Paul McCollister digital photograph collection, circa 1960-1995

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Sullivan, Jim; Wood, Ted
Title
Paul McCollister digital photograph collection
Dates
circa 1960-1995 (inclusive)
Quantity
.2 linear feet, (1 archives box)  :  7 digital only items, 1 physical print
Collection Number
P1311
Summary
The Paul McCollister photograph collection consists mostly of digital only materials, McCollister was a co-founder of the Jackson Hole Ski Area and was involved in the development of the ski industry in Wyoming.Digital-only images of Paul McCollister. McCollister was a co-founder of the Jackson Hole Ski Area and was involved in the development of the ski industry in Wyoming.
Repository
University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0860

Telephone: 8015818863
special@library.utah.edu
Access Restrictions

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Following a successful career operating a California-based radio advertising company, Paul McCollister used his creative genius to envision, and ultimately build, the world-renowned Jackson Hole Ski Area in Northwestern Wyoming. In 1957, nearly 20 years after discovering the pristine beauty of the Grand Tetons, Paul moved his family from the rapidly growing California Bay Area to the remote and wild valley of Jackson Hole. Paul experienced all the wonderful opportunities the area had to offer, but his entrepreneurial spirit was about to be unleashed. In 1963 Paul McCollister launched the infant resort by forming the Jackson Hole Ski Corporation, obtaining a $1 million government-sponsored loan, and heeding the advice of ski mountain-savvy Willy Schaeffler, legendary coach of the touted Denver University Ski Team. Construction began in 1964.

When the Jackson Hole Ski Area opened in 1966, it offered three chairlifts and a 63 passenger aerial tramway, the iconic centerpiece of Paul's dream. The tram whisked skiers to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, boasting a vertical rise of 4,139 feet, the greatest in North America. From day one Jackson Hole has attracted the most talented and dedicated individuals. It is truly a "skier's mountain." Rightfully proud, Paul said of his efforts: "There are not too many people who have created something from virtually nothing. This is my baby. It has turned out to be my life." Paul McCollister retired from the resort in 1992 and died in 1999 at the age of 84. Biography used in Paul's induction into the Intermountain Ski Hall of Fame in 2007

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Paul McCollister photograph collection contains 7 digital only scans and 1 physical print of Paul McCollister in portrait, skiing, and at his ski resort in Wyoming between approximately 1960 and 1995.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Paul McCollister photograph collection must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator.

Preferred Citation

Initial Citation: Paul McCollister photograph collection, P1311, Box [ ]. Special Collections and Archives. University of Utah, J. Willard Marriott Library. Salt Lake City, Utah.

Following Citations: P1311.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Arranged by subject

Acquisition Information

Donated by Jim Sullivan in 2006.

Processing Note

Processed by Claire A. Kempa in 2021.

Related Materials

This collection forms part of the Utah Ski and Snowboard Archive, which is part of the S.J. Quinney Outdoor Recreation Archive

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description
Box Folder
1 1 Jackson Hole Ski Area, Wyoming, early 1960s
  • 1-3: Paul McCollister skiing, early 1960s
1 2 Portrait of Paul McCollister by Ted Wood (Copyright restricted)
  • 4: Portrait of Paul McCollister by Ted Wood (Copyright restricted)
1 3 McCollister Skiing and Outdoors
  • 5: Alex Morley, Paul McCollister, and Willie Schaeffler on the far right, scoping out the mountain about half way up of what is now known as the "Slalom" ski run at Jackson Hole, circa 1961
  • 6: Paul McCollister and Alex Morley look over plans for a new ski resort in Jackson Hole, circa 1960s
  • 7: Paul McCollister, founder of Jackson Hole Coproration.
  • 8: Paul McCollister, founder of Jackson Hole Coproration.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Skis and skiing--Wyoming--Photographs

Personal Names

  • McCollister, Paul W.

Geographical Names

  • Jackson Hole (Wyo.)

Form or Genre Terms

  • digital images