For many, skiing is a hobby or a winter escape. For Francis E. Pipak, Jr., Esq., it has been a lifelong passion—one that has now spanned an incredible 50 years as a professional ski instructor.
A member of Branch 199 and a lifelong Jednota member, Frank balances a distinguished legal career with his enduring commitment to the slopes. By day, he is an industrial tort litigator with Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP, representing employers in workplace matters. By night and weekend, he has devoted himself to teaching others the art—and courage—of skiing.
Frank’s love of skiing began in an unlikely place: his grandmother’s living room. As a young boy, he vividly recalls watching the 1960 Winter Olympics on a black-and-white television. Those Games, held in Squaw Valley, California, were groundbreaking—the first to feature live television coverage and electronic timing. But for Frank, it was the skiing events that left a lasting impression.
“I knew immediately that I wanted to try that someday,” he recalled. That dream would take time to realize. Skiing was not easily accessible, and it wasn’t until after graduating from college that Frank finally had the opportunity. Already an accomplished ice skater from his work at a local rink, he found skiing came naturally. “Skis felt like an extension of ice skates,” he said.
He soon began working on the ski patrol at Hidden Valley Resort in Pennsylvania, assisting injured skiers and administering first aid. Not long after, he enrolled in the resort’s ski school. In 1976, he became a professional ski instructor, beginning a journey that would shape the next five decades of his life.
Frank went on to teach at both Hidden Valley and Seven Springs Mountain Resort—now part of Vail Resorts—and continues to ski at Laurel Mountain, also within the Vail network. Over the years, he has remained committed to improving his craft, taking lessons annually while instructing hundreds of students each season.
By his estimate, he has taught an average of 100 students per year—amounting to thousands of individuals introduced to skiing under his guidance.
A Level III Certified Instructor with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)—the highest level attainable—Frank has taught students of all ages and skill levels. Early in his career, he coached junior racers, working with children as young as 10 to 12 years old. Today, he primarily teaches adults, many of whom come to the slopes with hesitation or fear.
“Helping people overcome that fear is one of the most rewarding parts,” Frank shared. “It’s not just about technique—it’s about understanding the emotional side and building confidence.”
That human connection is what has kept him coming back season after season.
His impact has not gone unnoticed. In a recent tribute, Vail Resorts praised Frank’s extraordinary commitment, noting that his milestone “speaks to a lifetime of dedication to the sport and to our guests.” They added that he has been “a constant on our slopes, sharing knowledge, building confidence, and creating countless ‘aha’ moments,” and that he “embodies what Seven Springs ski instruction is all about: experience, patience, and a genuine love for helping others grow on snow.”
Throughout his career, Frank has had the opportunity to ski with individuals from all walks of life, including CEOs, world champions, and Olympians. Through his involvement with PSIA, he has participated in national and regional events, connecting with instructors from across the country and around the world.
His experiences have even taken him internationally, where he has encountered the rich diversity of the skiing community. Those moments have reminded him of his own heritage—his grandparents emigrated from Humenné near Košice, Slovakia. Though he spoke Slovak as a child, he regrets losing the language over time and would love to reconnect with that part of his identity.
In addition to his contributions on the slopes, Frank has been an active member of the First Catholic Slovak Union. He has served as a delegate to two conventions and chaired the Bylaws Committee in 2022. He has once again been elected as a delegate and looks forward to attending this year’s convention.
Frank is also the son of the late Francis Pipak, Sr., FCSU Regional Director Emeritus, continuing a proud family tradition of service to the organization.
Even after reaching the milestone of 50 years as an instructor, Frank has no plans to slow down. “I’ll keep teaching as long as I can,” he said.
We congratulate Frank on this remarkable achievement and thank him for his many contributions to all those whose lives he has impacted along the way.
(Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts / Seven Springs Mountain Resort)