Many families have created legacies within the Swan Valley based on their contributions, time and effort given to projects they are most passionate about. For Carolyn and the late Harvey Baldwin, skiing was something that brought them together and a sport they shared with their family and generations to come.
“When I moved to Swan River in the mid 70’s, what drew me the most to Thunderhill Ski Club was its beauty and that it was not far from my doorstep,” said Carolyn Baldwin. “After a few years of skiing, I decided to join the board in the late 70’s. It was just a small club at that time.
“It was on the slopes where I first met Harvey and well, that’s a story in itself. Our family grew, when we had two girls, LeeAnne and Lana. The Thunderhill Ski Club was our family time, where they learned to ski, work, and volunteer. Now I am enjoying teaching my 2-year-old grandson Coulter to ski.”
Both Carolyn and Harvey were active in the Thunderhill Ski Club. They both saw many positive changes and expansion of the facility over the years.
“Being part of the Thunderhill Ski Club board for 40 plus years and managing day-to-day operations for approximately 25 years, I have seen many changes and projects,” said Baldwin. “The Chalet expanding, the new shop installed, and new slopes being developed.
“The biggest project of my time was upgrading the T-bar. 2011 began the long project of installing the Brandson Express and JB Construction lifts. Harvey came on board helping with the installation and moved to being the hill manager.”
Carolyn accredits Thunderhill Ski Resort’s growth to all the people who worked there together to make things happen. Everyone pitched in to get things done and helped it to grow into what it has become today.
“In all the years I have been with Thunderhill Ski Club and the projects I worked on, the one thing I know is it’s the team that makes it happen,” said Carolyn. “Thunderhill Ski Club has a big team behind it.
“Throughout the time I managed the hill, I always had an awesome team supporting me, from staff to board members and volunteers. I was so grateful to have that support.”
Recently the Thunderhill Ski Club presented a special tribute to the Baldwin family and their efforts to help the facility improve and grow. One of the ski runs has been named after them and will be there for all to enjoy as much as the Baldwins have enjoyed skiing.
“It is an honor to Harvey, myself and our daughters to recently have Homeward Bound renamed to Baldwin’s Bend,” said Carolyn. “As well as being recognized along with those who have come before us and those who will continue the legacy of Thunderhill Ski Club.”