2008 Ski Hall of Fame

Soon after he could walk, skiing was Drew Judycki’s guiding passion, so it’s fitting that he ended up owning a ski area. In a 1996 interview, Drew said, “This is the only thing I ever wanted to do - and I’m real fortunate to be able to do it.” Drew was born in Greenfield, Mass., on Nov. 30, 1947 to Helen and Frank Judycki. He was raised in Athol, Mass., where his father taught many of the local children to ski including Drew and his brother Denny. Drew later worked as a ski parol there and after graduating from Athol High School in 1966, turned down football scholarship offers from Eastern schools to attend New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M., because he wanted to ski in the Rocky Mountains. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and graduated in 1970 with a degree in journalism. Skiing was Drew’s passion, though, and during his first year in college he found work as a ski patrol at Sipapu, and then worked as a ski instructor for Red River Ski Area. He joined PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) in 1968 and earned his Stage 1 certification in 1971 and Stage 2 in 1973. After his college graduation, Drew worked for Red River Ski Area as a ski school supervisor for 2 years, then was a ski school director 1 year at Angel Fire Resort before returning to Red River Ski Area where he ultimately worked for over 30 years as ski school director, marketing director, general manager and, finally, owner. Upon his death in 2008, Drew was the sole owner, President and General Manager of Red River Ski Area.

In addition to Drew’s 40-year affiliation with PSIA, Drew was a longtime member of Ski New Mexico and served as president more than once, most recently in 1998, and on its board of directors. Drew also hosted local schools’ ski programs and was an avid supporter of the Red River Junior Racing Team (having served as its coach at one time) and the University of New Mexico Ski Team. Recognizing that his ski area and local businesses were intertwined, Drew also contributed to the growth and success of Red River by serving on the board of directors of the Red River Chamber of Commerce, on several town committees, including the Economic Development Committee, and as a town councilor 1974–78.

Skiing was not Drew’s only passion: He also loved riding motorcycles (dirt bikes and open road cruising), and visiting/reminiscing with old friends. His family is now carrying on Drew’s vision in Red River.