Denver, CO – Telluride ski instructor Richard Thorpe was awarded Ski/Snowboard Instructor of the Year by Colorado Ski Country USA at the 47th CSCUSA Annual Meeting on June 10 in Denver. Thorpe was presented the award by Olympic medalist Gretchen Bleiler.n“I am truly honored to receive this award from Colorado Ski Country,” said Thorpe. “It is so nice to be recognized amongst my peers and the industry as ‘Instructor of the Year’”.

Originally from California, Thorpe began his teaching career at the Summit at Snoqualmie Summit, Wash., near Seattle. He then spent 11 years teaching at Taos, N.M. before moving to Telluride in 2000. Thorpe is a Level 3 Alpine instructor, is accredited as both a basic freestyle and children’s instructor, and is a Telluride ski school staff trainer.

“We have one of the leading ski and snowboard schools in the country, and we are thrilled Richard is a part of our staff,” said CEO Dave Riley. “We are proud of Richard’s achievements.”

Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing 22 of Colorado’s ski and snowboard resorts.