Special Recognition Awards

Max Killinger was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame for 2023. Max has worked at Taos Ski Valley for more than fifty years. In that time he has served as a ski instructor, ski school supervisor and Snowsports School Director. Max emigrated from Germany early on and found his way to Taos Ski Valley to work with Ernie Blake. He brought with him a love of the mountains, a deep passion for skiing and a uniquely European charm. He was instrumental in forging Taos Ski Valley and the Ernie Blake Snowsports School into the world-recognized resort it is today. Max semi-retired at age 83 in 2018 and continues to be an inspiration to all those he encounters on the mountain. Max is legendary and is well-known throughout the New Mexico ski industry and his character and charisma are forever woven into the fabric of Taos Ski Valley.