Rudolph Mattesich  (deceased)

Year Inducted: 1983

Born:  February 8, 1900           Bosnia, YUG

Died:  June 20, 1995                Troy, VT

Rudi Mattesich was an important link between the United States and the many great skiers who immigrated to North America from pre-war Austria in the 1930's. 

As a young man he served in the military  and later studied to be an artist.  Eventually he came to be employed by the Austrian Tourist Office and produced the art for advertising holidays in that country.  He loved skiing and ran the Austrian Tourist Office in New York City from 1926 to 1938. In that position he helped in bringing many great skiers over to the U.S.

After World War Two he actively promoted ski touring and helped plan and lay many trails around Mount Hoevenberg near Lake Placid.  With Roland Palmedo he formed the Ski Touring Council in 1962.  For his work he received many awards including an Honorary Life Membership in the National Ski Patrol.