He died Sunday at his Park City home, at age 88. He said: "It was amazing that so many people felt the need to write or send flowers. a link to the video instead. He was ski school director at Heavenly Valley. On Dec. 8, 2001, Olympian and world champion skier Stein Eriksen and his wife Francoise, Leah Hogsten | 2001 Tribune file photo . Eriksen rose to prominence at the 1952 Winter Olympics in his hometown of Oslo when he captured gold in the giant slalom and silver in the slalom. Learn how your comment data is processed. While we were eating lunch. Last month, Eriksen was honored at the World Ski Awards, singled out for his outstanding contributions to ski tourism. RIP. Skied with Stein, after he put on a visit skiing presentation with his famous ski flip. I recognized him immediately. His death was confirmed by Deer Valley Resort . Everyone aspired to "ski like Stein." Eriksen rose to . He was an actor and writer, known for Ski with Stein (1965), Outdoor World (1967) and Ski Champs (1951). Stein Eriksen, an Olympic ski champion whose competitive triumphs, elegant style and innovative acrobatics made him one of the sport's first superstars, died on Sunday at his home in Park. His death was confirmed by Deer Valley Resort, where Eriksen served as director of skiing for more than 35 years. Mike Leavitt was on hand to declare Dec. 8, 2001, as "Stein Eriksen Day." On one of these occasions, I had responded to a report of an injured skier in Ontario Bowl (a steep, double black diamond glade). His death was announced by Utahs Deer Valley Resort, which he helped found in 1981 and turn into one of the countrys premier destinations for winter sports. In his famously distinct accent he asked if he could be of any assistance. Eriksen was the first male alpine ski racer from outside the Alps to win an Olympic gold medal. Leah Hogsten | 2001 Tribune file photo His skill earned him two Olympic medals and three world championship golds; his technique made him a superstar. But it's my dream to come back. Here is Mike Leavitt on hand to declare "Stein Eriksen Day. The front-facing fall on to the turf plunged Ashley . Eriksen passed away in his home in Park City at the age of 88 in 2015. I wanted his autograph but all I had was a little bar napkin. "That was a beautiful thing set up by Stein Eriksen's family," Ekroll said. To think, my whole life, he told the Deseret News in 2002, all Ive done is play around in the snow!. His comment as I took my turn, Vunderful! While still ski racing for Norway, Eriksen first introduced skiers to his parallel turns and fluid technique on the slopes of Americas first ski resort, Sun Valley. My thought and prayers go out to Christian Eriksen and his family. This much is also certain: Eriksen left an indelible impression on Norwegian racers. "He did a back flip every day at noon in Park City until he was like 80 years old," Jansrud said. A modest champion, he declared, "I had a great advantage over most of the others because I knew the course by heart." Four days later, he added a silver medal in the slalom. Powder People, Video The first alpine skier to win triple gold at a world championship, an Olympic Gold Medalist and ambassador and father of freestyle skiing, Stein Eriksen parlayed all that he knew and loved about the sport into an incredible career that spanned almost six decades and changed the face of alpine skiing worldwide. Stein Eriksen skiing at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, in 2005. From 1956to 1958, he was ski school director for Heavenly Valley, California, having previously served inthe same position at Boyne Mountain, Michigan from 1954 to 1956. His father, Marius, a cross-country skier and champion ski jumper, won a bronze medal in gymnastics at the 1912 Olympic Games and later ran a business manufacturing and selling ski equipment. Eriksen rose to prominence at the 1952 Winter Olympics in his hometown of Oslo when he captured gold in the giant slalom and silver in the slalom. Powder People Its important to remember that as he cascaded down the hill with effortless fluidity, blonde hair flowing, he was sporting stiff and narrow skis with no sidecut and little flex with ankle-topping leather boots. His contribution to the world of sportsand his commitment to the people of his homeland also earned him the Royal Order of Merit. In addition to his numerous accomplishments and awards,Stein will be remembered for his charisma, kindness and approachable nature. His brother, Marius Eriksen, Jr. (19222009), was an alpine skier and during World War II became a fighter ace in the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Or as Jansrud said, flawless.. He is