Mike Elliott

I grew up 3 houses away from the Elliott´s´, they had a sauna in their back yard and can remember times in winter with 3 feet of snow everywhere a bunch of them exiting the sauna and rolling in the snow, just to return to the sauna. Will not forget those times!

I don't remember a time when I didn't know Mike Elliott. Our mothers were friends and our paths crossed from time to time. When I was 11 and he went to his first Olympics he was definitely larger than life but also as humble and as nice a person as I'd ever met. He always treated others as his equal and encourage them to reach their potential. His enthusiasm, confidence, helpfulness, and leadership led me, my family and my friends to many summits. Some of the summits were hair raising but I...

Elliott Family - I am so sorry to hear of Mike's loss. I smile deeply when I think of him. He was a foundational coach in my year's coming of age. He had a way of encouraging you to your edge, always with your best interest in mind. He gave you confidence to believe in yourself and all your potential. He was the type of coach you didn't want to let down, because you knew he was leaving it all out there on your behalf. I'll remember his smile and his heart, and seeing him outside doing yard...

“Big” Mike was a remarkable person who touched the lives of so many, including mine. His passion for athletics, service, and coaching inspired countless individuals, and his unwavering dedication to his family was evident every single day.

I am incredibly grateful for the warmth with which he welcomed me into the Durango community and for his encouragement to immerse myself in nordic skiing, knowing I was a sucker for hard work. ;) I’ll always cherish the memories of roller skiing...

He taught me swimming at age 5 or 6 at the swimming pool in town. I think I was on the side crying all the time as it was so cold at 8 am!!

Mike was a mentor a friend and a wonderful human being. He never hesitated to help other athletes on the x-c circuit become more of who they were. His mix of humor, personal strength, rugged gentleness and care for his fellow man made him a true icon in the Nordic world. Skiing and competing with him was always an inspiration and adventure. He added value to all our lives. Terry Morse