SAM Magazine - Vail, Co., December 30, 2006 - Former President Ford, a fixture at Vail and Beaver Creek resorts, will be honored by having runs named after him at each ski area. Ford, who until his death owned a Beaver Creek residence, was an active skier whose mere presence at Vail and Beaver Creek during his tenure as president did more to market each ski area than any ad campaign. He was also an active promoter and benefactor of the communities, Ford Park in Vail is named after the former president and Vail's Gerald R. Ford Amphitheate hosts world-class events from the Vail International Dance Festival to Carlos Santana.

"President Ford's love for the spectacular mountain setting of the Vail Valley was matched only by his many generous contributions to the community over the years," said Rob Katz, chief executive officer of Vail Resorts, Inc. "As a token of our deep affection and respect, Vail Resorts will rename a ski run at both Vail and Beaver Creek in his honor."

While Ford was an active skier during his presidency, it's unlikely that he would have tested himself on his runs if he were still alive to do so. In his later years, Ford prefered golf to the slopes and he had all but retired from the sport.

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