Ray Atkeson

 

Photographer Ray Atkeson not only documented Utah and West's skiing history, he also captured the beauty and magic of the landscapes he skied. 

 

A skier touring at Mt.Superior surrounded by snow and trees

Ski Touring, Mt. Superior, Alta, Utah, 1952

 

Skier Alma Hansen continues here climb towards a distanced mountain

Alma Hansen, Ski Touring, Utah, 1940

 

For six decades, from 1930-1990, Ray Atkeson, who has been called the finest ski photographer ever, captured the scenic beauty of the West, and the joy of the sport he loved.

 

Ray Atkeson poses for the camera on skis while holding his camera

Ray Atkeson, on skis, 1949

 

Wooden skis stick straight up in the snow, with the sun shining behind them

Skis in the Sun, Oregon, 1937

 

Skier dressed in sweater and pants mid-jump off of a cliff

Extreme Skier, Anthony Lakes Ski Resort, Oregon, 1949

 

Two skiers make there way down through powder

Skiers in the Sun, Alta, Utah, 1952

 

A skier post-launch off of a big rock

Big Air, Sugar Bowl, California, 1949

 

A racer takes off from the start house, a wooden structure that reads "Start"

Golden Sun Downhill Race, Sun Valley, Idaho, 1948

 

Renowned ski photographer Ray Atkeson not only created breathtaking images of winter landscapes -- he also captured spectacular action photos of early skiers, many of whom are considered legends in their own right.

 

A young boy, around age 12, skis through powder wearing a hat with a brim

Alan Engen, skiing powder, Alta, Utah 1952

 

A man carves a long turn into the snow

David Quinney Sr, Alta, Utah, 1940s

 

A man is submerged in so much powder you can only see his head as he skis through it

Alf Engen, Alta, Utah, 1952

 

A man jumps off a snow bank on his skis

Olaf Rodegaard, 1952, Sun Valley, Idaho