Olin Mark IV’s, Scott Superhot II’s at Arapahoe Basin, 1979
In the spring of 1979, Arapahoe Basin—known affectionately as “A-Basin”—was buzzing with the distinct energy of late-season skiing in Colorado’s high country. The parking lot tailgates were already legendary, a blend of Grateful Dead tunes, Coors cans half-buried in snowbanks, and skiers eager to test the latest gear of the era: Olin Mark IV skis and Scott Superhot II poles.
The Olin Mark IV’s were the envy of many that season. Sleek and bright, with their distinctive red-and-silver design, they represented the cutting edge of late-’70s ski technology. Designed for speed and stability, the Mark IV’s featured a responsive wood core and a smooth flex that handled everything from moguls to early-morning groomers. For skiers accustomed to straight, heavy boards, the Mark IV’s felt almost revolutionary—a bridge between the classic and the modern.
Paired with Scott Superhot II poles—lightweight aluminum with neon accents that stood out against the snow—skiers felt like they were part of a new wave of style and performance. The Superhot II’s were more than just tools; they were accessories of attitude, swinging with flair as skiers carved down Lenawee Face or hit the bumps on Pallavicini.
That year, A-Basin embodied everything pure about skiing culture: camaraderie, experimentation, and the joy of pushing limits. Lift lines were places to compare gear and swap stories, while the 6th Alley bar echoed with laughter and tales of epic runs. The Olin Mark IV’s and Scott Superhot II’s weren’t just equipment—they were symbols of a generation of skiers embracing innovation and individuality on the mountain.
Looking back, 1979 at Arapahoe Basin captures a golden moment in ski history—a time when technology, culture, and mountain spirit met perfectly in the thin Colorado air.
