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It is very obvious to me, and I would hope to the town of Breckenridge and the Breckenridge Ski Resort, that we have some extraordinary ski pioneers in our midst who have also been sorely overlooked for the recognition and contribution that they deserve. I am talking about Trygve Berge and Sigurd Rockne who are a major part of the living history of skiing in Breckenridge.
Circa 1959, Trygve Berge and Sigurd Rockne, who are also world class skiers and were on the Norwegian team with Stein Eriksen, were living in Aspen and working as ski instructors. Stein was director of skiing at Aspen Highlands at that time and had sponsored them to come over from Norway to help him with his ski school. While in Aspen they met Bill Rounds, whose family was in the lumber business, and they convinced him to come over to Breckenridge with them to explore some business opportunities. Bill Rounds liked what he saw here and opened the first lumber yard, the Breckenridge Building Center, which is still in existence today. Trygve and Sigurd convinced Bill Rounds to develop what is now Peak 8 into the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Moreover, they even went up on the mountain and designed and cut the first ski trails, Spruce and Rounders, by hand.
In 1961 the Breckenridge Ski Resort opened for business, and the rest as they say, is history!
Trygve and Sigurd both went on to become successful and prominent in their own rights. Trygve became the first ski school director at Breckenridge. He also owned the original Norway Haus ski shop in Breckenridge. He is also a master stone mason and entrepreneur. Sigurd opened one of the first fine dining restaurants in Breckenridge, The Mine, and he is also a master home builder and real estate entrepreneur.
Beyond being world class skiers, they are also “world class people,” and I am personally honored to be included in their circle of friends. Had it not been for their efforts I think it's fair to say that Breckenridge would be a very different place today, and I suspect that many of us would not even be here. Their vision and contributions also help to personalize the history and evolution of Breckenridge.
I would respectfully challenge the Breckenridge Ski Resort, the mayor of Breckenridge and the Breckenridge Town Council to come up with an appropriate acknowledgment and recognition for the contributions and legacy that Trygve Berge and Sigurd Rockne have left for all of us to enjoy skiing in Breckenridge.
A couple of suggestions that I would put forward to acknowledge their contribution might be: possibly a bust of Trygve and Sigurd with a written history of their contributions at the Riverwalk Center, and/or a similar acknowledgment in a prominent location at the new One Ski Hill Place at the base of the Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Another important contribution that Sigurd and Trygve brought from their home country to Breckenridge is the very popular Ullr Fest event, which is still enjoyed today.
A word to the wise: if you happen to run into Sigurd (70+ years old) when you are out and about, don't get suckered into an arm wrestling match. He will turn you into a “gurly man” in a NY minute!
Circa 1959, Trygve Berge and Sigurd Rockne, who are also world class skiers and were on the Norwegian team with Stein Eriksen, were living in Aspen and working as ski instructors. Stein was director of skiing at Aspen Highlands at that time and had sponsored them to come over from Norway to help him with his ski school. While in Aspen they met Bill Rounds, whose family was in the lumber business, and they convinced him to come over to Breckenridge with them to explore some business opportunities. Bill Rounds liked what he saw here and opened the first lumber yard, the Breckenridge Building Center, which is still in existence today. Trygve and Sigurd convinced Bill Rounds to develop what is now Peak 8 into the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Moreover, they even went up on the mountain and designed and cut the first ski trails, Spruce and Rounders, by hand.
In 1961 the Breckenridge Ski Resort opened for business, and the rest as they say, is history!
Trygve and Sigurd both went on to become successful and prominent in their own rights. Trygve became the first ski school director at Breckenridge. He also owned the original Norway Haus ski shop in Breckenridge. He is also a master stone mason and entrepreneur. Sigurd opened one of the first fine dining restaurants in Breckenridge, The Mine, and he is also a master home builder and real estate entrepreneur.
Beyond being world class skiers, they are also “world class people,” and I am personally honored to be included in their circle of friends. Had it not been for their efforts I think it's fair to say that Breckenridge would be a very different place today, and I suspect that many of us would not even be here. Their vision and contributions also help to personalize the history and evolution of Breckenridge.
I would respectfully challenge the Breckenridge Ski Resort, the mayor of Breckenridge and the Breckenridge Town Council to come up with an appropriate acknowledgment and recognition for the contributions and legacy that Trygve Berge and Sigurd Rockne have left for all of us to enjoy skiing in Breckenridge.
A couple of suggestions that I would put forward to acknowledge their contribution might be: possibly a bust of Trygve and Sigurd with a written history of their contributions at the Riverwalk Center, and/or a similar acknowledgment in a prominent location at the new One Ski Hill Place at the base of the Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Another important contribution that Sigurd and Trygve brought from their home country to Breckenridge is the very popular Ullr Fest event, which is still enjoyed today.
A word to the wise: if you happen to run into Sigurd (70+ years old) when you are out and about, don't get suckered into an arm wrestling match. He will turn you into a “gurly man” in a NY minute!
