Competitor & Innovator
Beloved coach Bill Ashley moved west after graduating from Dartmouth College, where he was captain of the ski team. While earning a Masters Degree from the University of Wyoming, Ashley helped create the school’s ski racing program and served as both coach and competitor. Post-graduation, Ashley moved to Jackson Hole where he became part owner of Jackson Sporting Goods. Soon after, he took over ownership of Snow King Ski School. Ashley’s love for skiing was without boundaries, as he coached Jackson’s youth in downhill, slalom, giant slalom, jumping, and cross-country. Under his guidance, many accomplished skiers reached their potential. Throughout his career, Ashley played a hugely important role in organizing and bringing large ski events to Jackson Hole, including the Junior National Ski Championships in 1954 and 1963. Ashley served as race chairman for both events and was instrumental in their success. In 1965, he opened Teton Village Sports, the first ski shop at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Upon retirement, Bill Ashley continued to ski, competing for many years in Masters Cross-Country ski racing and was a race official at the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York.
