Hans Thorner- Founder of Magic Mt, VT, passed away at 95

[teachski]

Yesterday I got an email from "The Message For The Week", a Chester, VT newspaper asking me if they could use some of the Magic Mountain things I had on my website for an article they are preparing about Hans Thorner. Thorner, the founder of Magic Mountain, VT passed away on December 27, 2003 at the age of 95. He was born in Einsiedeln, Switzerland on July 2, 1908 and came to this country in 1932.

From an Obituary which appeared on the Manchester Journal of Manchester Vermont website:

Hans was in the first class of Certified Ski Instructors in America having been previously certified in Switzerland. During the 40's he owned and operated Thorner House in Franconia, N.H. It was an inn of some renown and one of the first in this country where you could "ski all the way home." He also ran the Hans Thorner Ski School on Cannon Mountain. He filmed the 1948 Olympics and went on to make ski movies for Swiss Air. Hans dreamed of a Swiss village at the base of a mountain and in 1960 created Magic Mt. The Thorner family operated Magic for over 25 years.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Florence Harriman Thorner and two sons, Arthur of So. Berick, Me and Peter of Londonderry; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

A family gathering will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to the Londonderry Rescue Squad.

Magic Mountain's site has this information on his life:

The mountain was originally developed in 1961 by Swiss instructor and film star Hans Thorner, whose intent was to capture the feel of a Swiss alpine village in Vermont. Fortunately, the area still maintains that karma, which for most visitors, is a refreshing change from the scene of the more crowded and expensive mega-resorts. Mr. Thorner chose the site after conducting an extensive survey of possible mountains in central and southern Vermont and it’s easy to see why as you make your approach from route 11. Its steeps, trees and cliffs on the upper half seem to daunt even the most skilled on the snow.

Thorner was in his mid-fifties when he founded Magic Mountain. A woman who used to work with me claims to have been related to him. When I go back to work on Monday I will see if I can get any info or pictures from her.

 

[oldhippie]

A great man

I never knew the story of Magic Mountain. Thanks for posting this Laurie. Sounds like he was a great man with a vision.

I haven't skied there in a long time. I think I'll get back there this year. Especially if we get some snow.

 

[riverc0il]

oldhippie, definitely check magic out again this year when the snow starts flying again. a lot of great things have happened there in the few years since they reopened it.

hans lived a full life, living until 95 and being the creator of a great ski area isn't too shabby!