Celebrating the Spirit of Skiing: Annual Award Presented by the New England Ski Museum
The Spirit of Skiing Award is a prestigious honor bestowed by the New England Ski Museum every fall. Inspired by Otto Schniebs’ timeless dictum that “skiing is not just a sport, it is a way of life,” this award recognizes individuals or organizations that have profoundly impacted the skiing world and exemplify its enduring spirit.
2025 Spirit of Skiing Award: Honoring the Macomber Family and the McLane Family
The McLane and Macomber families, with deep ties to the history of skiing and ski racing in New Hampshire, will be honored on November 22 at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel by the New England Ski Museum with the Spirit of Skiing Award.
The late Malcolm McLane and George Macomber were ski racing friends and patriarchs of families who created and founded Wildcat Ski Area in Pinkham Notch and went on to support ski racing across the region in many ways over the years. Their children and grandchildren have gone on to continue the rich tradition and have supported skiing and ski racing in a number of ways, and they too will be honored in November.
George Macomber passed away in 2015 at the age of 88 after a distinguished business career, which included participation in and building of the ski industry for decades. He was named to the U.S. Ski Team for the 1948 and 1952 Olympics, and for the 1950 World Championships at Aspen. Macomber teamed up with McLane, Brooks Dodge and Mack Beal to build Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire in the 1950s.
Malcolm McLane, who was a mayor of Concord and member of the New Hampshire Executive Council from the 2nd district from 1977 to 1982 passed away on Feb. 2, 2008 at the age of 83.
Born in Manchester he was educated at Dartmouth and Harvard and served in the US Army during World War II spending the last months of it in a German prisoner of war camp after his plane was shot down during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. McLane and his wife Susan were founding members of the New England Ski Museum.
Reserve Your Tickets for the 2025 Spirit of Skiing Award Ceremony
The Spirit of Skiing Award will be presented on November 22, 2025 at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods.
Tickets for the event are $125 can be purchased online or make a reservation by mailing a check to: New England Ski Museum, 135 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4403, or pay with a credit card over the phone at (603) 823-7177. Those interested in attending should RSVP by November 7.
All proceeds support the nonprofit New England Ski Museum.
Overnight accommodations are available at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel at a special rate if reserved by October 8, 2025 at (603) 278-8406 or at various locations nearby in Franconia and Twin Mountain.
Can’t Attend? Support in Spirit!
Can’t make it to the event but still want to celebrate the Macombers, McLanes, and the New England Ski Museum? No problem!
We’re offering an In Spirit Supporter Ticket. Your gift helps make the event a success and supports the Museum’s mission. Any amount is appreciated—and if you contribute $100 or more, you’ll be entered into a raffle for a stay at the Mount Washington Resort! Purchase it online or give us a call at (603) 823-7177.
Celebrate with us in person—or in spirit!
The Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Event Sponsorships
Help make this a true legacy event by becoming a sponsor! Sponsorships offer valuable benefits depending on your level of support, including recognition in Museum publications, promotional materials, and on-site at the event. Your organization or business will gain visibility across New England and beyond.
To learn more, please see our Sponsorship Deck.
Gold Sponsor:
Past Honorees of the Spirit of Skiing Award
Since its inception, the Spirit of Skiing Award has celebrated notable figures and groups whose contributions resonate deeply with the ethos of skiing. Past recipients include renowned personalities and organizations such as:
- Tom Corcoran
- Stein Eriksen
- Herbert Schneider
- SE Group
- Penny Pitou
- Georg Capaul
- E. John B. Allen
Their legacies have shaped the cultural and economic landscape of skiing, highlighting its transformative power.
2024 Spirit of Skiing Award: Honoring Ralph DesLauriers and the DesLauriers Family
The 2025 Spirit of Skiing Award proudly recognizes Ralph DesLauriers and the DesLauriers Family of Bolton Valley, Vermont, for their remarkable contributions to the world of skiing.
Ralph DesLauriers, alongside his father, laid the foundation for Bolton Valley Resort in the 1960s. The family’s vision and dedication transformed Bolton Valley into a cherished ski destination known for its abundant snowfall and beloved night skiing. Today, Ralph’s children carry forward this legacy by actively managing the resort, ensuring that the spirit of skiing remains vibrant for future generations.
Over the years, the DesLauriers family has introduced countless new skiers and generations of children to the joys of skiing. Their unwavering commitment to community, innovation, and enhancing the skiing experience embodies the true essence of Otto Schniebs’ philosophy. By fostering a welcoming atmosphere and continually improving the resort’s offerings, the DesLauriers Family has enriched the ski culture of Vermont and beyond.
