King Winter came about in 1956 when Skiyente Ski Club decided to honor an extraordinary man in the Mt. Hood area who has contributed exceptional time and energy to the sport of skiing.  At that time, the title was awarded to Marion Whiting who gave Skiyente our name and designed both our logo and our pin. 

Each year since, all past King Winter recipients are asked to send in their suggestions of who they believe should be our next King Winter.  Skiyente Ski Club members hear the suggestions at their meeting, nominate and then vote on who will be the next King.  This is then announced at the meeting and the new King informed so he/she can invite friends and family to the coronation.  For several years the recipient was a secret until the ceremony.  In 2007 the club decided to let the new King know so they could have more people in attendance at this event.

Prior to the King Winter Dance, where the King is crowned, we hold a King Winter gathering.  It is attended by the current and past Kings, guests and Skiyente members.  It has been held at the Wiley’s cabin, Greenslade’s cabin, The Huckleberry Inn, The Ratskeller Restaurant and most recently at the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum.

The King Winter Dance and Coronation of the new King has been held at the Log Lodge in Rhododendron, The Thunderhead Lodge, The Ratskeller and for the last several years at Charlie’s Mountainview in Government Camp.  For 25 years this honor went to a man, but in 1981 the Kings chose Betty Dodd as “The King’s Choice and since 1981 there have been seven women Kings.

Each year a photo of the new King is put on display.  You can see photos of all the past Kings on display at Charlie’s Mountainview in Government Camp.