Longtime snowsports leader recognized for more than five decades of service to Michigan skiing

BELLAIRE, Mich. — The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) is proud to announce the induction of Steve Kershner into the Michigan Ski Hall of Fame, recognizing a career that has helped shape skiing and snowsports in Michigan for more than 50 years.

Few people have devoted as much of their lives to Michigan skiing as Kershner. Throughout his career, he has been an instructor, mentor, program developer, historian and industry leader, with a particular passion for introducing new people to the sport and helping them become lifelong skiers.

Much of Kershner’s career was spent at Shanty Creek Resort, where he served as Director of Snowsports and helped build one of Michigan’s most respected ski and snowboard instructional programs. Under his leadership, Shanty Creek developed lesson programs, race training opportunities and family-focused initiatives that introduced generations of guests to the slopes.

But Kershner’s influence has always extended well beyond one resort.

Over the years, he has been a familiar and trusted presence, serving multiple terms on several industry boards throughout Michigan’s ski industry, sharing his knowledge with instructors, resort professionals and industry leaders across the state. He has been a strong advocate for ski education, participation and the importance of making snowsports welcoming to newcomers.

He has also played an important role in preserving Michigan’s skiing history. Kershner has worked to make sure the stories, people and places that built Michigan skiing are remembered and shared with future generations. Including producing and appearing in the award winning film First Tracks, a film showcasing Michigan’s rich ski history, that can be viewed at GoSkiMichigan.com and on https://www.youtube.com/@GoSkiMichigan

“Steve represents so much of what makes Michigan’s ski industry special,” said Mike Panich, Executive Director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. “He has spent more than five decades teaching, mentoring, encouraging and welcoming people into this sport. His impact is difficult to measure because it lives on through the thousands of people he has influenced along the way.”

The Michigan Ski Hall of Fame honors individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on skiing and snowboarding in Michigan. The Hall of Fame is a virtual collection, currently housed online at goskimichigan.com, where visitors can explore the people and stories that have helped shape Michigan’s rich skiing history. Kershner’s induction recognizes not simply the length of his career, but the enthusiasm, leadership and generosity he has brought to the sport throughout it.

For Kershner, skiing has never just been about getting people down the hill. It has been about helping people discover something they can enjoy for a lifetime.

That is a legacy worthy of the Michigan Ski Hall of Fame.

About the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) is the statewide trade association representing Michigan’s ski and snowboard industry. MSIA works to promote skiing and snowboarding throughout Michigan, support its member ski areas and businesses, introduce new participants to winter sports, and advocate for the continued growth and success of Michigan’s snowsports industry.

Media Contact:
Michigan Snowsports Industries Association
goskimichigan.com

See you on the slopes,

Mike Panich

Executive Director