Mission Statement
The Aspen Hall of Fame was established in 1986–87 to recognize and honor those individuals who have had a significant and lasting impact on the Aspen/Snowmass communities—economically, physically, spiritually, ethically or intellectually. Nominees must have demonstrated inspirational leadership and have made major contributions to cultural, sports, and/or civic activities.
The idea for the Aspen Hall of Fame began in 1985 as the Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) planned a celebration of Aspen’s 40th anniversary of skiing the following year. The concept of the Aspen Hall of Fame was to honor the “pioneers” who dedicated their lives to the development of skiing and to the betterment of our community, as well as to establish a meaningful annual event during the celebration that would live beyond the season of celebration.
The first Hall of Fame committee represented a cross-section of the community, including representatives from the arts council and the historical society, from the ski club and the ski company, as well as 10th Mountain Division soldiers; there was even a member of the first board of directors of the Aspen Corporation, the original name of the ASC. The first banquet was held during the Aspen Skiing Company’s 40th Anniversary Celebration week in January 1987.
The current organization has operated independently of ASC for many years. Each year’s banquet features an awards presentation, introduced by a video profiling the life of each inductee. For current banquet information, click here.
2022 inductees Andy Mill, Rita Hunter and Bruce Gordon at the 2022 Banquet with previous years inductees