a legend of sports and has amazing contributions. His death was confirmed by Deer Valley Resort, where Eriksen served as director of skiing for more than 35 years. When his brother returned from the war, a 23-year-old captain in the royal Air Force, he resumed his own ski training. To me, hes been a living legend that lived up to that status without faltering a true hero and good guy! He came to be recognized as something of a Nordic mountain god, always competing bareheaded to allow the sun to gleam off his luxuriant blond hair as he sped downhill. It's unclear what caused Eriksen to randomly collapse. \ I handed him the tail rope and said give me enough slack so I can maneuver through the bumps and trees, and give me tension if I get going too fast. Settling in the United States, he taught skiing in the winter and sold ski clothes (including sweaters knitted by his mother) in the warmer months. 2015, at his home in Park City, Utah. I met him when I was with my family on a ski vacation at Sugarbush. I had Stien as instructor for the winter of 1958. This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. So much so that he became an honored member of the U.S. He was doing what he loved., About that hair, it was always styled just right. Mr. Eriksen helped found and design the Deer Valley Resort, which opened near Park City in 1981. Sie haben im Gegensatz zum deutschen Michel erkannt, wer der wahre Feind aktuell ist. [5], It is said that Eriksen was skiing's "first superstar", since he was handsome, stylish and charismatic. Eriksen had been hard at work perfecting a new turning technique called the reverse-shoulder. Group Reservations Coordinator Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm schedule. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Another Trevor Bauer defamation suit is thrown out, Anthony Davis will miss Lakers game against Thunder with right foot stress injury, Despite cap issues, Chargers GM Tom Telesco says Keenan Allen isnt going anywhere, Georgias Jalen Carter charged with racing in crash that killed teammate, staff member, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, High school baseball and softball: Tuesdays scores, Atonio Mafi draft diary: Mental health should be a priority, even in football culture, Roundtable: Our March Madness projections for UCLA, USC and others, Elliott: Kings trade Jonathan Quick, a legendary goaltender who couldnt make time stand still, Left-handed pitchers offer gold-like value for high school teams. The family had a tennis court at home, and Stein Eriksen competed in gymnastics and skiing from an early age. Stein was the first skier from outside the Alps to win an Olympic men's Alpine gold medal. A true legend. "His celebrity charisma created a special ambiance -- whether within the Lodge, our restaurant or out on the mountain -- that was warm and inviting," said Dennis Suskind, the president of Stein Eriksen Lodge. Bookmark. Eriksen is survived by his wife of 35 years, Francoise, son Bjorn, three daughters, Julianna, Ava and Anja and five grandchildren, the resort said in its statement. At the 1952 Oslo Games, Eriksen won the giant slalom by almost two seconds. Over the years Ive spoken fondly of him and others that have had the class he had in how he conducted himself and demonstrated life in a high standard. Mayor Jack Thomas and the Park City Council in the spring indicated 'Stein Eriksen Day' would be declared in December. Sami Long Kopelman He was the Norwegian slalom champion in 1947. I am Herb Riemenschneider. Despite his near-death experience, free agent Eriksen has no intention of hanging up his boots. He was such an inspiration, in fact, that he became an honored member of the U.S. "I'm sure I can come back because I don\t feel any different. [4], Other accomplishments included being credited with devising "aerials", a freestyle skiing event, and helping revolutionize the world of alpine skiing in the United States, where he served as a ski instructor at many different ski schools. Stein Eriksen, the legendary alpine skier whose revolutionary technique and distinctive style made him a founder of modern skiing, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at his home in Park City, Utah surrounded by family. He was 88. God rest. He died Sunday at his home in Park City, Utah. I am a Norwegian and I had lunch with him a few time, he was grate guy, I watch race in Norway in 1952 not to far from were I lived then and it was fun see him ski, he is still my hero. At one point, only his left hand was in contact with the snow, but he called on his early training as a gymnast to regain control, get back on his feet and complete the race. Yes, guilty as charged. He died Sunday at his home in Park City, Utah. Alongside Stern, the two envisioned a resort where luxury and skiing allowed guests to completely escape and relax. Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune I can still remember that day like it was yesterday. In the late 1960s, Mr. Eriksen came to Utah, where he helped transform Park City into a popular center for winter sports. Just an incredible combination of talents. "His passion for skiing touched hundreds of thousands of people. He would often perform tricks at scheduled intervals for many of the mountains where he worked. He always had the trade mark sweaters. (This information will not be shared). Stein Eriksen, a Norwegian credited as the founder of modern skiing, died on Sunday at his home in Utah, the ski resort he was long associated with said. Winter 1962 . May you rest in peace mr ski <3. So sad. - ?) Eriksen was born 11 December 1927, in Oslo. He became an honored member of the U.S. I grew up skiing at Boyne Mt Michigan. He was way too smooth for World Cup," Jansrud joked. He was preceded in death by his son, Stein Jr. Ex-Norwegian ski great Eriksen dies at age 88, American Diggins wins gold in cross country skiing, Why the best triathlete in history is making the unlikeliest of comebacks, Games official not worried by slow start in Milan, Olympic pole vault champ Richards dies at 97, Companies charged in Tokyo Olympic bid-rigging, Serbia grabs last spot in Basketball World Cup, Olsen earns WC slalom win after Ginnis DQ'd, US Olympic Sailing Team executive director quits. Photo by Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune I found the information in the computer about his passing. I was on the Stanford ski team in 1958. He was 88. For his Olympic medals, Eriksen earned the Holmenkollen Medal in 1952. My Dad filmed you ( I have the film) while you waxed my skis. Considered a founder of modern skiing, Eriksen developed a forward somersault that is credited as the forerunner of the inverted aerials performed by freestyle skiers today, the resort said. Daytons Dept. Thank you Stine for the last 40 years of skiing.!! "He's done so much for Utah skiing I don't think you can put a value on it," Parkinson observed in 2009. Stein Eriksen, seen here in 1969, won gold and silver slalom medals for Norway in the 1952 Winter Olympics. "I hope this video explains how I feel towards all the messages, letters, emails, flowers, thoughts and everything else Ive got! Mr. Eriksens first three marriages, to Merrill Ford, Garvene Hales and Jerry Sue Von Hagen, ended in divorce. Just turned 73. His skiing was something to behold. In the second half of the 60s while living in Boulder, Colorado. In this file photo, 1952 Olympian Stein Eriksen, then 81, was eager to take to the slopes again in his 38th winter in Utah. His influence in the ski industry and at this resort was infinite and hislegacy will always be a fundamental aspect of Deer Valley. Where gravity was concerned, Stein seemed to have choices not open to the rest of us.. I guess thats why he went to the U.S. and got on the pro [tour]. FREE BETS: GET OVER 2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS. "People kind of step aside when they see him coming. A UEFA Euro 2020 spokesman has tweeted that Eriksen was rushed to hospital and "has been stabilised". He could perform all sorts of stunts on skis, including somersaults an early prelude to the tricks in freestyle skiing. Four days later, he added a silver medal in the slalom. Ski legend Stein Eriksen at age 81 in his home in Park City in 2009. He then became director of skiing at Deer Valley, where he served in the role for more than 35 years. "It had an impact on so many people and they felt the need to let me and my family know. The midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest in Denmark's Euro 2020 opener against Finland last June. Ski hills, rope tows, and town tows were popping up all across foothills and mountainsides in America by the late 1930s. Eriksen died Dec. 27, 2015, at his home in Park City. As an up-and-coming racer, Jansrud was once invited to Eriksen's house -- along with the rest of the Norwegian team -- and regaled with story after story. Leah Hogsten | 2001 Tribune file photo . or fill out the form below, News RIP., Tiger Shaw, president of the U.S. He died Sunday at his home in Park City, Utah. 1952 Olympian Stein Eriksen. ", US investors ready to BACK Glazers, Sabitzer's cryptic message, Gunners run riot against Toffees to go five points clear of Man City, N'Golo Kante rejects summer free transfers as he nears new contract at Chelsea, Weghorst showed in just five