Scott Halvorson
Nansen Ski Club
Berlin, NH
shalvor22@gmail.com
The Reluctant Skier
Being risk averse I never took many of the chances that many of my friends did, to develop the skills to be a proficient skier. As a matter of fact, I pretty much avoided the whole sport, except when I was very young, and couldn’t, entirely, being born into a skiing family. That’s not a badge of honor, as this “avoidance” mentality probably caused me to miss many things in life, not just skiing.
My “skiing” family started with my grandfather, Alf Halvorson, who made his mark in the sport, mostly in promoting it. He was President of the Nansen Ski Club, at age 16, in 1917; was one of the founders of the U.S. Eastern Amateur Ski Association in 1922; was a coach at the 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, and spearheaded the building of the Big Nansen, the “World’s Tallest” ski jump, completed in 1937. He stayed intimately involved in Nansen and skiing activities until his death in 1973 and was elected into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 1968.
My father was also a skier, and ski jumper, as he “christened” the Gilford jump (Gunstock) in 1937 and was the fourth off the Big Nansen in 1938. He was intimately involved with the Nansen Ski Club until his death in 1984.
My mother was not really a skier, although the promotion for her campaign for 1939 Carnival Queen reads “ she is a lover of N.H. winters, and can be seen doing christies on nearby slopes almost any Sunday.” She wasn’t sure what that meant. She did win, however, and can be seen on Youtube in “NYA Builds a Ski Jump” being crowned and dancing the night away. (Curator’s Note- classic old school skiing video- link here)
My brother Brett could have been a good ski jumper, maybe even a great one, but was lured from the sport, in high school, to play hockey. Berlin, NH was “Hockey Town, USA” in the 50’s, 60’s into the 70’s, having captured state, New England, and even National titles. My brother was a great athlete, was fearless, and when he skis he doesn’t believe in turning. He would’ve been a good one.
Then there’s me. I almost went off a jump once, replicating the “agony of defeat” at the bottom of the inrun. It was on purpose. I reconsidered what I was doing a little late. It would’ve been better at the top.
I also almost won a cross country race. I was probably 7-8 years old and started off with a crowd that quickly diminished. I do remember seeing at least one other person on the course along the way but was really surprised that I arrived at the finish line first without passing anybody. Some soreheads called foul. I think my father lobbied for a ribbon for me for “most creative & efficient skiing.”
My grandfather, father, and my brother were very involved with the Nansen Ski Club especially when they were holding events on the Big Nansen. I was content to go and watch, get the VIP pass to go to the top, and only infrequently & reluctantly, volunteer. I took it all for granted. I moved away, my father died, and I only vaguely became aware that no events were being held on the big jump anymore, after 1985. My life took many twists and turns, with differing geography, none of it near my hometown, or the Big Nansen, unless I visited my brother, who just happened to live in Milan, and had a view of the towering jump out his front window. Driving by the jump I would be heartsick as I saw the encroaching vegetation and the deteriorating structure. At the risk of being called a bad parent I did take my kids up to the top, so they could be part of the legacy. I felt that “somebody should do something about the loss of this historic icon” although I was not sure who that “somebody” would be. I deeply regretted not having been part of it when it was going strong.
I got a second chance.
It was early 2017 and I had heard that a local group called the “Friends of the Nansen Ski Jump” had formed and were trying to save the jump. I saw a feature on WMUR-TVs Chronicle program about the Big Nansen and there was a picture of my grandfather and they were interviewing my very first friend in life, Shawn Costello, the last person that had run a Big Nansen event. There was talk of even somebody going off of it “one last time” although it was big secret when that might happen. I remember lying in bed, not being able to sleep, knowing that I dearly wanted to see that “jump.” I called my friend, Shawn, the next morning, the first time in decades, and made a “lunch” date. After buying him lunch I convinced him to let me know when she was going to jump and I pledged to be part of the effort going forward. I saw her jump and I’ve kept that promise. (Curator’s note- Red Bull’s video of Sarah Hendrickson’s jump on the resurrected Big Nansen is here.)
Since then, I’ve become a full-fledged “Friend,” joined the Nansen Ski Club Board, and became their Treasurer, and have devoted countless hours to the “skiing” and “ski jumping” cause. Many of you know the trials and tribulations, but also the very real successes of Nansen’s ski jump resurgence. Many hands have played a role in this ongoing story of perseverance and commitment, with a heavy dose of serendipity. It has not been easy but I’ve learned from you skiers that it’s never been easy. For me this has been an incredible journey, an incredible gift, and an incredible honor being allowed into your community of selfless, hardworking, passionate, and talented individuals. I have no resume but I have the passion. Thank you.
