The Durango Winter Sports Club and the Durango Nordic Ski Club are bringing back the Durango Winter Sports Hall of Fame after a four-year hiatus, a tradition that began in 2006 with the Durango Winter Sports Foundation.
Barry “Carmine” Kemler and Ineke Boyce were nominated for the 2024 Durango Winter Sports Hall of Fame by the Durango Winter Sports Club selection committee
This year’s celebration is on Nov. 16 from 5:30-9 p.m. at the VFW Post 4031 in Durango. It honors two community members who have exemplified leadership and community spirit in their contributions to winter sports in our community.
“It’s important to take the time to honor individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to encouraging a love for winter sports in our community, and invested in the next generation of winter sports enthusiasts,” Lydia Lawhon, Durango Nordic’s Executive Director said.
For many years, Kemler was considered the face of Purgatory and a local legend in downtown Durango. Kemler’s infectious enthusiasm for winter sports encouraged everyone to support each other on the skill hill and in the lift line. He was committed to the joy of the sport and industry.
Kemler’s association with Purgatory Ski Resort began in the early 1980s when he worked in the food and beverage industry at Purgatory. During this time, Kemler was indispensable at countless gatherings and made sure everyone always had what they needed.
Later in life, Kemler returned to the ski resort as a ticket checker to ensure the lift lines ran smoothly. He had a remarkable gift for remembering names, greeting everyone in line by name with a smile and making sure each guest felt special. For those kids in line needing a little extra cheer, he always seemed to have a spare Hershey's Kisses ready to hand out – a small, sweet gesture to boost their morale.
When his professional days working in food and beverage at the ski resort ended, Kemler remained a loyal ski patron. He brought his two daughters up to the mountain for Snowburners, ensuring the torch for his love of the winter sport was carried on. Before Kemler passed, he eagerly awaited the day when his two grandchildren could share in the joys of skiing, honoring their beloved grandfather.
During his retirement years, Kemler loved tallying up as many skiing days as possible, keeping track of them every season.
Boyce’s history with Durango Nordic began in 1984, when she started working at the Nordic Center. When DNSC took over management of the Nordic Center from Purgatory in 1986, Boyce became the director. Alongside Brent Brown and Mike Elliott, who led the youth programs, she coached numerous young Durango Nordic skiers while also managing the day-to-day operations of the Nordic Center.
Under Boyce’s direction, the Nordic Center became a thriving nonprofit operation with the help of a strong and dedicated volunteer base. She oversaw the Nordic Center during the explosion in popularity of skate skiing, which required upgraded machinery and techniques to ensure well-groomed corduroy.
She retired in 2006 after 22 years working at the Nordic Center, and received one of the last lifetime alpine passes from Purgatory.
“Ineke taught me to Nordic ski, shared her love of Durango Nordic, and instilled in me the desire to strive to improve it,” Helen Low, Nordic Center Manager, said.
In addition to Boyce’s decades of contributions to the success of the Nordic Center and Ski Club, she achieved significant accomplishments on snow. As a guide, she completed numerous crossings of the Pearl Pass route from Crested Butte to Aspen. She also posted top finishes in telemark skiing competitions and completed Nordic skiing’s hallmark U.S. event, the Birkebeiner, several times, with an impressive fourth- place finish for her age group in 1984.
At the VFW, enjoy live music from Shafer’s Lumber Wagon, a silent auction with items donated by local businesses, a generous door prize (pair of skis) from Pine Needle Mountaineering, beer & wine donated by Star Liquors, and food from EsoTerra Ciderworks. All proceeds from the event support scholarships and programming for Durango Winter Sports Club athletes and Durango Nordic Ski Club athletes.
“When we give thanks to those that make a difference, including Ineke and Carmine who are joining fellow inductees such as Dolph Kuss, Mike Elliot, Laney and Tracey Barnes in the Hall of Fame, we are honoring our collective story and the rich history of winter sports in our area,” said Caitlyn Kneller, vice president for the Durango Winter Sports Club board of directors. “Our stunning setting in the heart of the San Juans gives rise to a vibrant community with many dedicated and passionate individuals from the past and present, recognized or not, who helped create the opportunities that exist today for youth winter sports.”
For tickets and more information on the Durango Winter Sports Hall of Fame gala, visit https://www.durangonordic.org/hall-of-fame-gala.