In 1963, Merv Lapin arrived in the Gore Creek Valley and at the fledgling Vail Ski Area. He has been active in Vail community affairs since day one. As the son and grandson of Lithuanian immigrants, Lapin understands the values of hard work, community spirit and the universal language of sport.

Merv Lapin expounds upon his youth and family life, the early days of Vail (1960s), his life-long friendships created while traveling and camping in Soviet Bloc countries by Volkswagon van, creation of Vail international youth hockey exchanges with Communist Russia, and the community of Vail today.