Stein Eriksen

In the 19th episode of 200 Norwegians, we tell the story of a man who became the face of an entire sport.

Long before skiing was mainstream in the United States, Stein Eriksen helped transform it from a niche activity into a lifestyle. This episode traces how a boy who grew up near the forests of Oslo, raised by ski-obsessed parents and shaped by war, discipline, and relentless training, went on to redefine what alpine skiing could be. We follow his path from dark wartime slopes in Norway to the bright mountains of Aspen, from Olympic glory to celebrity friendships, commercials, and ski resorts built around his name. Along the way, we explore how style, timing, and personality mattered as much as medals.

With the help of folklorist Thor Gotaas, this episode moves fast—packed with facts, anecdotes, and sharp turns—and shows how Stein Eriksen became skiing’s first true superstar.