The Alta Historical Society (AHS) will again host our popular series of Fireside Chats this winter. These interesting and entertaining programs focus on Alta’s skiing, mining and political history, and will be presented by some of Alta’s most remarkable personalities and visitors. Fireside Chats will be held most weeks throughout the ski season at various lodges in Alta during après ski hours.
REI, a supporter of the Alta Fireside Chats, will host several Chats this winter at their store on 33rd South in Salt Lake City. We already have a few events scheduled; please check back for dates and locations for the 2009-2010 events.
The public is welcome and events are free. We hope you join us! Events are about 90 minutes long.
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Alta Ski Patrol and Their Avalanche Dogs: December 28th, 4PM, Goldminer's Daughter
Alta Ski Patrol will talk about avalanche safety and the role that Alta’s avalanche dogs have in their program. Meet these special dogs, learn how they are trained and see how the relationships develop between the dogs and their handlers. This is a wonderful opportunity for all to meet some of the Alta Ski Patrol and their canine companions who are dedicated to making the ski experience at Alta a wonderful one.
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Avalanche Awareness Talk: Know Before You Go: Friday, January 15, 5PM, Rustler Lodge
The Friends of Utah Avalanche Center is a leading organization in Utah dedicated to providing up-to-date information on current avalanche conditions and education. A critical need exists for avalanche education for people skiing in and out of ski area boundaries. The rising numbers of avalanche victims have demonstrated an obvious need for basic avalanche education. This is a unique opportunity for Alta guests and locals to meet members of the Friends of Utah Avalanche Center who will make a presentation on avalanche awareness and safety for skiers in Little Cottonwood Canyon. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Friends of Alta and the Alta Historical Society.
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Liam Fitzgerald, UDOT's Avalanche Forecast Supervisor: Avalanches: UDOT's Highway Avalanche Control Program; How They Keep Our Road Up Little Cottonwood Canyon Safe: Thursday, January 21, 4:30PM Alta Peruvian Lodge, Alta, Alf Engen Room.
Liam Fitzgerald, UDOT's avalanche forecast supervisor for Little Cottonwood Canyon, each morning routinely makes the most important decisions of his day before most of us even start ours. UDOT's avalanche program works closely with Alta Ski Resort management, public officials, and citizens. This effort aids in the collaborative success efforts of the avalanche crew. The task of accurately anticipating avalanche dangers creates tremendous stress for the avalanche forecasters. In addition to adhering to the scientific data, avalanche crew members must rely on the expertise of each other. Due to their efforts, people can safely live, play and work in Alta's beautiful mountains.
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Mike Korologos: "Poignant Reminiscences of a Long-time Ski Writer": Tuesday, January 26, 7PM, REI 3300 South, Salt Lake City.
Long-time ski writer and historian, Mike Korologos, 2009 inductee to the Intermountain Ski Hall of Fame will share stories and anecdotes from his extraordinary experiences as a ski writer of some 50 years. His experiences include being Public Information Director for the Salt Lake Bid and later Organizing Committees for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 (SLOC). Mike was regional correspondent for Skiing Magazine for 30 years and has had ski and travel articles about the Intermountain West appear in publications worldwide. He is former chair and current executive committee member of the University of Utah Marriott Library Ski Archives and a charter board member of the Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation. In 1992 Mike was named "Ski Journalist of the Year" by Skl Utah and in 2003 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Ski History Association in recognition of his numerous outstanding contributions to ski history.
This Fireside Chat is sponsored by Alta Historical Society (www.AltaHistory.org) and Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation (www.engenmuseum.org).
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Mike Korologos: "Poignant Reminiscences of a Long-time Ski Writer": Thursday, January 28, 4:30PM, Snowpine Lodge, Alta.
Long-time ski writer and historian, Mike Korologos, 2009 inductee to the Intermountain Ski Hall of Fame will share stories and anecdotes from his extraordinary experiences as a ski writer of some 50 years. His experiences include being Public Information Director for the Salt Lake Bid and later Organizing Committees for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 (SLOC). Mike was regional correspondent for Skiing Magazine for 30 years and has had ski and travel articles about the Intermountain West appear in publications worldwide. He is former chair and current executive committee member of the University of Utah Marriott Library Ski Archives and a charter board member of the Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation. In 1992 Mike was named "Ski Journalist of the Year" by Skl Utah and in 2003 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Ski History Association in recognition of his numerous outstanding contributions to ski history.
