Lou is almost a Colorado native, arriving from Chicago in Estes Park at the age of two weeks. He put on his first pair of skis at age four. At age 18, he joined the National Ski Patrol as a volunteer for the Boulder Ski Patrol, and has been serving ever since, last year receiving a commendation for fifty years of service. He has been a representative of the Rocky Mountain Division Board of Directors and served on the Vail (as a volunteer on their first ski patrol), Winter Park, Arapahoe Basin, Berthoud Pass and Loveland Ski Patrols. He was one of the founders of the Colorado Ski Museum, and was a board member of Ski Club Vail.

He served in many NSPS leadership positions, including section chief, regional director, assistant division chairman, Rocky Mountain Division Representative to the NSPS national board and NSPS "Ombudsman." He also founded the "Rusty Parka News", the Central Division's newsletter, and became editor and producer of "Probeline", the Rocky Mountain Division's newsletter.

His contribution to World Cup and World Championship events was and is very valuable through his coordination and support, from 1982 to the 1999 World Championships. His inspiration to the young people who have worked with him has set an unequaled example. In 1969 he was awarded the NSPS "Yellow Merit Star" for service, and was awarded the American Red Cross ten-year Certification of Directors. For more than 25 years, he has taught first aid to groups, including the National Ski Patrol, Colorado Guides and Outfitters, and the American Youth Hostel Organization. He currently operates the H Bar G Ranch Youth Hostel in Estes Park.

Lou is a graduate of the University of Colorado, also the CU School of Business, and served two years in the US Air Force.