SKIING THRU THE YEARS: TELLURIDE SKI RESORT AT 40

23 Mar SKIING THRU THE YEARS: TELLURIDE SKI RESORT AT 40

Editor’s note: In 2011, the Telluride Foundation honored “Senior” Mahoney as Outstanding Citizen of the Year, an award given in recognition of someone who has unselfishly contributed to our community’s quality of life. In fact, Senior Mahoney is a living legend of Telluride. He grew up the son of Telluride Marshal and San Miguel County Sheriff, Tom Mahoney. He attended Telluride public school, serving in the Navy after graduation. Back home, Senior became a hard-rock miner with the Idarado Mining Company and later the first employee of the Telluride Ski area, hired by Joe Zoline, founder. Senior developed the ski mountain and helped shape the ski industry throughout the state. For his considerable  and comprehensive contributions, he was inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame. Senior served four terms on Telluride Town Council and was the “highest vote getter” in 1972 and 1974. He volunteered at the Telluride Historical Museum, giving historical presentations, including the ever popular Fire Side chats. The Mahoneys continue to support anyone doing historical and family research about the Telluride region and beyond. Senior Mahoney is the honored speaker at what promises to be one unforgettable evening.

Senior Mahoney in Fourth of July parade

Telluride Ski Resort has come a long way in its short 40 year history. From a ski resort that had no access from its town, to the #1 ranked ski resort in North America by Conde Nast readers. From the beginning it was clear that Telluride is a very special place and the original visionary, Bill “Senior” Mahoney, has and continues to make significant contributions to our destination.

A special celebration of the resort’s 40th Anniversary and Senior Mahoney’s contributions will be held on Thursday, March 28, at the Conference Center in Mountain Village with a group of longtime Telluriders including “Junior” Mahoney. Stories will be told, memories jogged, laughs shared, and maybe even a tear or two shed as the reminiscing of our past comes together.

Focusing on the people and stories that shaped Telluride into what it has become today, this event is sure to be unforgettable. With the help of the Telluride Historical Museum, memorabilia will be on hand along with photos, a running slide-show and a video presentation to take us back to how it all began. The evening will start with a social at 6 p.m.  The Mahoneys and other local legends plan to discuss their experiences starting around 7 p.m. All attendees are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and share anecdotes themselves.

As a tribute to Telluride’s ever vibrant night scene, a cash bar will be available with specialty cocktails from favorite watering holes over the years such as the Powder House, Iron Ladle, and the Roma Bar. Food inspired by Telluride restaurants of past and present will also be served.

Come reminisce and learn about the past 40 years of Telluride Ski Resort. If you have any fun photos, uniforms, ski passes, posters, or any other kind of Telluride memorabilia please contact Brandy Johnson as she is on the hunt to capture Telluride’s history ( bjohnson@tellurideskiresort.com).

For a preview of what’s in store, watch the following video: