category may include filmmakers, authors, performers, area operators, or any individual who has performed an inspirational act. Normally a long period of demonstration is necessary for an individual to be recognized as an inspirational individual, however, there may be isolated instances of one action that is so inspirational in itself so as to qualify an individual for nomination.

Nomination Procedures

An individual may be nominated after completion of his/her achievements, or at age 40, whichever comes earlier. The intent of the Hall of Fame is to recognize worthy individuals in a timely manner. In order to nominate an individual to the Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame a sponsor must complete the nomination form attached to these guidelines. The sponsor must not be the individual nominated or a member of his/her immediate family. The completed nomination form must be accompanied by at least two typewritten seconding letters from individuals who are considered the nominee's peers and are not members of the nominee's immediate family. Upon receipt of the nomination form, the Nominations Review Committee of the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame will examine the application for eligibility in accordance with these guidelines. In the event that an individual is declared not eligible for nomination, the sponsor will be notified with the reasons for non-eligibility. Once a nominated individual has been determined eligible for election, the sponsor will be contacted to provide the materials listed below.

1. Full Biography: This typewritten, double-spaced biography, not more than four pages long must be sufficiently comprehensive to fully reflect the accomplishments of the nominee as they relate to Colorado skiing.

2. Photograph: Five identical 5 X 7 glossy, head and shoulder photographs of the nominee must be provided. It is suggested that the photos be ski oriented and representative of the nominee during the time he or she was most active. These photographs will be used for publicity and for the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame exhibit, should the nominee be elected.

3. Other Supporting Materials: These materials are very important and give authenticity to the achievements of the nominee. They will be highly regarded by the Voting Panel. Examples of supporting materials may include: newspaper articles, historical records, letters, film footage, video tapes, patents, blue prints, books or additional information not already included in the required documentation.

Nominations may be submitted at any time. However, to be considered in the next review period the Ski Hall of Fame must receive the nomination form by March 15 of the same year. Nominees who are selected for induction should be advised that selection entails no financial obligation on their part. However, they should understand that the costs of maintaining the Colorado Ski Museum - Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame is met by voluntary tax-deductible contributions that are solicited by mail each year during the annual membership drive. If a nominee is not selected for induction, his/her packet will be resubmitted to the Voting Panel each year for a maximum of two additional year. For a nomination form, click here.