Willy's Run Opened Today
— Posted by Samantha on January 14, 2012
Willys Run Opening
January 14, 2012
Willys Run Opening
January 14, 2012
Willys Run Opening
January 14, 2012
Willy’s Run opened up today, giving Park City Mountain Resort skiers and riders a fast and exciting black diamond run to conquer. But did you ever stop to think about where this Signature Run’s name came from before you dropped in?
Well, here is your Park City Mountain Resort history lesson for the day:
The Origin of Willy’s Run
Willy’s Run is affectionately named for Willy Schaeffler, the German-American skiing champion, coach and resort development expert. Throughout a career that spanned over 40 years, he was largely responsible for the evolution of alpine skiing course design, namely through his work as the Director of Ski Events at the 1960 Winter Olympic Games where he developed each of the alpine courses. He also coached several medal-winning ski teams, including serving as the head coach at the 1972 Winter Olympics for the U.S. team.
His career as “America’s Most Successful Ski Coach” inevitably changed the face of Park City Mountain Resort. In 1974, he moved the U.S. National Ski Team to Park City, where it remains located to this day. He also established the first national ski training center here in Park City, designing large parts of the ski training area at PCMR, known as the “Ski Team Ridge.” This ridge features not only Willy’s Run, but also several of Park City’s more famous ski racing runs, like Picabo’s.
So make sure you savor that little bit of history the next time you bomb down Willy’s Run, and try to find the commemorative plaque for Willy Schaeffler, located on Legacy Lodge.
To see more photos from Willy's Run opening today, click here.
Willy's run is one of my favorite runs at PC. Glad its open now!
— Posted by snowboarding on January 19, 2012 11:31 AM MST
My wife and I skied/snowboarded the opening of Willy's run and it was amazing. Thanks to the PC guide at the lift who told us about it. Hopefully next trip there will be some powder. Otherwise the best snowboard trip of my life.
— Posted by Keith Kyle on January 17, 2012 3:45 PM MST