Eriksen dies at 88; legend in ski history

Eriksen became a star at the 1952 Olympics in Oslo, his hometown, where he won the giant slalom and finished second in the slalom. Two years later, he became the first man to win three gold medals at a single world championship.

He became the face of downhill skiing, and helped to usher in the modern age of skiing.

And, because he could do somersaults and all sorts of other stunts on skis, he’s considered the precursor to freestyle skiing.

Eriksen had lived in the U.S. for the past 60 years, and was director of skiing at Deer Valley Resort in Park City for more than 35 years.

He had also taught skiing at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, was director of skiing at Snowmass in Colorado, and owned his own shop in Aspen, among other stops.

“His influence in the ski industry and at this resort was infinite and his legacy will always be a fundamental aspect of Deer Valley,” said Bob Wheaton, Deer Valley president and general manager. “He was a true inspiration.”

He was inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 1982.

Eriksen’s charismatic looks included his hair, which always seemed to look flawless. When helmets became prevalent, the Deer Valley team presented one to Eriksen that had his hair painted on it.

Soon after Eriksen’s death, 19-time World Cup champion Lindsey Vonn posted on her Twitter account: “Stein was a legend in skiing. So sad. RIP.”

American Steven Nyman added: “STEIN ERIKSEN — visionary ski legend. RIP thank you for all you gave to the ski community — well done.”

Tiger Shaw, the former Stowe resident who’s now president of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, said Eriksen’s “legacy will live on in the ski racers of today and in the sport he loved so much.”

Eriksen is survived by his wife, Francoise; son, Bjorn; three daughters, Julianna, Ava and Anja; and five grandchildren. One son, Stein Jr., died earlier.