The skiing community mourns the loss of Brad Ghent

Photo: Brad Ghent. Source: Vail Valley Foundation Facebook

We are deeply saddened to report the death of Brad Ghent. Ghent, who had valiantly battled ALS for five years, has succumbed to the disease. He died with his family by his side on September 3, 2022. He was 69 years old.

Throughout his life, he had a remarkable career in ski racing but will be fondly remembered as a formidable athlete and beloved community member. But, most importantly, he lived his life as a truly remarkable, loving husband and father. 

A celebration of his life is planned for next week, and instead of flowers, the family has asked that people donate in Brad’s name to the Rocky Mountain chapter of the ALS association. 

The loss of a great member of the skiing community

Ghent was born on December 7th, 1952, and grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado. He later moved to Eagle County in 1989 and became a cherished community member of the Vail Valley. His passion for skiing was first fostered with long drives to Winter Park, where he trained on weekends with the Winter Park Alpine Ski Team.  

His love of and dedication to skiing earned him a spot on the University of Colorado Ski Team, first as a walk-on, but he ultimately rose through the ranks and quickly became a high-achieving member of the Buffalos. Ghent helped lead the Buffs to four NCAA straight championships from 1972-75. As an alpine team member, Ghent was honored as an All-American in 1974. His indomitable spirit and talent seemed to know no end. During his tenure at the University of Colorado, his top-five finishes still rank sixth in the school’s history. 

From skiing to coaching to dad

In 1975, he graduated from the University of Colorado with a business degree and began coaching. During his coaching years, he was a women’s alpine coach for the US Ski Team through the 1986 season, including the team which won four World Championship medals in 1985. 

Following his incredibly successful coaching career with the US Ski Team, he returned to Fort Collins with his wife Karen Lancaster Ghent and started their family. After the birth of their first daughter Erika in 1988, the Ghent family moved to the Vail Valley in 1989. In 1990, Abby was welcomed to the Ghent world, and in 1992, Christa, the youngest, became the only daughter to be born in Vail. 

Inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame in 2018, Ghent received recognition for his lifetime of snow sports contributions.

Continued skiing support as a FIS Technical Delegate

Ghent’s passion for skiing never waned and he officiated many races as a FIS technical delegate. From junior competitions up to the World Cup and Olympic level, he was a constant fixture in the skiing world. He proudly continued his role as a technical delegate even after the disease had begun to take its toll. 

Local involvement in the Vail Valley

In the Vail Valley, he prospered as a community member. He was on the Board of Directors of Ski and Snowboard Club Vail and served on the board of the Rocky Mountain Ski Race Officials. Ghent also coordinated the Beaver Creek, Birds of Prey, on-hill volunteer, Talon Crew, from 2000-2015. Subsequently, in 2015, the Vail Valley Foundation named Ghent Volunteer of the Year.

Ghent was also a renowned pilot, world traveler, and outdoor sports enthusiast off the slopes. He enjoyed mountain biking and, in 2012, came second in his age group at the Leadville 100 race

The ski community will remember Ghent’s friendly smile and willingness to contribute. However, the respect he gained by being a loving husband and father will last forever among those who knew him best. His desire to fight the daunting challenge of ALS until it was no longer possible is a testament to his passion for the people he loved the most. Rest in Peace, Brad Ghent. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Karen (Lancaster) Ghent; daughters Erika Ghent (Erik) Gilbert of Edwards, CO, Christa Ghent (Chris) Baddick of Eagle, CO, and Abby Ghent (Dustin) Cook of Salt Lake City, UT; brothers Gregory Ghent of Santa Fe, NM, Rick Ghent of Larkspur, CO, and Bob Ghent of Greeley, CO; as well as three grandchildren.