During Sugarbush’s 60th Anniversary, we decided to start a new tradition: the Sugarbush Wall of Fame. Just like a hall of fame, we recognize some of the most significant contributors to the Sugarbush experience and welcome a few new members annually.
Last year for the inaugural class, we welcomed both a founders category, as well as four additional inductees.
This year we’re happy to announce three new members to the Sugarbush Wall of Fame. After much discussion, The Wall of Fame Review Committee selected Henri Borel, Sigi Grottendorfer, and Guy Ludwig Laudisi for the 2020 Wall of Fame.
Henri Borel is the founder and co-owner of Chez Henri Restaurant, the Parisian-style bistrot that has operated in historic Sugarbush Village since Christmas 1964. Chez Henri has been a cornerstone of the Sugarbush experience, serving fondue, escargot, and other French fare to guests from Olympian Stein Eriksen to Yoko Ono and Jean Claude Killy. Chez Henri earned a reputation for night life, hosting wild parties in the famed Back Room in the early days of disco. The Back Room still lights up for the occasional birthday party or Ski Club Ten celebration, the private club Henri managed prior to opening the restaurant. Perhaps more than anything, Henri is recognized for his positive and welcoming spirit, as well as his infectious love of skiing.
Sigi Grottendorfer served as the Director of Sugarbush Ski School for thirty years, taking the helm from Olympian Stein Eriksen. Grottendorfer cut a wide swath through the ski school, earning the admiration of fellow instructors and guests alike. Grottendorfer is credited with founding the Centered Skiing movement with Denise McCluggage, a fellow instructor and nationally-recognized sports writer. For many years, Grottendorfer led a large group of Sugarbush instructors down to Portillo in the summer months to continue their professional instruction. Grottendorfer’s induction will be postponed until April 2021 as he is spending the winter months in his native Austria and is not able to attend this year’s celebration.
Guy Ludwig “Luddy” Laudisi is credited with introducing countless friends to Sugarbush over the past forty years. Laudisi began coming to Sugarbush in the 1970s, traveling from New York City on weekends and eventually purchasing a home here in the 1980s. Laudisi fell in love with Sugarbush, and devoted his weekends to sharing that love with his large circle of friends, teaching them how to ski, and introducing them to the Valley. Laudis began his media career as a host of his own radio show at the University of Michigan while in college. He went on to work as a writer for WABC in New York City, and then for the Johnny Carson Show. Laudisi became an Executive Producer for NBC’s Today Show, where he remained for over twenty years. Laudisi was able to share his love for Sugarbush in his work for NBC, playing an integral role in the live broadcast of the Today Show at Sugarbush in February of 2008.
Congrats to all! Those selected will now join previous inductees on the Wall of Fame in Gate House Lodge, designed by Sparky Potter and Wood & Wood.