Former US Ski Team executive director Bill Traeger dies at 78

U.S. Ski and Snowboard USANA Center of Excellence global headquarters located in Park City. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

PARK CITY, Utah — Bill Traeger, who served a pioneering role as executive director of the U.S. Ski Team during its formative years as a professional sports organization in the late 1970s, died August 1, 2023 at the age of 78.

Tom Kelley announced the passing in a statement from U.S. Ski and Snowboard which reads:

After working within the financial industry, Traeger was hired as executive director of the U.S. Ski Team in February 1977, ushering in a new period of professional leadership for the organization, which was was mostly volunteer-based before then. At that time, the U.S. Ski Team was establishing its office presence in Park City, Utah, headquartered in an old building on Main Street.

Traeger’s role focused on business management, bringing in a robust lineup of sponsors like American Express, Subaru, Dannon, Miller Beer, Pan American Airways and more. He brokered television rights for the team with CBS, battling a complex system with the international federation and overseas event organizers, and used the income to help fund development programs.

He left his role to pursue other business interests a year after the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid in March 1981. He was succeeded by Inez Aimee in July 1981.

Traeger passed away from complications with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his wife, brother, daughter and grandchildren.