Stein Eriksen (1927 - 2015)
Stein Eriksen is recognized as the Father of Freestyle Skiing for performing some of the earliest somersaults on skis. After winning gold and silver medals in the 1952 Olympic Winter Games and 3 gold medals in the 1954 World Championships, this native Norwegian moved to Boyne Mountain, Michigan as its ski school director.
Similar positions followed at Heavenly Valley, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, Park City Ski Area and Deer Valley Resort. In 1982, Stein was inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame, and in 1997, Stein was named Knight First Class by His Majesty the King of Norway.
