Our History 

It was late in the  1980’s a racer named Rambo and ski instructor named Ron returned from winter break they spent traveling to various ski resorts in the rockies. There they met up at that night the Peanut Barrel for a crisp pint of Coors Banquet, it was there they reminisced of the cliffs they dropped, the chutes they skied, and the gnar they shredded. It was that not after many, many more points that an idea was born. 

Flash back to a week earlier they traveled through Colorado at Crested Butte they were challenged by a skier who went by the name of Ken Read (born in Ann Arbor). They started at the top  North Face T-bar, the first to arrive at Paradise Bar (later to be renamed the Vista)  would be the champion, and buy the first round. It was a tight race Ken had the lead until Rambo took a hard right through the trees down one of the steepest runs in North America. Rambo knew that despite Ken being as quick as a snow fox on the groomed trails, he was not nearly as adequate through the jungle of pines that encompassed the west side of the mountain. Through there is where Rambo saw the shimmering light of victory, stealing it away from Ken, who all but thought he left Rambo in the dirt. From then forth, Rambo has been a local legend of the area, known as the skier who won through sheer ingenuity and raw talent over the mythical technique of Ken Read. By the time Ken got to the Paradise Bar, Ron and Rambo had deleted a pitcher of Miller Light and won a free T-Shirt from a promoter by the name of Shwany D. Ken shook his hand, in true sportsmanship they shared pitchers, shared stories and Sang the MSU version of Dixie-land Delight. 

Flashback to the Peanut Barrel, Rambo and Ron wanted to bring their own out west experience to their friends at Michigan State. It wasn’t long before they shared their stories with their friends and they began a tradition of trekking north each weekend to the likes of Boyne, Crystal, Schuss, and Nubs. Here they would ski, snowboard, build bonds, and share a beverage or two. Soon, universities from all around Michigan were joining in lodges like the Mountain Valley or the Eagles Nest. It wasn’t long before they organized races between MSU and their little sister school and other institutions from around the midwest. Due to his actions of years past, Ron has allowed the passage of the torch to USCSA which organizes races for athletes throughout the country. While these legends graduated long ago many more members have left their mark on the team. Ask members about Brickert, Garçon, Tori, Storey or their greatest ski team moment, we assure you it won’t disappoint.

P.S. rumor has it if you are in the Vista on a Saturday and you finish a pitcher you may be given a promotional T-shirt from the Shawny D himself.