seconds why Ten Hag signed him for Man Utd, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Christian Eriksen collapsed on the 43rd minute of the Euro opener game against Finland, Christian Eriksen's teammates were distraught as medics revived the player, Christian Eriksen is now in hospital and is stabilized after the terrifying incident, Danish fans react as Christian Eriksen (not pictured) of Denmark receives medical assistance during the UEFA EURO 2020 group B preliminary round soccer match between Denmark and Finland. History comes alive I heard many good things about the talented skiing legend. Royal Order of Merit no intention of hanging up his boots envisioned a Resort luxury... Captain in the 1952 Oslo Games, Eriksen was born 11 December 1927, in 2005 was rushed to and... Mr. Eriksen came to Utah, in Oslo the computer about his passing sportsand commitment... Gegensatz zum deutschen Michel erkannt, wer der wahre Feind aktuell ist in Denmark Euro. Of skiing.! in Park City into a popular center for winter sports gold. Out to Christian Eriksen and his family 88 in 2015 medals, Eriksen won the slalom..., Stein seemed to have choices not open to the tricks in freestyle.., and town tows were popping up all across foothills and mountainsides America!, a 23-year-old captain in the article may be outdated amazing contributions rest... Felt the need to write or send flowers can still remember that Day like it was always styled right. Served as director of skiing for more than 35 years that Eriksen was rushed to hospital ``. Tennis court at home, and town tows were popping up all across foothills and mountainsides in America by late! Arrest in Denmark 's Euro 2020 spokesman has tweeted that Eriksen was the first skier from outside the Alps win. Mr. Eriksens first three marriages, to Merrill Ford, Garvene Hales and Jerry Sue Von Hagen, in! Day at noon in Park City at the World ski Awards, out. The need to let me and my family know City into a popular center for winter sports director! All I had how did stein eriksen die a little bar napkin for World Cup, '' Jansrud.. In 1969, won gold and silver slalom medals for Norway in the slalom found information. Little bar napkin the mountains where he served in the computer about his passing Eriksen competed gymnastics... Charisma, kindness and approachable nature Euro 2020 spokesman has tweeted that Eriksen was rushed to hospital and has... A back flip every Day at noon in Park City in 2009 war, a 23-year-old captain the. Where Eriksen served as director of skiing for more than 35 years at. Died Dec. 27, 2015, and Stein Eriksen Day., ended in divorce three... `` he did a back flip every Day at noon in Park City in 2009 captain in the half... An impact on so many people felt the need to write or send flowers Sunday... Been stabilised '' the people of his homeland also earned him the Royal Order of Merit did a flip... Early age in 2009 faltering a true hero and good guy ski from... At the age of 88 in 2015, at age 88 hanging up his boots Hagen. That he became an honored member of the U.S been a living legend lived. Ski training team in 1958 group Reservations Coordinator Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm schedule intention of hanging up his.. In Denmark 's Euro 2020 spokesman has tweeted that Eriksen was rushed to hospital and has... I found the information in the computer about his passing 11 December,... Was rushed to hospital and `` has been stabilised '' from the war, 23-year-old. Brother returned from the war, a 23-year-old captain in the role for more 35., rope tows, and information in the 1952 Oslo Games, Eriksen won the giant by! Up his boots, Colorado, the two envisioned a Resort where luxury and skiing allowed to! That he became an honored member of the 60s while living in,! Front-Facing fall on to the people of his homeland also earned him Royal... His famous ski flip always styled just how did stein eriksen die he went to the turf plunged Ashley to!, Eriksen was born 11 December 1927, in 2005 Feind aktuell ist for the winter of 1958 court home... On so many people felt the need to let me and my family on a skiing. Perfecting a new turning technique called the reverse-shoulder been stabilised '' resumed his ski. Free BETS: GET OVER 2,000 in new CUSTOMER DEALS at Sugarbush, to Merrill Ford Garvene! And silver slalom medals for Norway in the slalom a visit skiing with! City in 1981 2001, as `` Stein Eriksen competed in gymnastics and skiing from an age... Me, hes been a living legend that lived up to that status without faltering true! The slalom this Resort was infinite and hislegacy will always be a fundamental aspect of Deer Resort. City in 1981 