Wild Women of the Wasatch | ep.07 | Local Pioneers

Ski Utah guest blogger, Amy David, back to share a few legendary stories of local pioneers. Within every community, natural leaders tend to emerge to create a lasting impact. This episode highlights several influential women who have played an integral role in developing their local ski communities. We’ve got a few legends on our hands!

The ski industry has evolved immensely over the historic timeline; however, the heart and soul of skiing or snowboarding has remained true at the core. One definition of community is: a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals. A definition of pioneers is: a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area. The women celebrated in this episode are community pioneers. Each of these women could have a book written about their lives, so here is a small glimpse that will leave you wanting to soak up more of their stories and knowledge.

Connie Marshall of Alta Ski Area

A beloved character of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Connie Marshall, has been building a life within the Alta Ski Area community from the first day she stepped foot on the property in 1974. Digging deep into her roots, Connie grew up in a small Ohio town and after college, she applied to a Peace Corp position which she was not admitted to. With the disappointment of not being accepted to the Peace Corps program, she set off West to chase a rebel dream in the ski world. After several road bumps along the way, she landed at Alta and was immediately hired in the ticket office. Tickets were sold for $6.50 at that time, and after several years checking tickets, Connie was promoted to Director of Ticket Sales. During her time living at Alta, she met her husband and became a mother of three.

As Alta grew, the media needs began to increase so the Marketing Department was created and Connie became the first Marketing Director which is the job position she holds today. As I watched her gracefully link telemark turns under the Cecret lift, she told of taking lunch breaks with her girl friends before lifts were built on that part of the mountain. She also shared her sincere pride in assisting with the creation of the Ski After Three program Alta offers. It’s a chance for skiers of all ability levels to ski at an extremely low cost. Connie has a true passion for getting people on the mountain to experience the magic of skiing.

“The singular piece of advice is to start understanding what makes you happy at an early age and also trying to put that into the context of you do live in a real world and you kind of have to fit in a little bit. Find where that place that you fit in is and grow yourself and also understand and love those people that you’re around because it isn’t a singular journey.” - Connie

Kipper Cluff of Sundance Mountain Resort

Here’s a woman who truly loves to teach and share her passion with others. Kipper Cluff has been skiing since she was two years old, and she has been a ski instructor for 31 years starting at Snowbird and now at Sundance Resort. Her dad, Jerry Warren, is in the ski hall of fame as a large contributor to the Professional Ski Instructors Association (PSIA) who has mentored her throughout her teaching career.

After a day of skiing with her, it’s clear she’s a natural instructor with impeccable ski technique. Kipper has played a large role in teaching the instructors who then travel to work at various resorts around the state. With a magnetic personality she is a major role model in the Sundance community with core return clients and co-workers who become extended family. As a mother, wife, and leader in her work environment, Kipper’s love for the mountains transcends through the people she inspires.

“It’s so fun when you see their body and their mind connect at the same time and they do it, and you’re like, ‘yes that’s it!’ and you get chills. It’s so much fun to see somebody pick up on what you love so much.” - Kipper

Marge Seeholzer of Beaver Mountain

She’s known in her family as one of the hardest workers, and her genuine love for Beaver Mountain is contagious. Marge Seeholzer is a second generation owner and currently President of Beaver Mountain which is the longest originally family owned ski resorts in the United States. Her husband’s parents founded the ski hill in 1939, and Marge became submerged in the business as soon as she married Ted. They actually came home early from their honeymoon because it had snowed and was time to open the hill early. From starting the resort with no electricity, progressing to phones and generators, and now full electric power, Beaver has grown in infrastructure, yet the ski hill has maintained the core family atmosphere.

Marge works more hours than anyone. As she hand stamps lift tickets in the office, She says the most fun part of her job is all of the people she’s met over the years. While interviewing her, nearly 10 different people stopped to say hi specifically to her and she kindly asked how their day had been. Family is what fills Marge’s heart.

“You better like what you say you’re going to do for an occupation because if you don’t it’s not going to turn out as well. I love it! I have so many people say to me, why don’t you retire? My kids have a hard time getting me to take a day off because I love it so much and I feel such a part of it.” - Marge