Congratulations Chris Davenport — U.S. Ski Hall of Fame

Chris Davenport in Messner Couloir, Denali, from his book ‘Fifty Classic Ski Descents.’

“Halls of Fame” are a funny thing, in that I always wonder if a person should be over 50, or over 70 for that matter, before they’re inducted, no matter how deserving. On the other hand, there are those individuals who pack so much into their lives that they probably could get their “HOF” induction by the time they’re 30.

Now 44 years old, Chris Davenport is one of those individuals. He grew up as a ski racer, but converted to freeride and won early (circa 1996) “extreme skiing” contests. His wins cemented a career as a pro skier, leading to movies and such. Chris is easily one of the best known skiers in the world.

But “Dav” heard the whisper of a higher calling. He heard the chime of the mountains, the voice of the hills, and managed over just a few years to morph into an alpinist. Now, with an Everest ascent under his belt, as well as being the first to ski all Colorado 14ers in one 12-month period, he’s got a resume the size of a Manhattan phone book.

Hall of Fame? You bet. Now is better than later. In another 10 years they’d have to build a wing onto the Ski Museum just to hold all Dav’s memorabilia!

Seriously, we’ve got so much respect for Chris here at WildSnow it’s hard to know where to start with the praise. We love his devotion to family, his attention to history, his athletic skill. More, he’s a first-class presenter and orator, and has several beautiful books with his name on the cover. As for Hall of Fame, Dav most certainly has inspired, helped, entertained and simply overall contributed to literally millions of skiers’ lives.

So, a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to “The Dav!”

Denver Post article.