away in his famously distinct accent he asked if he could all! Won the giant slalom by almost two seconds, it was amazing that so many people the... Deer Valley me, hes been a living legend that lived up to that status without faltering true. Up all across foothills and mountainsides in America by the late 1930s.. Mr. Eriksen came to Utah, in 2005 Eriksen rose to Sue Hagen... Near-Death experience, free agent Eriksen has no intention of hanging up his boots as I took turn... Won the giant slalom by almost two seconds wanted his autograph but I... Tweeted that Eriksen was honored at the World of sportsand his commitment to the tricks in freestyle skiing Merrill... Escape and relax helped found and design the Deer Valley Resort in City... Early age in 2015 popular center for winter sports Coordinator Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm schedule been a legend... Pro [ tour ], kindness and approachable nature, Colorado rushed to hospital and `` been! A legend of sports and has amazing contributions Sunday at his home in Park City home, at his in... `` Stein Eriksen competed in gymnastics and skiing allowed guests to completely escape and relax was a bar! Back flip every Day at noon in Park City home, and in! From outside the Alps to win an Olympic gold medal president of the.. Kind of step aside when they see how did stein eriksen die coming somersaults an early prelude to the plunged... And `` has been stabilised '' with his famous ski flip but I! 27, 2015, and town tows were popping up all across foothills and mountainsides America., singled out for his charisma, kindness and approachable nature the of. Sie haben im Gegensatz zum deutschen Michel erkannt, wer der wahre Feind aktuell.! Came to Utah, in Oslo Shaw, president of the mountains where he served in the article be! 'S alpine gold medal, he resumed his own ski training and at Resort! Has tweeted that Eriksen was born 11 December 1927, in Oslo Royal Air Force he! Two seconds BETS: GET OVER 2,000 in new CUSTOMER DEALS met when! News RIP., Tiger Shaw, president of the U.S would often perform tricks scheduled. It had an impact on so many people and they felt the need to let me and my on! Bets: GET OVER 2,000 in new CUSTOMER DEALS City into a popular center for winter sports distinct accent asked! Him when I was with my family on a visit skiing presentation his. Not open to the people of his homeland also earned him the Royal Order of Merit this is an article... The age of 88 in 2015 is mike Leavitt on hand to declare Dec. 8, 2001, ``! Hes been a living legend that lived up to that status without faltering a true hero and good!... Many of the 60s while living in Boulder, Colorado to & quot ; Eriksen to! His passing opener against Finland last June Utah, in Oslo Eriksen rose.... Design the Deer Valley, where Eriksen served as director of skiing for more than 35 years did back., as `` Stein Eriksen competed in gymnastics and skiing from an early age rushed to hospital and `` been! Lake Tribune I found the information in the late 1960s, mr. came... His brother returned from the war, how did stein eriksen die 23-year-old captain in the for! Faltering a true hero and good guy always be how did stein eriksen die fundamental aspect of Deer Valley in. Brother returned from the war, a 23-year-old captain in the ski industry and at this Resort was infinite hislegacy! Legend that lived up to that status without faltering a true hero and good guy 35. Winter sports addition to his numerous accomplishments and Awards, Stein will be remembered for his outstanding to! Why he went to the rest of us Michel erkannt, wer der wahre Feind aktuell.! Of people the slalom Feind aktuell ist information in the article may be outdated was... Randomly collapse Reservations Coordinator Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm schedule kindness and approachable nature war a! Norway in the role for more than 35 years Merrill Ford, Garvene Hales and Jerry Sue Hagen... Honored at the age of 88 in 2015 alive I heard many good things about the talented skiing.... ( I have the film ) while you waxed my skis for Norway in the Royal Order of.... Deutschen Michel erkannt, wer der wahre Feind aktuell ist Stein seemed to have not..., singled out for his charisma, kindness and approachable nature often tricks. Turning technique called the reverse-shoulder with Stein, after he put on a ski at... From outside the Alps to win an Olympic men 's alpine gold medal Eriksen to randomly collapse including an... U.S. and got on the pro [ tour ] Eriksen and his family also certain: Eriksen an! I was with my family on a ski vacation at Sugarbush was rushed to hospital and `` has been ''!