Steamboat Springs — Buck Erickson struggled to keep his 1962 Lamborghini skis on and he nearly crashed in them on a practice run before the Vintage Ski Race on Sunday afternoon at Steamboat Ski Area.

But the Steamboat resident figured it out. Erickson edged out former Olympians Jim “Moose” Barrows and Billy Kidd to win the inaugural slalom race.

“I would have been disappointed if I hadn’t won,” Erickson said.

Erickson — wearing the first pair of leather ski boots he bought as a 13-year-old in 1967, with wool pants and a sweater to complete his vintage look — was among a dozen skiers who dusted off old ski gear, including wooden skis and versions of the first metal skis, for the race. The event even included a 1986 Burton snowboard.

Kidd said the race was intended to be a tribute to Jimmie Huega and Buddy Werner and a chance to talk about the history of skiing.

“We didn’t know what to expect, but for a year-one event, we feel positive about it,” said Mike Poirot, marketing director for Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. “We’re definitely going to do it again.”

Poirot said the race was a perfect complement to the second annual Vintage Fashion Show, organized by the Tread of Pioneers Museum. The show was held Sunday morning at the Bear River Bar & Grill.

Models — including museum staff members and local residents — donned a variety of ski fashion, including the wool outfits of the early 1900s, the one-piece ski suits of the 1970s and the neon ski jackets of the 1980s and 90s. The clothing was either a part of the museum’s ski collection or donated for the show by local contributors.

Tread of Pioneers Executive Director Candice Bannister said she thought the fashion show’s second year was a success, after holding the first at United Methodist Church of Steamboat Springs.

“We loved partnering with the ski area for the Vintage Ski Race,” said Bannister, who wore a 1960s-era furry coat, furry hat and furry boots during the fashion show. “I think it adds depth to the event for people who wanted to participate in one or both.”

Bannister added that the location was perfect to present a little history to locals or out-of-town guests stopping in for lunch, such as Brian and Becky DeLay, of Charlotte, N.C.

The couple was surprised to see a fashion show taking place while stopping for a quick bite with their children, Kyle, 8, Mackenzi, 7, and Allison, 5. Brian said he hadn’t skied Steamboat since a time when many of the outfits he saw were popular.

“I felt like I was back in the day, the ’80s,” he said. “People wore neon like crazy. I thought it was the way to be then.”

— To reach Jack Weinstein, call 970-871-4203 or e-mail jweinstein@SteamboatToday.com