The world famous skier and godfather to modern skiing, Stein Eriksen, has died at 88 years old. Reports are that he passed away at his Park City home surrounded by family Sunday.
Eriksen was born in Norway on Dec. 11, 1927, and grew up ski jumping and on the slopes near his home. Eriksen’s father, Marius, was one of Norway’s champion ski jumpers and gymnasts in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. His mother, Birgit, was the first president of the Ladies’ Slalom Club of Oslo.
In 1952 he took the gold and silver medals in the giant slalom and slalom events at the Oslo Olympic Winter Olympics. Two years later, he won three gold medals at the world championships in Åre, Sweden.
Eriksen was a stylistic pioneer essentially inventing “hotdog” freestyle competition. He was the first known skier to do a flip on skis.
For 35 years Eriksen was the director of skiing at Deer Valley Resort and has been involved with the resort since it opened in 1981.
“(Eriksen’s) influence in the ski industry and at this resort was infinite, and his legacy will always be a fundamental aspect of Deer Valley. He was a true inspiration, and we are honored to have had him as a part of the Deer Valley family,” said Bob Wheaton, Deer Valley president and general manager.
Eriksen is survived by his wife of 35 years, Francoise, son Bjorn, three daughters, Julianna, Ava and Anja, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son Stein Jr.