About the author

Rick’s first job as a lift operator led him to continue as a ski patrolman, Canadian-qualified ski instructor, summer caretaker and lodge manager. In 1978 he became very much part of the mountain scene after converting his share in the family property into a slice of Charlotte Pass Village Pty Ltd, the company that held the head lease.

His interest in Charlotte Pass’ history grew and it was he who suggested a ‘Back to Charlotte Pass Reunion’ to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the original Chalet. At this reunion Rick met many of Kosciuszko’s legendary characters. The resultant outpouring of reminiscences of the pioneering years inspired him to research the history around Charlotte Pass and its part in the growth of Australian skiing.

Rick regularly returns to catch up with old mates and still tries to steal the gold from the young guns in the weekly Standard Race. He is a member of the the International Ski History Association (ISHA), Spencers Creek Ski Club, the Kosciusko Alpine Club, the Perisher Historical Society, the Thredbo Museum and the Australian Alpine Snowsports History Association.

Researching the history of the Kosciuszko Chalet at Charlotte Pass has been his passion for many years and his best selling book, 'Skiing Off The Roof', has been the product of his painstaking efforts. This fourth, 320 page, updated edition, includes the period 1980 to 2020. It contains 450 wonderful photos, many of them rare, many are in colour.