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Dan Howlett, Alta Ski Patrol: Alta Ski Area's "Avalanche Forecasting and Control Program" Thursday February 4th, 4:30PM, Rustler Lodge, Alta, Utah
Avalanches: How the Alta Ski Patrol works to keep us safe. The Alta Ski Patrol has a unique story and heritage in avalanche control work in the United States. Come join us in their presentation about their avalanche safety and control program at Alta. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about all the work that they do for us to keep skiers and the ski area safe. The history of Alta's avalanche safety and control program is featured in the 09/10 Winter Edition of the Alta Powder News available on this website.
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Alta Ski Patrol and Their Avalanche Dogs: February 13th, 4PM, Goldminer's Daughter
Alta Ski Patrol will talk about avalanche safety and the role that Alta’s avalanche dogs have in their program. Meet these special dogs, learn how they are trained and see how the relationships develop between the dogs and their handlers. This is a wonderful opportunity for all to meet some of the Alta Ski Patrol and their canine companions who are dedicated to making the ski experience at Alta a wonderful one.
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Alan Engen and Jim Gaddis: "Reflections on Ski Competition by Two Utah Skiing Legends":Tuesday, February 23, 7PM, REI 3300 South, Salt Lake City
Over the past century, Utah has produced a number of skiers who excelled at the highest levels of national and international skiing competition. Two of those highlighted in Utah's skiing history are Jim Gaddis and Alan Engen. They began skiing together in the early 1950s as junior racers and were stand-outs in local and intermountain competition, winning most of the junior alpine and nordic events during the mid-1950s. As co-captains of the University of Utah ski team during the late-50s to early-60s, they both were recognized as collegiate All-Americans. In national competition, both either won or placed on the podium in several alpine events in the 1960s and were ranked among America's finest skiing athletes. Both were strong contenders for Olympic births. In later years, both excelled in masters competition at the national and international level. Jim and Alan have been named Utah skiing legends and have been inducted into several halls of fame including the University of Utah Crimson Club Hall of Fame, the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, the Intermountain Ski Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame. Alan and Jim have remained close friends throughout their lives and have shared a number of experiences that they will comment on during this unique Fireside Chat. This never before offered presentation will be based on their shared memories from the past, many focused on experiences at Alta during the 1950s and 60s. This is a special event that you will not want to miss.
This Fireside Chat is sponsored by Alta Historical Society (www.AltaHistory.org) and Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation (www.engenmuseum.org).
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Alan Engen and Jim Gaddis: "Reflections on Ski Competition by Two Utah Skiing Legends":Thursday, February 25, 4PM, Snowpine Lodge, Alta.
Over the past century, Utah has produced a number of skiers who excelled at the highest levels of national and international skiing competition. Two of those highlighted in Utah's skiing history are Jim Gaddis and Alan Engen. They began skiing together in the early 1950s as junior racers and were stand-outs in local and intermountain competition, winning most of the junior alpine and nordic events during the mid-1950s. As co-captains of the University of Utah ski team during the late-50s to early-60s, they both were recognized as collegiate All-Americans. In national competition, both either won or placed on the podium in several alpine events in the 1960s and were ranked among America's finest skiing athletes. Both were strong contenders for Olympic births. In later years, both excelled in masters competition at the national and international level. Jim and Alan have been named Utah skiing legends and have been inducted into several halls of fame including the University of Utah Crimson Club Hall of Fame, the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, the Intermountain Ski Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame. Alan and Jim have remained close friends throughout their lives and have shared a number of experiences that they will comment on during this unique Fireside Chat. This never before offered presentation will be based on their shared memories from the past, many focused on experiences at Alta during the 1950s and 60s. This is a special event that you will not want to miss.
