Why have so many American ski schools and resorts been influenced by Austrians? From 1931-1971 Professor Stefan Kruckenhauser and his ski instructors/ambassadors dominated the world of alpine ski instruction and alpine ski racing in particular. American investors paid top dollar to get Austrian champions, like Othmar Schneider, Pepi Gramshammer, and Pepi Stiegler, all interviewed in this film, to represent growing American ski areas, and as a result? Austrian alpine skiing technique, racing, coaching and culture permeated the American alpine ski scene, particularly at some of the Americas’ largest, best-known resorts: Aspen, Boyne, Stowe, Sun Valley, Sugar Bowl, Stratton, Vail, and Jackson Hole.

Prof. Kruckenhauser and Instructors


Sun Valley Ski School - 1955