Pied Piper of the East
SKI 93 was organized in 1965 and began active promotion in 1966. According to the article, the “Ski the Rockies” coalition “grew out of a 1967 attempt by Western Airlines. . . .” It would appear that the five ski areas coalition known as SKI 93 had at least one year on “Ski the Rockies.” I believe that there was at least one other such group that was organized prior to SKI 93.
This is not to imply that SKI 93 is necessarily larger or more well-known than other groups, but I feel it is somewhat significant that we regularly receive requests for information about our organization and its structure from major western areas.
Larry Cox
Marketing Director
Loon Mountain Recreation Corp.
A word for the instructor
My appreciation for the editorial in October’s “Speak-Out.” As a professional ski instructor myself and an officer of the Professional Ski Instructors Association, I feel that the instructor has for too long been looked down upon. In actuality, he holds a very important position in a rapidly changing way of life in America—that of being a teacher of better and more productive use of leisure time.
Your question, “How do you plan to keep the ski instructor around in the summer,” is most impotrant, and SAM has often talked about multiple-season use of ski area facilities. We at Recreation Specialists are investigating avenues whereby the ski instructor can be kept involved in some sort of recreation during the summer.
With a little imagination, a lot of hard work and, in most cases, quite a bit of money, recreation programs that are profitable for all concerned can be put together for spring, summer and fall.
My thanks for the article. I would venture to say that most professional ski instructors share your views.
Jon E. Putnam
President
Recreation Specialists, Inc.
Franconia, N.H.
