Rod Aller - Anecdotes


Rod first skied cross-country in 1924 at the age of eight in New Jersey on Northland skies with toe straps.

He started ski jumping and cross-country competition at Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Ct. in 1933 inspired by Norwegian legend Paul Satre.

In 1941 Rod won the 1st Connecticut State Slalom championship.

Lowell Thomas Òdid dash up to SalisburyÓ in Feb. 1948 to report on the jumping competition. He admired Òthat famous Princeton jumper Rod Aller who I think was the first chap I ever saw in graceful flight at Ste Sauveur, along in 1935 -36.Ó
 
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Rod said his two worst skiing experiences were falling into a 15-foot fumerole in 1938 while skiing on a Chilean volcano and being buried in an avalanche at Aspen in 1948 to the point where his outstretched arm and fully extended ski poll saved his life when the glimmer of the tip was seen reflected in the sun.

In 1974 Rod passionately argued to the USSA to bring back the ÒSki MeisterÓ Masters category that would determine a champion by combining Nordic and Alpine events.

 In 1981 President Ford invited Rod to join the Jerry Ford Celebrity Cup at Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado. RodÕs team captain was Pepi Steigler who set the handicap with Jean-Claud Killy.  http://www.k-b-c.com/PresidentFordInvitationb.jpg

Lisa Densmore  wrote on April 5, 1996 in ÒSki RacingÓ magazine: ÒRod Aller, ever the fastest gentleman on skies, became a quadruple gold medalist in MenÕs Class 11 (National Alpine Championships in Maine).Ó http://www.k-b-c.com/worldchamp/1996AlpineChampion.jpg

Three months shy of his 70th birthday Rod wrote the USSA US Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs, CO., to enquire Òwhether it is permissible under USSA regulations to make an election to race in an age group lower than oneÕs age would normally require.Ó 7/29/1986

Albert Sise, who at age 79 had won over 200 titles in 50 years, marveled at RodÕs success on the slopes saying, Ò He has tremendous strength and his timing on the turns is about as precise as you get it.Ó