Hall of Fame Inductees
Rhoda Blake – Taos Ski Valley
Rhoda Blake played an essential role in the development and enduring legacy of Taos Ski Valley alongside her husband, legendary ski pioneer Ernie Blake. While Ernie worked to build the mountain, Rhoda helped build the community around it—supporting the family-run operation and contributing to the welcoming culture and deeply personal spirit that became hallmarks of Taos Ski Valley.
Her dedication, resilience and behind-the-scenes leadership helped guide the resort through its formative years and establish a legacy that continues to influence Taos Ski Valley today. Her induction recognizes not only her contributions to one of New Mexico’s most celebrated ski areas, but also her place in the history of skiing in New Mexico.
India Hatch – Taos Ski Valley
India Hatch devoted decades to promoting skiing, tourism and hospitality throughout New Mexico. Her career included leadership roles with Sandia Peak, Red River Ski Area and the Taos Valley Resort Association, giving her a broad and influential presence across the state’s ski industry.
She later operated a statewide central reservation business that helped connect visitors with New Mexico’s ski areas and mountain communities. Hatch also served on the Ski New Mexico Board of Directors from 1988 to 2002, contributing 14 years of leadership during an important period of growth and collaboration for the industry. Her induction recognizes a career defined by statewide vision, industry leadership and an enduring commitment to sharing New Mexico’s mountains with visitors from across the country.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Kenny LaCome – Taos Ski Valley & Questa
Following a 1983 motorcycle racing accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Kenny LaCome became a pioneering adaptive athlete, earning a place on the U.S. Disabled Ski Team and competing nationally and internationally. He won a silver medal at the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City and helped advance adaptive skiing by designing an innovative sit-ski with a shock-absorption system that allowed him to load chairlifts independently. His remarkable athletic career, ingenuity and determination have inspired generations within and beyond the ski community.
Distinguished Service Awards
Michael Lindenbaum – Ski Santa Fe
For more than four decades, Lindenbaum has played an instrumental role in Ski Santa Fe’s snowmaking, grooming, mountain construction and equipment operations. His experience, ingenuity and dedication have helped establish exceptionally high standards for mountain operations and snow quality at Ski Santa Fe.
Alain Veth – Taos Ski Valley
Veth has devoted his career to skiing as an instructor, coach, technician, mentor and business owner. He founded Le Ski Mastery, coached the Taos Ski Academy and today serves as Technical Director of the Ernie Blake Snowsports School. His knowledge, passion and commitment to developing generations of skiers have made a lasting impact on Taos Ski Valley and the broader ski community.
Best of the Best Awards
Customer Service
- Chance Pierce – Sandia Peak Tramway
- Melissa Heidel – Pajarito Mountain
Rental
- Paul Ortega – Ski Santa Fe
Snowsports Instructor
- David Heber – Ski Santa Fe
- Orlando Torres – Taos Ski Valley
Rising Star
- Chris Miller – Sandia Peak Tramway
Leadership Excellence
- Kennedy Bullock – Taos Ski Valley
Ski Patrol
- Dave Kidd – Red River Ski & Summer Area
Mountain Employee
- Bryan Edlund – Sipapu Ski & Summer Area
Special Recognition
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham – New Mexico Governor
Ski New Mexico will present a Special Recognition Award to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in appreciation for her eight years of support for New Mexico’s ski industry during her two terms as Governor.
The recognition honors her administration’s support of tourism, outdoor recreation, New Mexico’s ski areas and the mountain communities they serve.