The Vail Valley Foundation will pay tribute to the life and contributions of John Dakin on December 5, 2023, prior to the opening men’s downhill event at the Birds of Prey World Cup races. The celebration is scheduled to commence at approximately 10:30 a.m., just before the national anthem, marking a poignant moment for those who knew and admired Dakin.
Dakin, who passed away on April 12, 2023, after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease, was a pivotal figure in the world of alpine skiing. His career spanned several decades, during which he became the first person to hold the position of chief of press at three Alpine World Championships—in 1989, 1999, and 2015. He also served as the Alpine press chief at the 2002 Winter Olympics and as the Alpine mixed zone coordinator at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Prior to his extensive career in event management, Dakin worked in public relations with the U.S. Ski Team and the University of Colorado, where he began his journey in sports media. His efforts were instrumental in establishing world-class ski racing events in Vail and Beaver Creek.
Celebrating a Legacy of Passion and Excellence
Dakin’s influence on the Vail Valley Foundation was profound. He retired in 2015, having spent years as the voice of the organization, combining exceptional journalism skills with extensive knowledge of ski racing. His passion for the sport was evident in every aspect of his work.
“John Dakin was there from the very beginning, helping to build Birds of Prey from the ground up,” said Mike Imhof, President of the Vail Valley Foundation. “His impact on our organization, this community, and the ski racing world cannot be overstated. John’s passion and expertise played a pivotal role in establishing Beaver Creek as a premier venue in alpine ski racing and as an international ski destination.”
The tribute on December 5 will include a short video celebrating Dakin’s life and contributions, alongside remarks from community members who cherished his presence and spirit.
A Community Invitation
The public is encouraged to attend the downhill event on Friday to honor Dakin’s extraordinary life and his lasting contributions to the sport of ski racing. The tribute provides an opportunity for many to reflect on his legacy and the impact he had on the alpine skiing community.
For more information about the event and to learn about Dakin’s contributions, visit BCWorldCup.com.
