2018 New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

Hall of Fame Induction: 

Please help us induct Roy and LaVena LeBus into the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame! In 1956 Roy and LaVena LeBus were one of the leading cattle ranchers in New Mexico with over 23,000 acres of pristine land in the Moreno Valley.  Fast forward ten years later and the LeBus’ took a leap of faith and converted their mountain ranch to a ski resort.  The winter of 1966-1967, Angel Fire Resort opened to the public and a ski destination was born.  Today, Angel Fire Resort offers over 570+ skiable acres and year round outdoor recreation.

Special Recognition:

Presented to the Southwest Nordic Club for their contribution to Nordic skiing over the years. They have organized and conducted events, cleared and maintained trails and made numerous other contributions to the New Mexico ski community.  

New Mexico Best of the Best:

1. Customer Service -- Bob Emanuelson, Ski Service Ambassador at TSV

Bob would describe himself as a “recovering salesman”. After years as a corporate salesman, Bob found his way to Taos, NM and is now an addict of telemark skiing and road biking. Bob has had a long career with Taos Ski Valley, doing everything from running the on-mountain restaurant to now running our Resort Ambassador department. In the summers, Bob helps run the local community pool and tennis club. If you can’t find Bob, chances are he is on his road bike and he just blew by you on Hwy 64. 

2. Ski Patrol -- Tom Minton at Ski Santa Fe

Born and raised in Taos, a UNM engineering graduate, and a lifelong employee and manager at Shell Oil, Tom began working at Ski Santa Fe after “retiring” in 2004.  He quickly saw that he could become an EMT and since 2005 has been a full patroller, and Assistant Director since 2015. He has been on more than his share of tough calls, and has risen with a humble confidence each time, a trait he carries into his friendly and reassuring management style.

3. Lift Operations -- Jordan Jarrett, Mountain Operations  at Angel Fire Ski Area

Jordan Jarrett grew up in Angel Fire, New Mexico and has lived here all his life.  With 4 total siblings and 3 of them, including Jordan working in Mountain Operations as Lift Operations Manager, Lift Maintenance Manager and Lift Operations Supervisor (Jordan). Jordan started working at the Resort as a dishwasher in 2011 when he was 15, and officially came to the Mountain in 2013 as a lift operator. Being the driven individual that he is, winter season 2016-17 Jordan was promoted to Lift Supervisor and quickly gained the respect of his co-workers and managers. This Summer Jordan now works for the Resort 10 months out the year and currently started his new job as a first year, level one mechanic with Lift Maintenance. 

 4. Ski Instructor -- Michael Donnelly, Ski Instructor at Pajarito

Michael has taught at Pajarito for the past two years.  He instructs all levels of student also both adults and children.  He is 80 years young and relates very will to the kids in his classes.  Great attitude, great example, great employee.

Snowmakers of all New Mexico Ski Resorts 

Taos Ski Valley, Red River, Angel Fire, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito, Sipapu, Sandia Peak, Ski Apache  

Given the trying year we had, the snowmakers at all resorts stepped up their game and gave us a season that 20 years ago would have not happened.  With an average of 54.9 inches of snow being 80.5 inches below our 5 year average of 135.4 inches, with out these people New Mexico would have had a very rough season.