Roland Palmedo, 1896-1977

Publication Year: 1978.

ROLAND PALMEDO 1896-1977

Roland was better known in ski mountaineering than in technical climbing circles. His activity in developing interest in skiing during the 1930s was exceeded by no one, probably not even equaled. In the incorporation of The Mount Mansfield Company and Mad River Glen he was a principal factor and served terms as president of both. His writings and translation from the German were a significant aid as techniques were developed in the early days.

After graduation from Williams College with honors he became a naval aviator in World War I and a Lieutenant Commander on the Carrier Yorktown in World War II. His entire business life was spent in the field of investment banking in which he became a prominent executive. A detailed list of his achievements might seem redundant in this Journal but in his varied activities in the out-of-door life he was known as a stickler for the amateur spirit and avoidance of the garish and night-club aspects that inevitably crept in. To Roland skiing was a sport along with such sports as white-water canoeing that made for spiritual experience. He was very sensitive to the need for minimizing environmental damage in ski developments.

Many of us will chose to remember Roland in the days before ski lifts when he would be seen climbing up the trails on sealskins. Frequently he would be in animated conversation, happy that he had found a kindred spirit in someone hitherto unknown. And when some novice fell he was quick to help him to his skis with a word of cheer.

A finely tempered spirit has left us.

Lawrence G. Coveney