2011 Ski Hall of Fame

Joe L. McClaugherty is a native of Texas, raised in Seguin. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with honors with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He went on to earn his Doctor of Jurisprudence, again with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin. He is licensed to practice law in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado, and is authorized to practice in the Federal District and Appellate Courts in those states, as well as in the U.S. Supreme Court.

After law school, Joe arrived in New Mexico and quickly became involved as the attorney representing the New Mexico ski industry. He assisted in drafting the New Mexico Ski Safety Act and has represented ski areas including Angel Fire, Ski Santa Fe, Sandia Peak, Pajarito, Red River, Sipapu, Ski Apache, and Taos Ski Valley in every New Mexico jury trial and appellate case interpreting the Act. Over more than thirty years, and at the time of his Hall of Fame induction, Joe had won every jury trial defending a New Mexico ski area.

Joe has also provided outstanding legal representation to New Mexico’s ski shops and related manufacturers of ski sports equipment. At the time of his induction, he had never lost a jury trial defending New Mexico ski-related businesses.

In addition, Joe has served as a Director on the boards of three New Mexico ski areas and as General Counsel to two others. He has volunteered countless hours supporting ski industry training and skier safety programs at both state and national levels. Joe has also served as President and a long-term board member of the Association of Ski Defense Attorneys.

Beyond his service to the ski industry, Joe has many other interests and accomplishments. He has devoted time to youth sports as a supporter and coach, contributed generously to civic causes, served as a director of a NYSE publicly traded company and various international companies, taught as an adjunct professor of law at UNM Law School, and is a published author.

Joe continues to be a driving force in New Mexico’s ski industry by protecting the sport and providing tireless guidance and counsel. His invaluable contributions are honored by his election to the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame.