Max Dercum who passed away on Sep 30th 2011 at the age of 98; was one of the seven pioneering figures who helped to create A-Basin in 1946 and then went on to help found Keystone in the early 1970’s.
Max’s story is very interesting, given his first set of “Skis” in 1918 this is long before the metal edge or ski boots, Old hunting boots would have been worn strapped onto cut wooden boards. Max was quoted in 1980 saying “There was no instruction in those days, you just had to figure it out for yourself,” on skis that would have looked similar to these.
A ski fanatic skier Max went on to become one of the founding members of the Cornell University Ski Team and this is how he got his first taste of ski area design, helping with the forest service his input was used a lot when the CUST commissioned a ski area for training, Cross country, alpine and a ski jump where all served by one rope tow.
Following the completion of this ski area in 1936 Max traveled to Colorado in order to scout out potential spots for ski area based on proximity to Denver as well as other factors. A Basin and Keystone where chosen and in 1941 he bought the land that Keystone is now on.
A-Basin was chosen to be developed first because of this position above tree line which was popular in the 1950’s as tree skiing hadn’t fully developed yet; and in the 46-47 season A basin opened up with a single rope tow. The Ledged was born.
So if you’ve ever Skis A-Basin or Keystone, Take a moment and think for Max Dercum.
Found on the Ski Area Magazene Website as a comment on one of my resources.
| By: Paul G. Rauschke | “Associate Professor, Ski Area Operations, ColoradoMountain College We can all learn much from such a "Legend" One will always be remembered for vision and passion.” |
http://www.saminfo.com/news/article.php?tid=5285
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20111015/NOTES/111019878/1078&ParentProfile=1055
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20110930/NEWS/110939989
By James Law
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