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Colorado
Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame  Wilfred "Slim" Davis 1909-1978 Inducted into the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame 1983 | Home | Back to Alphabetical List | Year of Induction List | Back to Athlete | Back to Ski Sport Builder | Back to Inspirational |
Slim devoted 40 years to the US Forest Service as a ski-sport builder from 1933-1973. His career included service with the famous 10th Mountain Division during World War II. He was an early innovator of ski area design, slope layout, avalanche control and ski area safety.
Slim was the first Rocky Mountain Region ski area expert and was responsible for developing the special use permits that allowed private ski developments on public lands. This helped to provide year-round recreational opportunities in National Forests. Slim inventoried potential ski areas in Colorado during the 1930s and was instrumental in the establishment of Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, and Aspen ski areas.
Slim was a nationally recognized authority and teacher of winter sports management. He also trained and encouraged many Forest Service and ski industry leaders. He provided the foundation and high ideals that allowed these individuals to expand winter sports and skiing opportunities nationwide.
After retirement in 1973, Slim continued to contribute his experience and talent in winter sports as vice-president of the United States Ski Association.