Ralph Deslauriers, founder of Bolton Valley Ski Area, died over the weekend. A developer and believer in keeping skiing independent and affordable, he was 90 years old.

Deslauriers got the idea for what would become the highest elevation ski area in the state while flying over the Bolton backcountry in a helicopter during his time as a captain with the Vermont National Guard.

The family bought the timberland after selling part of the family dairy farm to create the Burlington and South Burlington interstate exits.

“There are people who just have vision. They can see possibility where nothing exists yet,” said his daughter, Lindsay Deslauriers. “He could materialize it, make it happen.”

Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, courtesy

Deslauriers had to lobby the state to build a road to the

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