In this episode of the Common Folk in the Boat podcast, presented by Billo Premium Cannabis, we had the distinct honor of sitting down with Ray Heid, a fourth-generation native of Steamboat Springs and a true local legend. Born in 1937, Ray’s life is a tapestry woven with rich experiences in skiing, ranching, and community involvement.
Ray’s early years were spent in Steamboat Springs, where his father owned the Boys’ Market grocery store near Oak and 9th. Despite growing up in town, Ray was deeply drawn to the ranching lifestyle from a young age. He began skiing at the age of three and competed in junior nationals from 1951 to 1955. In 1960, he served as an fore-jumper for the U.S. Olympic Ski Jumping Team at Squaw Valley. His passion for skiing led him to become the head ski coach at the University of Wyoming from 1962 to 1965. Later, he assisted the Mescalero Apache Tribe in developing the Sierra Blanca ski area near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Eventually, Ray returned to Steamboat Springs to manage Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch, a family-owned operation offering horseback rides and pack trips in the Routt National Forest.
Join us as Ray shares captivating stories from his life, a life that embodies the spirit and history of Steamboat Springs.
