Gerald Groswold has his own day in Colorado. Just last year, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper made November 15th “Gerald Groswold Day” to honor his contribution to the ski industry in Colorado. However on Thanksgiving day, Groswold’s battle with pneumonia ended and the inspiring personality passed away at the age of 84 reports The Denver Post.
As the son of Norwegian immigrants, Groswold followed in his family’s ski jumping footsteps. His father Thor and mother Bernice competed professionally in ski jumping competitions and as a youngster, he showed promise in the sport and would eventually be recognized as a champion himself.
Also as a child, Gerald cleared and cut trails at Winter Park Resort, where he would be one of the first to ski the resort on its inaugural day in 1939. 20 years later with an MBA and Law Degree from the University of Denver, he joined the Winter Park Recreational Association’s board of directors before becoming the president and CEO of Winter Park Ski in 1975. According to lore, during his tenure as CEO and President, Groswold worked as a liftie, lift ticket salesman, and if you were caught skiing OB, you had to talk to ol’ Groswold.
Also Read: Winter Park Ski Train On the Brink of a Comeback
However, he wasn’t just a good boss. Groswold is maybe best known as a visionary. In 1970, he created the National Sports Center for the Disabled through the inclusion of what were young amputees at the time. To this day, his visionary idea has evolved into a program that provides services for over 3,000 adults and children annually.
Photo Credit: National Sports Center for the Disabled Facebook Page
And it didn’t stop there.
Also, Groswold was the first to make tracks into the legendary Mary Jane area and in 1975 expanded Winter Park to include Mary Jane, which was ultimately the first resort expansion to occur under the umbrella of the Environmental Protection Act.
Not only was Gerald Groswold a prominent business man in his time but his personality and spirit will continue to inspire throughout the ski industry for ages to come.
Read the entire Denver Post Article Here: Ski area pioneer Gerald Groswold has died
