Olive Bolander, a lifelong skier, instructor, and outdoor enthusiast, died on Nov. 7 at her home in Vadito, New Mexico, at the age of 98. She and her husband, Lloyd, opened Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort in 1952 with a portable rope tow and three modest ski trails.

From humble beginnings to a regional family destination

What began as a simple rope‑tow operation grew over the decades into a beloved northern New Mexico ski area that draws families and visitors from across the Southwest. Bolander’s vision emphasized a welcoming atmosphere for beginners and seasoned skiers alike, fostering a community spirit that still defines Sipapu today.

Olive’s lifelong passion for the outdoors

Beyond her role as a certified ski instructor, Olive enjoyed motorcycling, hiking, and sharing her love of the mountains with neighbors and guests. In a statement announcing her death, Sipapu described her as “an amazing woman with a vision for Sipapu,” noting that she was cherished by family, resort staff, and the surrounding community.

Legacy of service and recognition

The Bolanders retired from day‑to‑day operations in 1984 but continued to advise the resort’s management. Their contributions to New Mexico’s ski heritage were honored in 2004 when both were inducted into the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame. Lloyd Bolander passed away in 2014, leaving Olive to carry forward their shared legacy.

Celebration of life

The Bolander family will host a public celebration of Olive’s life on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Sipapu Lodge Day Room. Community members are invited to attend, share memories, and pay tribute to a woman whose dedication helped shape the region’s outdoor recreation culture.

What Sipapu means to the region

Today, Sipapu continues to offer winter skiing, summer mountain biking, and a range of family‑friendly activities. The resort’s commitment to affordable, accessible outdoor experiences reflects Olive Bolander’s original mission: to provide a safe, welcoming place where families could enjoy the mountains together.

Olive’s passing marks the end of an era for northern New Mexico’s ski community, but her influence lives on in the trails, the lessons she taught, and the countless families who have created memories at Sipapu over the past seven decades.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.