RUMFORD — Extreme skier Glen Plake and his wife, Kimberly, rolled into Black Mountain of Maine on Saturday, Jan. 19, in their 38-foot custom Freightliner rig to ski the glades, chat with people and inspire a new generation of skiers.
Plake is known for his appearances in extreme ski movies by Greg Stump and his famed color-dyed mohawk. The is named the pioneer of extreme skiing by ESPN.
Black Mountain of Maine was stop number 16 on the Down Home Tour, which was first introduced in 1991. Designed to keep the spirit of skiing alive, the tour kicked off in mid-December and is loosely planned to continue through the end of January.
Stephen Merrow, Black Mountain of Maine board member, said what the couple gives to the sport is amazing.
A weekend snowstorm delivered more than a foot of fluffy snow and Plake and his wife were on the triple chair by 9:30 Saturday morning to take their first runs.
The members of Black Mountain’s Chisholm Alpine Race Team, who range from ages 7 to 11, took a few runs with Plake and showed him around.
Some of the parents had been following Plake on social media. When the hint was dropped that he might show up at Black Mountain, a few of them the night before showed their children the movie and video clips of Plake’s legendary skiing.
“Glen is a skier of our generation but the awe that he brings transcends,” one parent said.
After a day on the slopes, children lined up in the lodge for Plake to sign memorabilia. Some brought their helmets, skis and other gear for him to sign.
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