[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 45 (Thursday, March 31, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2041-S2042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO EARL HOLDING

  Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, today I want to give recognition to an 
individual who has done great things for the ski industry and the State 
of Idaho. On April 2, Earl Holding will be inducted into the U.S. Ski 
and Snowboard Hall of Fame. His induction is not because of his 
exploits on the slopes, although he knows how to carve a turn in the 
snow, but because of his passion and unmatched effort in developing 
quality skiing facilities in Idaho, the Western United States, and for 
his work in bringing the 2002 Winter Olympics to Salt Lake City.
  Earl Holding purchased Idaho's ski resort of Sun Valley in 1977. His 
attention to detail and the experience he brought to the property from 
owning and managing properties in the hospitality industry, truck stops 
and oil industry was just what the resort needed. He began a 
beautification project that restored the grandeur of the property by 
renovating virtually every square foot of the historic buildings, 
adding moonlight sleigh rides and world-class ice shows, and planting 
thousands of new trees.
  On the ski runs, he put in the world's largest snowmaking system. 
Five new high-speed detachable quad lifts were built along with new day 
lodges and restaurants. With interests in architecture and design, Earl 
Holding showed his talent for uniting culture and charm as well as 
inspiring excitement to his resorts and hotels. As such, he personally 
oversaw the design of the new lodges to maximize their breathtaking 
mountain views.
  Sun Valley was once again a preeminent resort that brought skiers and 
tourists from around the world. In 2009, the Sun Valley Nordic Center 
hosted the International Special Olympics. It was also the training 
site for numerous international teams as they prepared for the 2002 
Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.
  Earl Holding, along with his wife Carol, has restored the charm and 
grandeur that was Sun Valley shortly after its founding by Averell 
Harriman in 1936. Skiers, winter sports enthusiasts and the entire ski 
industry have benefitted from the Holding family's passion for 
developing a first-class and highly acclaimed ski resort at Sun Valley 
and elsewhere.
  His work has also made the State of Idaho a destination location for 
skiers, golfers and other outdoor enthusiasts as he developed Sun 
Valley into a five-star, year-round resort. The enormous draw the name 
``Sun Valley'' has in the highly competitive international tourism 
trade is beyond anything the state could do to attract more tourists.
  It is indeed a great honor for me to congratulate Earl Holding for 
his vision, passion and perseverance in making Sun Valley a world-class 
resort,

[[Page S2042]]

and for his induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

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