Pioneer Willy is an outstanding gladed ski trail out in the Western Territory of The Beavers. To get there, ski a little more than 1/2 way down Loafer and take a left at the Pioneer Willy sign. You will find a beautiful, modestly sloped, black tree skiing run that is really fun.
The trail is named after Willy Schaeffler, a historical figure not just at A-Basin, but throughout the entire ski world. Born in Bavaria, Willy qualified for the 1936 Olympics, but did not compete due to injuries. After brutal service in World War II, he moved to the United States. There he met A-Basin President Larry Jump. With Larry's help, he formed the Willy Schaeffler Ski School at Arapahoe Basin. He went on to coach the Denver University Pioneers Ski Team winning 13 National Championships. He was the Director of Ski Events at the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley and was later named the Head Coach of the US Ski Team. He is a member of Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Colorado Ski Hall of Fame and US Ski Hall of Fame.
Willy's stamp on The Basin is something we are very proud of.
