History and Mission

Open for more than 50 years, Pico Mountain has been home to a number of world class athletes and is prized as one of oldest and best ski resorts in New England. With a strong tradition of family skiing, ski racing and skier development, the ski racing program at Pico has produced numerous championship alpine ski racers; from local "stars" to those with international recognition.

Since the early 1950's, Pico skiers have been competing at the highest state and regional levels for all age groups. Success at regional events often results in qualification for national and international meets. Even in the early years, travel costs for distant events were often cost prohibitive for athletes and their families.

In 1977, founding Directors; Harry "Rebel" Ryan, Erling Omland, Jim Gilbert, Dr.Tom Maletta, Bruce Belden, John Southworth and David Nelson established the Pico Ski Education Foundation, a non-profit entity, as a vehicle to raise funds and community awareness for local skiing athletes and to provide scholarships to help cover athlete expenses.

Throughout the 1980's, several area athletes received PSEF scholarships to travel and attendance at U.S. Junior Olympic and other regional and national events.

In the 1990's, the U.S. Skiing Developmental Program was restructured to focus more heavily on regional events. In response, PSEF focused their efforts on the support of the Pico Ski Club (PSC) Alpine Racing program; purchasing race equipment to lower overall operating expenses, and offering skiers scholarships in order and encourage more young athletes to participate in the sport.

Consistent with its tradition, PSEF continues to support programs designed to encourage young athletes to participate in the sport of ski racing and support the alpine racing program at Pico Mountain.