Historic Skis | History of Sapphire Valley

Ski Sapphire's First Set of Skis

Mr. and Mrs. Howerdd present the historic skis to Walt Green, Sapphire Valley Master Association Board President

Ski Sapphire's First Set of Skis

The Dawn of Alpine Adventure: Ski Sapphire Valley (1964)

In 1964, exactly one decade after the Howerdd family began transforming the region into a premier resort, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Howerdd Jr. achieved a historic milestone by introducing snow skiing to the Cashiers-Sapphire Valley area.

The Inspiration: Driven by years of winter treks to the Cataloochee Ski Area, Gene Howerdd Jr. recognized that Sapphire Valley’s unique geography was perfectly suited for its own slopes.

The Development: Construction launched in early 1964, a monumental year that saw the simultaneous creation of the ski area and the Hogback Lake residential community.

A Unique Legacy: To catalyze real estate growth, Howerdd pioneered a legendary incentive program. Early property buyers were gifted:
Unlimited Skiing: Free memberships providing unrestricted access to the slopes for the resort's inaugural years.

Bespoke Equipment: A custom set of skis, personally engraved with the owner's name, serving as a permanent badge of their founding status in the community.

This visionary integration of sport and real estate solidified Sapphire Valley as a true four-season destination, blending high-altitude adventure with mountain living.

Historic Skis Come Home

First Set of Skis

A Piece of Alpine History: The Return of the "First Skis"

In the fall of 2013, a remarkable discovery bridged the gap between the modern resort and its 1964 origins. The Sapphire Valley Historical Society came into possession of one of the very first sets of custom skis ever issued—a foundational artifact from the resort's inaugural season.

The Discovery on Hogback Lake
The recovery of these skis was a stroke of historical luck. A new homeowner on Hogback Lake discovered the vintage equipment tucked away in a basement. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that these skis belonged to one of the original founding members of Ski Sapphire Valley. Recognizing their significance and hearing of the Society’s ongoing mission to preserve resort heritage, the owner generously donated the set to the archives.

The 50th Anniversary Presentation
The timing of the donation coincided perfectly with the 50th Anniversary of Ski Sapphire Valley. A formal presentation was held on the Saturday of the annual Great Outhouse Races, a signature winter event. In a poignant moment for the community, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Howerdd Jr. personally presented the skis to the Sapphire Valley Master Association.

Pictured (Right to Left):
Rick Stargel, President of the Sapphire Valley Historical Society.
Gene Howerdd Jr., Resort Visionary.
Marty Howerdd, Co-founder of the ski area.
Walt Green, President of the Sapphire Valley Master Association.
Preserving the Legacy

Today, these skis serve as a centerpiece of the "Historical Hall" located within the Sapphire Valley Community Center. Mounted alongside rare archival photographs and period artifacts, they stand as a tribute to the Howerdd family’s vision and the adventurous spirit of the early residents who first carved paths through the North Carolina snow.