A scholarship honoring a Jackson skier who died in January on a backcountry ski trip in Japan will cover costs for chosen student-athletes at two valley institutions.
An initial $200,000 from the Balyasny family started the Max Martin Memorial Scholarship, to be awarded to someone who “reflects Max’s spirit.” That’s according to a press release from scholarship sponsors, the Jackson Hole Community School and the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club.
Both describe Martin as a “a passionate skier, a dedicated student, a positive and humble leader, and an individual committed to making the most of both academic and athletic opportunities.”
The Jackson native was a professional skier, fitness trainer and ambassador for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. He ski raced for the local club before moving to Salt Lake City for high school and later competing for the NCAA alpine race team at Plymouth State University.
The Jackson Hole Community School is one of three private schools in Jackson Hole and specializes in college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and schedules that the organization says support students with “demanding extracurricular commitments.”
Scholarship recipients can put funds toward any sports offered by the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club. Over 530 student-athletes participate in snowsports at the club, including alpine, backcountry, freeride and Nordic.
