Barbara Stewart Anderson: A Woman Ahead Of Her Time
At Age 82, She’s Athletic And Adventuresome. And She’s The Legacy Of Her Ski Pioneer Father Founder Of Utah’s Sundance Resort.
Barbara Stewart Anderson keeps going at 83.
Credit: Harriet Wallis
Barbara Stewart Anderson is like the pink Duracell bunny. She keeps going and going. She lives by her philosophy: “If I can do it today, then why not? I may not be able to do it tomorrow.”
Her accomplishments prove her philosophy. She scuba dived the Great Barrier Reef, completed seven treks in Nepal, rode a yak in Tibet, heli-hiked in British Columbia, and reached the summit of 13,679 foot high Mona Loa in Hawaii. What makes it remarkable—she did it in her 60s.
Looking back, Barbara grew up in the era of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s when women observed strict gender roles. But she was never strapped by the expectations of society. Instead of feeling suppressed or confined, she picked up speed. She has always been a woman ahead of the time.
Her list of accomplishments keeps growing. Just 5 years ago, she sky dived, and she also summited 19,341 foot high Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest point on the African continent. She was 76.
Growing up loving the outdoors
Her passion for unbridled outdoor adventures began when she was a youngster.
Her family homesteaded in the beautiful North Fork of Provo Canyon. Her dad, Ray Stewart, built a little cabin near the base of Mt. Timpanogos. During the summers, Barbara and her siblings roamed the hills and hiked to the waterfalls. It inspired Barbara to a life of over-the-top outdoor adventures that continues to this day.
WWII changed the course of lives and skiing
During WWII, the little Stewart cabin became headquarters for training the Civilian Defense Ski and Mountain Corps—sort of a civilian version of the military’s 10th Mountain Division. In addition to first aid and other skills, ski pioneer Stewart taught the recruits how to ski. And that fanned their enthusiasm to continue skiing after the war.
Barbara with photo of dad Ray and Robert Redford.
Credit: Harriet Wallis
When the war ended, Stewart, along with legendary skier Junior Bounous and others from the Defense Corps, cobbled together a rope tow. Stewart bought 1,200 feet of new manila rope for $61 and an old truck for $125 to power the tow. Using written instructions, he learned how to splice the rope into a loop — and it worked. It was the first ski tow in the area.
The tow created new challenges for the whole family. As the oldest child, Barbara was often called on for help. The tow was powered by car batteries, and nine-year-old Barbara helped her dad the lug heavy batteries on and off the mountain so they wouldn’t freeze at night and lose their charge. She also learned to run the snack bar, punch ski tickets and help skiers onto the tow. It was all part of growing up in a ski pioneering family.
As skiing quickly became popular, they built a 50-meter ski jump and raced on the Mt. Timpanogos glacier in the summer. In 1948, famed skier and Olympic coach Alf Engen set the Giant Slalom course on the Timpanogos glacier. The event drew notable racers including Jack Reddish, Dev Jennings, Corey Engen, and Olympian Suzy Harris.
Ray Stewart modified skis so young, energetic Barbara could ski on the glacier too. By the time she was 12, she was winning junior ski tournaments in Downhill, Slalom and Cross Country.
The burgeoning little ski area grew, and it was named Timp Haven. Years later Robert Redford bought it, and it became Sundance.
Stewart was inventive and creative with a passion for tackling the difficult and never giving up. Today, ski pioneer Ray Stewart’s name lives on at Sundance. The main lift is named for him: Ray’s Lift.
Now at 82, Barbara is an icon of taking on challenges and achieving results much like her dad did. She skis regularly with the Sundance Seniors, walks three miles a day, works out at the gym, took first place in a 5K race, and is active in her church and community. Nothing stops her. Many would be exhausted trying to keep up with her.
Over the years, Barbara built a collection of more than 600 miniature skier figurines that are on a rotating exhibit at the Alf Engen Ski Museum at the Olympic Park in Park City. Visitors can also learn about avalanches, sit in a real bobsled, try their knack at interactive ski jumping, and more.
The $10.5 million museum was funded entirely by private donations, including donations from Utah’s famed and philanthropic Quinney and Eccles families. There is no admission charge. Visit and enjoy the museum.
To read more from Harriet click here for her stories on SkiUtah.
Barbara sky diving. Quite a selfie.
Credit: Barbara Anderson
This Week In SeniorsSkiing.com (March 2)
Introducing NEW DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS, Mystery Pic, Smuggs Resort Review, Injury Lesson, Women XC Gold.
This week, SeniorsSkiing.com is very happy to introduce Discounts For Seniors, a new feature that brings real savings to our readers. All our research surveys have revealed a constant finding: Senior snow sports enthusiasts—our readers—are looking for discounts. Knowing that, we have curated a number of vendors who have agreed to offer interesting products at 15-20% and more discounts to our readers.
From the beginning of SeniorsSkiing.com, we have recognized that our readers are not just winter sport participants; our readers are active all year round—hiking, kayaking, sailing and lots of other sports in non-snow months. You also have grandchildren. So our select collection of vendors is eclectic, presenting ideas for products you can use as well as for gifts you can buy for friends and families.
To access our Discounts For Seniors page, click here. Note the discount code on the ad and click through to the vendor’s site to order.
We are quite excited about this new offering to our readers. Please let us know what you think.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS
This Week
Big, high, dry, up in the sky: That’s Taos. Credit: Val E.
Another Mystery Glimpse to puzzle over. This has proven to be a popular feature, highlighting historical photos from ski museums across the country. However, for the first time, we had a submission of a mystery photo from a reader. Perhaps you have a curious old picture from the past or about ski lore you might want to post. Let us know.
