We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mike Stoveken a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

After more than two decades at the helm of my own motorcycle dealership nestled in Colorado’s mountainous terrain, I embarked on a well-earned retirement. This venture was the culmination of a diverse career that began in the vibrant world of publishing and resort TV entertainment. In the 1980s, I was at the forefront of the digital revolution, bringing computer publishing to a prominent regional magazine in Tampa, Florida, with the iconic Apple Classic computer. The publishing industry has come a long way!
My roots in the action-sports industry run deep, stretching back to the late 70s and early 80s when I shared my passion for skiing as an instructor in New Jersey, Vermont, and the distant slopes of Portillo, Chile. I also played a pivotal role in the emerging windsurfing scene as an independent representative. Heck, always a photography buff, I have bins full of images from those years on the slopes and in the water. The many contacts that I made in the motorcycle industry made the “MOTO” part of the project an easy addition. These rich experiences and the network I built became the foundation of Legends-Media.
With the sale of my business this January, I returned to the ski slopes, carving through the snow at local Colorado resorts several times a week. Amidst the tranquility of midweek skiing, I discovered a community of retirees who, like me, were revisiting their youthful days on the mountains. Our chairlift conversations would often drift to the golden era of skiing—the 60s, 70s, and 80s—reminiscing about favorite spots, Iconic resorts we have visited, legendary ski racers, and the vibrant après-ski culture. It was not uncommon to uncover mutual acquaintances from storied places like Sugarbush, VT or Snowbird, UT.
My foray into social media marketing for my motorcycle shop revealed the power of digital connections. Inspired, I created “The SKI Legends,” a series that celebrates our shared history on the slopes. As the project took shape, I realized that my extensive network in the motorcycle world lent itself perfectly to a summer counterpart, “The MOTO Legends.” Both series, while seasonally distinct, find common ground in the spirit of their communities.
The latest addition, “The RANCHING Legends,” holds a special place in my heart. It’s a homage to the enduring tales of ranching life shared by friends in Utah, stories that span generations. My affection for the history of the American West primarily Northwest Colorado and Utah, has grown over the years, transforming me into an avid historian.
Currently, the “LEGENDS” series is taking shape on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. It’s a fresh endeavor, and each day is a learning curve as I navigate these platforms at the age of 65. Despite the occasional setback, the progress is undeniable and fulfilling. There are plans to expand the “Legends” universe further. As the foundation solidifies, I anticipate a smoother journey in sharing these narratives with the world.

Thanks for your interest in my journey!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

HAHAHA! I think I answered most of those on the earlier question. But I think this might be a worthy addition to my story!

Many of my peers have embraced retirement with leisurely rounds of golf, early dinner specials, and home projects. Yet, as I approached my own retirement, I couldn’t envision myself settling into such a tranquil pace. It was during a series of chairlift conversations that my entrepreneurial spirit was rekindled. I believe that every chapter of my life has been a stepping stone to this moment—launching into an exciting new venture that aligns with my passions. The joy of it all lies in the fact that these are topics I’m deeply enthusiastic about, and I relish the opportunity to connect and share these experiences with fellow aficionados.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Navigating the world of influential interviews can be a challenge, especially when aiming for the stars of the industry. While securing a conversation with renowned figures like Mikayla Shiffrin or Eli Tomac would be a dream come true, I’ve found value in connecting with the unsung heroes who have equally compelling tales to tell. These individuals may not be widely recognized, but their contributions and stories are the threads that weave the rich tapestry of their respective fields.
In my “SKI Legends” series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chuck Ginsburg, the proprietor of A Racer’s Edge in Breckenridge, Colorado. Chuck is the go-to expert for many top racers, providing them with the essential gear and services they need to succeed. Another fascinating character is Chris Ardimas, owner of The Columbine Cafe in Golden, Colorado. This establishment has been in his family since the days of prohibition, and it uniquely combines hospitality with ski culture—you can enjoy a cold beer while getting your skis expertly tuned. Chris has also innovated a ski wax so slick it almost defies belief, which he markets through a local ski shop.
For “The MOTO Legends,” my recent volunteer experience at the Toyota Thunder Valley Motocross National race opened doors to the vital personnel who orchestrate such events. These encounters may not headline the news, but they offer a genuine insight into the sport’s heartbeat—stories that often go untold in mainstream media. It’s these narratives that pave the way for future high-profile interviews and enrich the series with authentic, behind-the-scenes perspectives.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My venture into social media is just beginning. I’ve been cautious about expanding my reach, preferring to first establish a solid base of content that will captivate and maintain the interest of my audience. In an interesting turn of events, “The SKI Legends” caught the attention of Powder magazine, (https://www.powder.com/region-colorado/new-video-series-the-ski-legends-being-developed) which featured my series in a story. This endorsement lent a certain cachet to my work, though it may have been premature given the nascent state of my content. It’s a delicate balance between perfecting the details and seizing the moment to announce our presence to the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.legends-media.com
• Instagram: @theskilegends –
• Facebook: @Theskilegends
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-stoveken-9b68b8a/
• Youtube: @theskilegends
• Other: I am still trying to figure out the actual links to all of my platforms. Someone stole “The MOTO Legends on FB and Instagram after I had already established the name. Try to get META to help on that one!?!
  This has been the challenge on setting up this project on social media. I have listed only the links that I am sure will connect. Mike

Image Credits

Mike Stoveken