As this season winds down, the official kick off to the next is being planned. Mark Oct. 21 on your calendar. The third class of the Maine Ski Hall of Fame will be inducted at Lost Valley.

Formed in 2003, the hall’s mission statement reads as follows:

“The mission of the Maine Ski Hall of Fame is to recognize those skiers, who through their efforts and achievements have brought distinction to Maine skiing. Some of these skiers made their mark in competition. Others were founders who built the sport into a way of life for so many Mainers. Still more were teachers who led countless skiers and competitors into our sport. Some had an intense impact on local skiers while others gained prominence on an international scale. Thanks to these skiers Maine has an industry that is a vital part of the economy, not only in the mountains, but throughout the state.

“It is to recognize the importance of skiing to Maine and its citizens that the Maine Ski Hall of Fame has been formed. By enshrining those men and women who founded and built the sport in Maine, competitors who brought prominence to Maine skiing, their coaches and mentors, and others who have made significant contributions, we shall create a permanent record of their endeavors and achievements. By doing this we shall preserve this history for those who follow, that they may understand the great achievements of these individuals.”

Here is the class of 2005:

• Karl Anderson was the first Alpine skier from Maine to perform in the Olympics in 1976 and 1980. He won in European Cup competition and the 1978 U.S. Downhill title. Retiring from the U.S. Ski Team, he served on the U.S. Olympic Committee Executive Board and the U.S. Ski Team Board of Directors.

• Franklin Emery was a 20-year ski patrol veteran, developed his own Ski Spree Wax, and was involved in many aspects of Maine and regional skiing, serving as President of the Downeast Ski Club, and the Maine Ski Council, and many years as a race official.

• Theo Johnsen was a historic figure who wrote the first ski book in North America in 1905. From his store in Portland, he sold skis of his own make, along with bindings and other winter sports gear.

• James “Jimmy” Jones formed Maine’s first ski patrol in 1936 and served as patrol leader at Pleasant Mountain for many years. He was Regional Director of the Ski Patrol in Maine, also serving as head of the testing team for ski and toboggan training. He was a ski instructor and coach at South Portland and Westbrook high schools.

• Richard and Mary Kendall are known for training skiers among their offspring and other Lewiston Auburn youth. Dick was director of the Lost Valley Ski School, organizer of the Junior Racing Club and coach. He served as a timing official at the 1980 Olympics and other championships. Mary also served as a race official and organized and directed Auburn Learn to Ski Programs. As parents, they guided eight competitors who represented 27 Maine and New England ski tea championships and even more individual titles.

• Robert Morse went from captaining his high school ski team at Deering to a long career in coaching. From 1970 to the present, Morse has coached cross country and Alpine, winning cross country state titles in 1986 and 1995, and named Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1986. He served as president of the Maine Ski Coaches Association for five years.

• Richard “Pat” Murphy is the ultimate volunteer. In 1959, he joined the Sugarloaf Ski Patrol and at 83 is still active. He patrolled every winter weekend at Sugarloaf and week nights at Lost Valley. In addition to patrolling, Murphy has worked as volunteer for over 10 years at Maine Handicapped Skiing and with the Special Olympics since it started at Sugarloaf in 1982.

• Richard “Dick” Osgood compiled a better record than his mentor Zeke Dwelley. His Edward little boys won 10 state titles and three New England championships, and he led the EL girls to five state titles. He has also worked with more skiers as an instructor at Lost Valley and an associate director of the ski school.

• Robert Pidacks was an outstanding competitor in the highly competitive ski community of Rumford-Mexico, and his talents led him to represent the U.S. as a cross country skier in the 1952 Olympics.

• Robert “Rem” Remington excelled in jumping and cross country at Gould Academy and the University of Maine, captaining his teams at both levels. At Telstar, he has one of the best records to be found, coaching his teams to six boys’ state titles and girls’ to five. His 1978 boys won the New England title.

These individuals embody the qualities that the Maine Ski Hall of Fame was set up to honor.

Details of the induction banquet are still being worked out, but the date is set and announcing the class of 2005 is the perfect way to wind up our ski columns for another season. So mark your calendar and watch for the announcement when reservations will be taken for the event.

I’ll be at Lost Valley on the 21st of October, but this is it for skiing for this season. That picture in the entryway of our home has been switched from a view of a mountain and ski trails to the summer version of a golf course with a green mountain in the background.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.