Born in 1915, McCollister spent 83 years living every man's dreams. His remarkable life story includes the attainment of feats undreamed of by others through his force of will and unparalleled determination.

"Paul set a great example of how to give back and receive much in return. Wyoming enjoys hosting a premier ski resort thanks to the dreams of Paul and Esther McCollister, but Pauls legacy is beyond the physical facilities," said Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer. "Paul's legacy is the example he set for future generations, a message that, in the words of Anatole France, "To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe." Paul believed and acted."

McCollister enjoyed the blessings and benefits of a 60-year marriage to the same woman, his beloved wife, Esther. He earned degrees in sociology and economics from Stanford University (hence Jackson Hole's alignment with the color red), which he generously endowed with scholarships in the name of his family for deserving scholar/athletes.

"He was a visionary who saw opportunities and brought about tangible results where others saw only obstacles," said Blann. "Most of us would feel like our life's efforts were successful if we accomplished even one of Paul's achievements."

McCollister retired at age 42 after a successful career in radio advertising, spent a year skiing the world famous resorts of Europe, and spent time as a gentleman rancher on a 390-acre spread in Teton County, Wyo.

In 1967, McCollister unveiled his greatest dream with the founding of Jackson Hole Ski Corp., which he single-handedly developed. He was the proverbial David competing against such corporate Goliaths as Ralston-Purina and various Japanese conglomerates.

"Paul was a true pioneer," said Michael Berry, president of the National Ski Areas Association. "He created Jackson Hole from a dream and the industry recognized his unique accomplishment by honoring Paul with the first NSAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994."

"Apart from his family, Paul loved the mountains in Jackson more than anything else in life. His dream was to create a European Village resort and he succeeded beyond anyone's expectations through sheer persistence and tenacity," said Blann.

McCollister had previously built his own 18-hole golf course with unparalleled views of the Teton Range. He dined with presidents, skied with astronauts, befriended Olympic champions, including Pepi Steigler, Jean-Claude Killy and Buddy Werner, hosted renowned journalists Lowell Thomas and Tom Brokaw, and entertained a long line of notables that includes monarchs, shahs, captains of industry and Hollywood stars.

Jackson Hole Ski Corp. founder Paul McCollister died Wednesday, April 14, 1999 at his home in Jackson Hole, Wyo. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of ski industry legend Paul McCollister," said Jackson Hole Mountain Resort President Jerry Blann. "Paul was a legend who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him."

"Jackson Hole, Teton County and Wyoming will always benefit from Paul's legacy, said John L. Kemmerer III, chairman of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. "Paul's goal of creating a world-class resort at Jackson Hole will be continued and fulfilled under our family's ownership."

Meet the current owners, the Kemmerers