February 24, 2008 (Weathersfield, VT) – Ski communities around the world were stunned and saddened to learn that Paul Robbins, the venerable journalist who’s career spanned over 30 years, had passed away on Saturday afternoon following a heart attack at his home in Weathersfield, Vermont. Robbins was a pillar of ski coverage as the United States Ski and Snowboard Association’s (USSA) key in-house journalist since 1979. Especially known for his Nordic reporting, he travelled the world with the U.S. Ski Team attending all major ski events including numerous Winter Olympic Games. Robbins also did colour commentary for CBS and NBC and wrote for numerous ski publications including SkiTrax since its inception in 1989. He became the single most knowledgeable person on competitive skiing in the world.

The legendary Robbins, who was as quick with a smile and a joke as he was with his pen, was loved and respected around the world as he brought life to the sport and the athletes with his unique passion and wit. He’ll be sorely missed by everyone he touched with his magic. Robbins knew everyone, and everyone knew Paul. “This is a huge loss both personally and for the ski industry. Paul was a dear friend, a builder, and he loved covering the sport. There’s a huge gap now where he once stood,” said his old friend and sports commentator Peter Graves.

Robbins connection to the sport transcended so many levels that even the day of his passing had a unique connection to skiing as it happened when of the biggest cross-country races in North America, and one of the biggest in the world was held – the 35th American Birkebeiner took place on Saturday, Feb. 23. It was through the Birkie years ago that Robbins met Graves and Tom Kelly, the USSA’s VP of Communications, and they all became the best of friends each making their mark in the sport.

“We’ve lost a true friend who was so incredibly knowledgeable about skiing,” said Kelly, who helped get Robbins started in the sport back in 1979 when he invited him to Telemark at the request of his boss at the time, Tony Wise, the founder of the American Birkie. “Paul started his career with us in cross-country skiing and while he covered other sports, he was really excited to see our Nordic skiers do well. But most of all, Paul was a friend to everyone and he made millions of new fans for the sport around the world.”

Paul Robbins, who was 68, is survived by his wife Kathe, and daughters Anna and Julie, and sons David, Jay and John (deceased). He also leaves behind three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In Paul’s honour we are inviting friends, associates and supporters to post their memories, thoughts and comments about one of the most loved players in the world of skiing on our new Rants and Raves forum.