Paul McCollister digital photograph collection

Collection

Identifier: P1311

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Paul McCollister photograph collection contains 7 digital only scans and 1 physical print of Paul McCollister in portrait, skiing, and at his ski resort in Wyoming between approximately 1960 and 1995.

Dates

circa 1960-1995

Creator

Sullivan, Jim (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Paul McCollister photograph collection must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator.

Biographical Note

Following a successful career operating a California-based radio advertising company, Paul McCollister used his creative genius to envision, and ultimately build, the world-renowned Jackson Hole Ski Area in Northwestern Wyoming. In 1957, nearly 20 years after discovering the pristine beauty of the Grand Tetons, Paul moved his family from the rapidly growing California Bay Area to the remote and wild valley of Jackson Hole. Paul experienced all the wonderful opportunities the area had to offer, but his entrepreneurial spirit was about to be unleashed. In 1963 Paul McCollister launched the infant resort by forming the Jackson Hole Ski Corporation, obtaining a $1 million government-sponsored loan, and heeding the advice of ski mountain-savvy Willy Schaeffler, legendary coach of the touted Denver University Ski Team. Construction began in 1964.

When the Jackson Hole Ski Area opened in 1966, it offered three chairlifts and a 63 passenger aerial tramway, the iconic centerpiece of Paul’s dream. The tram whisked skiers to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, boasting a vertical rise of 4,139 feet, the greatest in North America. From day one Jackson Hole has attracted the most talented and dedicated individuals. It is truly a “skier’s mountain." Rightfully proud, Paul said of his efforts: “There are not too many people who have created something from virtually nothing. This is my baby. It has turned out to be my life.” Paul McCollister retired from the resort in 1992 and died in 1999 at the age of 84. Biography used in Paul's induction into the Intermountain Ski Hall of Fame in 2007

Extent

.2 Linear Feet (1 archives box) : 7 digital only items, 1 physical print

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Paul McCollister photograph collection consists mostly of digital only materials, McCollister was a co-founder of the Jackson Hole Ski Area and was involved in the development of the ski industry in Wyoming.

Abstract

Digital-only images of Paul McCollister. McCollister was a co-founder of the Jackson Hole Ski Area and was involved in the development of the ski industry in Wyoming.