RIP Ian Baxter
11th January 2024
Tributes are being paid to a legend of Scottish and British skiing, Ian Baxter. The accomplished skier and father of Olympic ski racers Alain and Noel Baxter has died at the age of 78. NEW
Ian Baxter passed away peacefully on 3rd January after a short illness.
His family were by his side.
Ian Baxter grew up in Dundee before making Aviemore his home.
He was part of the original Cairngorm ski community and was one of the very best home-grown skiers among a talented group of pioneers.
As well as being a successful racer, he coached the Espoirs, the RAF Race Team and various ski clubs over the years.
RAF Ski Team. Image c/o Baxter Family Archive
He worked for a number of local ski schools, including Coylumbridge Hotel, Ski School d’Ecosse and Cairdsports.
He was also a BASI trainer, serving the association for more than 30 years.
His niece, Lesley McKenna, a former GB Team snowboarder, issued a statement on behalf of the family.
“As well as being a highly accomplished skier, Ian was a gifted ice hockey player and played for Dundee Rockets and Aviemore Blackhawks Teams,” she said.
“In the summer months Ian was passionate about road biking and ran a bike shop in Aviemore for many years.
“Ian was also known for his kind nature and sense of humour, loved by many and cherished dearly.
“Father to ski legends in their own right, Alain and Noel Baxter and accomplished horse woman, Lucie Hendry (Baxter), brother to Lorna McKenna (Baxter) and doting grandfather to 7 grandkids, Ian will be sorely missed.”
Ian Baxter with sons Noel and Alain and grandson Kerr in 2007. Image c/o Baxter Family Archive
Alan Mackenzie, a fellow ski racer and BASI trainer, has paid tribute to his friend.
“Ian Baxter was one of the finest skiers to have come out of Scotland,” he told PlanetSKI.
“A loving, caring guy who, throughout his ski career remained kind and humble. A true gent!”
Alan says Ian’s racing career took off with a vengeance in the late 1960s and he became Scottish Ski Champion in 1969.
Ian Baxter with one of his many trophies. Image c/o Baxter Family Archive
Later, the Instructors Race on Cairngorm was one of his favourites.
“On a few occasions the race was his only skiing for the season and still, much to everyone else’s disgust, he’d win it with style!” Alan said.
“Ian was one of the original Cairngorm ski community and stood out as one of the best home grown skiers Scotland has ever produced.
“Although second generation, he was very much regarded as one of the pioneers of Scottish skiing & racing.
“A true legend and a mentor to so many.”
RIP Ian Baxter (1945-2024). Image c/o Baxter Family Archive