Correspondent Val E. reports on Taos, the high country ski area in New Mexico which seems to cast a spell on people who ski and live there. Perhaps it’s the altitude. Click here to read his Taos review.
In another Resort Review, correspondent Tamsin Venn tells us about Smuggler’s Notch, way up in Vermont, next to Stowe. She reports on intermediate trails that range from mountain top to bottom which offer seniors a chance to ski confidently. At the same time, did you know that Smuggler’s has the only triple black diamond in the Eastern US? Lots of variation for families.
Unfortunately, correspondent Yvette Cardozo had a “routine” fall that turned into a significant injury. She opines on recovery and reflects on lessons learned.
Finally, XCSkiResorts.com publisher Roger Lohr offers his thoughts on the amazing first gold Cross Country Olympic medal for the women’s team sprint. His prediction: Cross Country racing is going to get a big boost from this historic victory.
Thanks to all readers who have offered to financially support SeniorsSkiing.com. Your response is gratifying; we very much appreciate your help in defraying costs.
On to March. We hear the Sierras are getting big snow at last; let’s hope the crowds come out.
Meanwhile, tell your friends about us. There are more of us every day, and we aren’t going away.
There are lots of blues at Smuggler’s for cruising seniors.
Credit: Tamsin Venn
Short Swings!
Living up to its reputation, at least across the West and Northeast, March is entering like a wild snow lion.
SeniorsSkiing.com is heralding the arrival of March with a new discount service. It provides significant discounts on products Mike and I think will interest you. Some are specifically ski-oriented, others fit with the older, active, outdoors lifestyle.
Each offering is presented at Discounts for Seniors. Once there, simply click on any ad, and it will take you the company’s website. If you decide to make a purchase, enter the code on the ad, and you’ll receive the specified discount.
A few examples:
- Apex Boot Systems is waiving the $25 demo fee at its 11 demo centers.
- Stabil slip-prevention shoe attachments are 20% off. Every senior should carry a pair in the car.
- CP Visor Helmets (I’ve skied with it. Comfortable, stylish, VERY nice!!), also 20% off.
- Brilliant Reflective stick on/iron on reflective tapes (essential for nighttime safety) 25% off.
We’ll be adding to the discounted product list over time. If you have suggestions for products or services that you’d like to see on the list, send them to jon@seniorsskiing.com and/or mike@seniorsskiing.com.
100 Year Old Skier Explains His Passion
George Jedenoff is 100+ and still skiing!
Many of you commented a few weeks ago on Harriet Wallis’ excellent articles about George Jedenoff, the 100+ year old who still skis. Ski Utah just issued this video of George discussing skiing. It is uplifting!!!
Paralympics and the Rest of Us
With the PyeongChang Paralympics (March 9-18) about to get under way, Mike and I have been thinking about skiers we’ve met who ski despite serious health issues. Many have used their love of the sport as motivation to return to the hill. We’re learning of programs utilizing winter sport as a form of rehabilitation. If you or someone you know has recovered or improved though skiing, boarding, X-C. snowshoe, etc. and want to share that story with our readers, please let us know.
2018-19 Season Passes
Mountain Collective just added Big Sky to its offerings. The early price is $409 which gives two days at each of 16 resorts plus 50% off all additional days. For each adult pass purchased, a pass for children 12 or under cost $1. That includes grandchildren!
Ikon Pass goes on sale March 6. It comes in two flavors, both giving access to 25 destination resorts. 
- The $899 version gives unlimited to 12 resorts and up to seven days at each of the others.
- The $599 version gives unlimited access to 10 destinations and up to five days at each of the others.
Vail Resorts introduced the $99 Military Epic Pass in recognition of the Vail founders who served in the 10th Mountain Division. All active and retired US, Canadian and Australian military personnel and their dependents are eligible for the pass which provides unlimited 2018-19 access to Vail’s 14 owned and operated resorts. A separate Military Epic Pass will be available for all other US, Canadian and Australian veterans and their dependents ($499 for adults; $269 for children). Vail also will donate $1 the Wounded Warrior Project for each 2018-19 Epic pass sold. Based on this season’s sales that should total $750,000.
Massachusetts
Jiminy Peak will host a Cardboard Box Derby and pond skimming contest March 17-18. The mountain’s STRIDE Great Race is the same weekend. It recognizes accomplishments of skiers/riders with physical or developmental disabilities (stride.org).
Montana
Fifty-year-old, Rob Leipheimer recently seta new record for laps on Big Sky’s Lone Peak Tram. He completed 35, breaking the previous record of 31 set in 1998.
New Hampshire
Cranmore Mountain will introduce its Flannel Festival March 24. Show up in your best flannel, enter your beard in a contest, music, etc. Details at Cranmore.com.
Quebec
Quebec Spring Break is March 3 – 11. Many of the province’s resorts will be celebrating with festivals, races, live music, etc.
Saturday, March 3 is Super Demo Day at Mont Tremblant. Next season’s gear will be available to try.
Vermont
Bromley will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Scavenger Hunt and other festivities. Find the pot of gold at the top of the mountain and trade it for a 2018-19 season pass. Follow the resort on Instagram for location hints.
Ski for MS, Sunday March 11, is a one-day Pico fundraiser benefiting people with multiple sclerosis. People from around the country — including Olympian Donna Weinbrecht — will gather to benefit people with MS and their families.
The private Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain is on the brink of foreclosure. Three notes for $17.1 million went into default. Club members may take over ownership.
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