History of the Education Foundation

 

 

Mike and Miriam Sodergren 

 

Mike and Mim were killed in a landslide in Thredbo, Australia July 30, 1997 after more than 30 back-to-back seasons as ski instructors in Tahoe and Australia, examiners/clinicians for PSIA-W, regional demonstration team member (Mike), Junior Education Team member (Mim), and co-founders of ski school programs such as the Women’s program at Alpine Meadows (Mim) and the North American Ski Training Center (Mike).

That is only a thumbnail sketch of their lofty careers. More than anything, they were loved.  Loved by all who knew them.  I continue to run into instructors world wide that loved them as brothers and sisters.  It is always the same words from these instructors: “Mike and Mim were the embodiment of professional ski teachers and they were my best friends.” 

While at Interski in Crans Montana in January I ran into a long time friend of the Soddys’, Jim Kercher.  Jim leaned over the fence at the opening ceremonies in Switzerland and whispered “they are here.”  Without any explanation I knew exactly what Jim was talking about.  It was true.  They were there.  Every time I do a clinic I think about how these two quintessential pros would have handled it.  They would handle it with humor, precision, attention to detail, a lightness on the snow that resembled a dance and an uncanny ability to turn people on to skiing.

They turned people on to a belief in a mountain lifestyle and a belief in the vehicle of ski instruction as a way to reach many souls. The fire that burned in them lit many small fires around the world and after they died in 1997 those small fires flared and channeled through the veins of those who knew them.  Those who never knew them continue to be touched by their influence.

That is our intention with the Sodergren Fund scholarships: to pass the fire through educational experiences that ignite the smouldering passion of instructors who exemplify the qualities and values that Mike and Mim held in such high regard.  Your support of this foundation is essential for its continued growth.

You can help keep the spirit alive by donating to the Sodergren Fund in either money or prizes for the silent auction to be held at the Convention in Mammoth.  Help us keep their spirit and energy an active part of what we all do!

Thank you very much.  — Chris Fellows