Competitor & Innovator
From an early age, John Curtis had a love for the mountains, snow, and skiing. At age four, he put on his first pair of downhill skis and took his first run down Snow King. A natural skier, competitor, and coach, Curtis excelled at downhill skiing and jumping. Later, he traded in his alpine skis for Nordic ones, and in 1964, Curtis founded the JHSC Nordic program. That same year, the US Ski Association asked Curtis to chair the US Women’s Cross-Country ski program, the first in the country. In 1965, Curtis recognized the need for a cross country trail in the valley and thought Trail Creek Ranch would be an ideal venue. Owner Betty Woolsey happily obliged and Trail Creek Ranch has been home of the JHSC Nordic Program ever since. In 1967, Curtis instituted JHSC dryland training and created the Snow King Hill Climb. He was named coach of the first US Women’s Olympic Cross-Country team in 1970 and in later years, Curtis spent his time competing on the Master’s Nordic Circuit. Curtis made a life of skiing and relished in the competition, camaraderie, and spirit of the sport. A true treasure, John Curtis, will always be fondly remembered by the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club.