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Alexis Kelner: “History of Avalanche Research in Utah” Wednesday March 3rd, 4:00PM, Alta, Rustler Lodge.
Alexis Kelner will talk about the early development of avalanche research in Utah and how it has benefited the growing interest in resort and backcountry skiing in the Wasatch.
Alexis is a noted ski historian and one of the modern pioneers of backcountry skiing in Utah. He is the author of Skiing in Utah, a History and co-author with David Hanscom of the backcountry skiing guides, Wasatch Tours, Volumes I, II, and III. An avid conservationist, Alexis is committed to protecting Utah’s mountains. He has a keen knowledge of the Wasatch and brings a unique perspective of skiing in Utah and its history. Alexis is committed to protecting Utah’s mountains. He has a keen knowledge of the Wasatch and brings a unique perspective of skiing in Utah and its history. Alexis is a board member of Save Our Canyons and the Wasatch Mountain Club.
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Onno Wieringa, General Manager, Alta Ski Area: "Evolution of Snow Safety at Alta and in Little Cottonwood Canyon", Tuesday March 16th, 7PM, REI 3300 South, Salt Lake City
Alta lies in a powder skier's paradise receiving on average 547 inches of snow a year. When snow falls on Alta’s rugged towering peaks avalanches become an ever-present concern. Alta's snow safety program has a deep-rooted history and is unique in the United States. Come join us for Onno Wieringa's presentation and learn about Alta’s snow safety program and how it has evolved over the years. Onno Wieringa began his career at Alta in 1972 joining the Alta Ski Patrol. Prior to coming to Alta he was on the ski patrol at Bridger Bowl near Bozeman, Montana. Because of his knowledge and interest in snow safety, in 1978 he was named Alta Snow Safety Director, the position he maintained until he became President and General Manager of Alta Ski Area in 1988.
Alta's snow safety history is featured in the 2009/2010 early winter edition of the Alta Powder News and is avalable at www.AltaHistory.org.
This Fireside Chat is sponsored by Alta Historical Society (www.AltaHistory.org) and Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation (www.engenmuseum.org).
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Alexis Kelner: “History of Skiing in the Wasatch" Thursday, March 18th,4PM, Rustler Lodge, Alta.
Alexis is a noted ski historian and one of the modern pioneers of backcountry skiing in Utah. He is the author of Skiing in Utah, a History and co-author with David Hanscom of the backcountry skiing guides Wasatch I, Wasatch II and Wasatch III. Alexis is an avid conservationist with committed to protecting the beautiful mountains of Utah. He has a keen knowledge of the Wasatch and brings us a unique perspective of skiing in Utah and its interesting history. Among his many interesting pursuits, Alexis is a founder of Save Our Canyons and has been on an active board member of the Wasatch Mountain Club.
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Presentation by Brian Jones: "Geology of Alta and Little Cottonwood Canyon",Thursday, March 25th,4PM, Rustler Lodge, Alta.
Brian K, Jones is a ski instructor with the Alf Engen Ski School, a consulting geologist and outdoor writer. A graduate in geology from Stanford University in 1973, Brian received his Master’s Degree in geology from the University of Alaska in 1976. He has worked as a consulting geologist for over thirty years. Brian joined the Alta team in 2000 and, at Alta , he combines his passion for skiing for the outdoors and geology with his interest in people. He has become a dedicated student of the geology and history of the Wasatch Mountains.
Brian’s presentation provides a unique perspective of Alta and the ski slopes that we all love to ski.
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Presentation by Ted Wilson, Head of Utah Gov. Gary Herbert's Balanced Resource Council. "Experiences of a Former Mayor of Salt Lake City, Environmentalist and Outdoor Enthusiast" Tuesday April 6th, 7PM, REI 3300 South, Salt Lake City
Ted Wilson, an avid skier and mountain climber, made many first time ascents on climbing routes in Utah, the Tetons and abroad. Elected three times as Mayor of Salt Lake from 1976 until July 1985. Former Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, U of U. He was the Exec. Director of Utah Rivers Council before his appointment by Gov. Gary Herbert to become his senior adviser on environmental matters as head of the Balanced Resource Council.
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