Ski New Mexico will honor two trailblazing women whose leadership helped shape the state’s ski industry, along with longtime industry professionals and exceptional ski area employees, at the 2026 New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Albuquerque.
The annual banquet celebrates the pioneers, leaders and employees whose vision, dedication and service have strengthened skiing throughout the Land of Enchantment. This year’s honorees represent decades of contributions—from helping establish one of New Mexico’s most iconic ski destinations to advancing mountain operations, guest service and statewide tourism.
“These awards celebrate the remarkable people who have helped build and sustain New Mexico’s ski industry,” said Christy Germscheid, Executive Director of Ski New Mexico. “From pioneering leaders whose influence spans generations to outstanding employees making a difference every day, it is a privilege to recognize their contributions and preserve their stories.”
Hall of Fame Inductees
Rhoda Blake – Taos Ski Valley
Rhoda Blake played an essential, hands-on role in the development and enduring legacy of Taos Ski Valley alongside her husband, legendary ski pioneer Ernie Blake. A skilled mechanic who had worked at the Alameda Naval Air Station during World War II, Rhoda brought a remarkable range of practical talents to the fledgling ski area. She mounted bindings on early Head skis, filled holes in the tips of surplus U.S. Army skis so they could be repainted and used as rentals, and even became Taos Ski Valley’s explosives expert, blasting stumps and rocks as the mountain was developed.
An accomplished driver, Rhoda handled much of the early on-mountain driving and helped lay out many of the roads and trails that shaped Taos Ski Valley. While Ernie traveled to promote Taos and skiing in New Mexico, Rhoda established the resort’s rental and retail shops and operated that side of the business for many years. Her mechanical skill, resourcefulness and willingness to tackle nearly any job made her an integral part of building Taos Ski Valley from its earliest days.
Rhoda was recognized as an Honorary Member of the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame in 2004. She passed away in 2015. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to Taos Ski Valley and New Mexico’s ski industry, the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame is proud to honor Rhoda Blake as a full inductee in 2026.
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 competed at the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City finishing in the top 10, and helped advance adaptive skiing by designing an innovative sit-ski with a shock-absorption system that allowed him to load chairlifts independently.
After more than 20 years of alpine racing, Kenny took up Nordic sit-ski racing and competed at a high level for years. Among his accomplishments, he won three bronze medals in cross-country events at the 2020 U.S. Paralympic Nordic Nationals. He also competed at the Haywood Ski Nationals at Whistler in 2013, finishing second in the sprint and third in the 7.5K, as well as racing the 5K and 10K.
Kenny trained regularly at Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area and was a familiar and inspiring presence there for many years. 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.