Want to meet an Olympian and legendary Steamboat local? Join Steamboat’s Director of Skiing, Olympic medalist and World Champion Billy Kidd for free pointers and a run down Heavenly Daze. You will be quick to smile at the sight of Kidd's classic cowboy hat and his friendly western charm. Check the sign at the top of the gondola to see if Billy is skiing that day. Join him in front of the Billy Kidd sign at the top of the Why Not trail at 1pm. This opportunity is for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders.
If you miss out on the skiing, The Tread of Pioneers Museum and Steamboat Ski Resort will present a series of chats with Steamboat Olympians throughout the season providing guests a front row seat to meet Olympians, see their medals and learn what it’s like to compete at the elite level. Join them at the Olympian display on the second floor of Thunderhead Lodge at the top of the Gondola.
Still not convinced on who this Billy Kidd guy is? Kidd competed in the 1964 Innsbruck, Austria (silver medal) and 1968 Grenoble, France. Kidd was the first American man to win an Olympic medal in Alpine skiing, a silver in slalom. He also won silver in slalom and bronze in combined at the 1964 World Championships as well as gold in the combined and bronze in the slalom at the 1970 World Championships. On the World Cup circuit, Kidd earned two wins and four podiums in slalom. He also competed in giant slalom and downhill.
Kidd is also responsible for helping to start the legendary "Cowboy Downhill" that just took place this past Monday, January 15th. 40 years ago Kidd and Larry Mahan, six-time All-Around World Champion cowboy, made the decision to invite some of the ProRodeo cowboys up to Steamboat for some serious fun on the slopes. The Cowboy Downhill has evolved into a signature Steamboat event, as over 100 professional rodeo cowboys flock to the 'Boat for a cowboy skiing good time! Be sure to put it on your calendar for 2019's visit to Steamboat.
