History
Our History
The Buck Hill Ski Racing Team began in 1965 during a time when skiing was rapidly gaining popularity across the nation. In 1969, Austrian legend Erich Sailer was recruited by the Stone family to become the new Program Director for the Team. Over the next 50 years Erich developed a legendary program creating champions in life and in ski racing.
In keeping with the tradition, the Buck Hill Ski Team continues to develop champions under the philosophies and teachings of Erich Sailer. The Buck Hill Ski Team has created more champions than any other program in the Central Division and arguably the nation.
Over the years, Buck Hill athletes have gone on to earn college scholarships, national titles, NCAA titles, win World Cups, named to the U.S. Ski Team, attend the Olympic games.
1965: Chuck Stone forms the present-day Buck Hill Ski Team to train local junior racers competing in the fledgling USSA Central Division Region 1 program. Skiing explodes across the nation, becoming one of the fastest-growing sports for all ages.
1969: Chuck and Nancy Stone send their daughters to a ski camp in Red Lodge, Montana, where they are coached by renowned Austrian skier Erich Sailer. The Stones persuaded him to move to the Midwest and become director of the junior racing program at Buck Hill. Under Sailer’s instruction, the team gains national attention by grooming nearly a dozen U.S. Ski Team members over the following years, including Lindsey Vonn and Kristina Koznick.
To learn more about the history of Erich Sailer and the legacy of the Buck Hill Ski Racing Team, click here.
Visit our alumni page for more details on former Buck Hill Ski Racing Team Athletes!