It was 1970.......

.....when a guy named Mike D. from one of the suburbs of Chicago came knocking on my parents house front door to start a conversation about buying some of Dad's farm land........for a ski resort. One thing led to another and a deal was struck. I quit my job in Oskaloosa - flew to Aspen Colorado to learn to ski and to learn to teach.........from one of the best instructors at the resort.......in fact I lived with him for the week. Then returned home to begin clearing land, etc. for the new resort. Unfortunately within a couple of months with promises instead of a paycheck, we all learned Mike D. had more ideas than money........so exit stage left for Mike D.

Dad was humiliated and angered allowing himself to be taken by a big town swindler.....and vowed to make it right with his friends that had invested in the new resort.

This idea of a ski area in close proximity to Iowas largest cities, in close proximity to Iowas largest highway - I80..........had received a significant amount of publicity in a host of newspapers and even radio...........so Dad and Mom........actually Dad talked Mom into it.......said let's do it ourselves. So with the assistance of the seven kids.......a small ski resort named Fun Valley was born.........opening to the predominantly non skiing public in the winter of 1970-71.

And yours truly was the "ski instructor" for the resort.........after having learned from and at the best in the USA..........Aspen.

more later on this........instructing, snowmaking, rentals, lodge, grooming, NSPS........at little ole Fun Valley.

I still think winter is fun.........