If you know much about Utah, chances are it’s about their skiing resorts or religious history, but the newest fact is the departure of ski legend, Stein Eriksen.
Eriksen is of Norwegian descent, coming from a legacy of skiers. His mother was the first president of the Oslo Women’s Ski Club and his father was a ski designer as well as a competitive cross-country skier. The acts of Eriksen were dubbed by Ski Magazine as making skiing a national obsession, thanks to his great performance in the Olympics where he took a gold medal in 1952 as well as three golds in the 1954 Alpine World Ski Championship. This man was so well loved that the king of Norway in 1997 knighted him for his merit.
A Cross National Hero
After his Olympic days, Eriksen moved to America and served as a ski instructor in Utah, for several schools. His latest contributions were at Deer Valley Resort, where it has been said the Eriksen was an integral part of the community. It’s described that the presence of Eriksen was fundamental in the Deer Valley and that he will be greatly missed.
In 20009, Eriksen said “to be an Olympic and world champion has been a trademark for me. But the appreciation that the American people have for champions has enhanced that value in a way that made it possible for me to enjoy life without too much effort”. He was a local legend that stimulated the ski community in Utah; many people knew Ericksen and loved to watch him.
Pro-level Character
As a person, Eriksen was humble even amidst all of his prestige. In the late days, Eriksen held a charisma not of ego, but a loving personality which drew others together. He has been credited after his many ski victories saying that a man is nothing without humility.
Eriksen leaves behind his wife Francoise and five children who although surely saddened, are keeping their best face forward in asking for donations to Erkisen’s organization. The Stein Eriksen Youth Sports Opportunity Endowment provides financial assistance to youths for winter sports, with the goal of stimulating an appreciation of winter sports and helping committed athletes.
A Legacy That Lives On We at You in Park City send our best wishes to Eriksen’s family and wish to continue his wishes and legacy through skiing. The slopes won’t be the same without him, but thanks to Eriksen, the slopes are better than they ever could have been.
Jenny Clark