The Durango City Council announced on April 17 that it will officially declare April 19, 2026, as the first-ever Ross Anderson Day to honor the achievements of speed skier Ross Anderson. The celebration is set for Sunday at Rotary Park and will include remarks from his wife Juanita, a performance by Southern Ute Indian Tribe dancers, and comments from Mayor Gilda Yazzie.
Ross Anderson is recognized as a world-renowned speed skier who grew up in Durango. He made history in April 2006 by becoming the first Native American and only person of color to earn a podium finish at The Pro Speed Skiing World Championships in Les Arcs, France. During that event, he reached a speed of 154 miles per hour—the fastest ever recorded from the Western Hemisphere—earning him recognition as the fastest skier in American history.
Throughout his career, Anderson has received multiple honors including inductions into several halls of fame such as the North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame and the National Native American Hall of Fame. His athletic record includes serving on the United States Speed Ski Team for seventeen years with numerous medals and titles including eight National Championship wins.
Anderson has also been acknowledged for his work with Native youth in snowsports. In 2025, he received the Snowsports Builder Award from the Far West Ski Association for his commitment to youth outreach through initiatives like his Star 154 Foundation.
Mayor Yazzie will issue an official proclamation during Sunday’s event which will be finalized at the April 21 City Council meeting.
