Next time I’m in the UP, definitely swinging through Ishpeming to check out the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame & Museum where an incredibly lifelike bronze sculpture of Chuck and Jann Perkins greats visitors upon entry. Chuck and Jan were recently honored for their generosity and commitment to the history of skiing at event at Black Rock Mountain Resort in Park City and their story is incredible. Cheers to this amazing ski bum couple and anyone who finds love on the slopes!
Chuck was born in 1932 and Jann was born in 1937, so now they are two “old” ski bums.
Chuck and Jann have been skiing all over the United States and Europe. Chuck has helicopter skied in British Columbia, and he has even been hang gliding on skis off cliffs in Europe.
Jann never had skis on her feet until she was 20 years old, and Chuck took her to the top of the Mad River Glen Ski Area in Waitsfield, Vermont. The Mad River slogan is “ski it if you can.” Jann’s equipment in the early 1960’s was a used pair of 205cm wood skis with bear trap bindings, wood poles, and lace leather boots. Eventually Jann became proficient with modern equipment, and they have skied all over the world.
Chuck and Jann opened The Alpine Shop in South Burlington, Vermont in 1963. Skiing has always been their vocation and avocation. The alpine shop is now 60 years old, and it is one of the oldest iconic ski shops still in existence in the United States.
Chuck and Jann commissioned the 10th Mountain ski trooper sculpture from World War II to be made and brought to Stowe in 2005. The ski trooper is the second one in the world. The first ski trooper resides at Vail Mountain Ski Area because Pete Seibert who started the Vail Ski Area was a 10th Mountain trooper.
Chuck and Jann were married on August 18, 1956. They have a son and daughter, and they have four grandchildren. Chuck and Jann have been married for 67 years.
Chuck and Jan were inducted into the New England Ski Representative Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum Hall of Fame in 2017. Chuck and Jann have also been nominated for induction into the National U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame, and they will be honored in 2024.
