Olaus Jeldness
2313.0283 Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre Collection
Digitized by Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History
Born on October 1, 1856, in Stangvik, Norway, Olaus Nilsen Jeldness came to Rossland in 1894. He made his fortune by selling three mine claims to investors at inflated prices near the peak of the Rossland gold mining boom.
One of Jeldness’s infamous skiing exploits was his “Tea Party” on Red Mountain. According to the legend, he invited 25 of the Golden City’s social elite to summit Red. Along the route, Jeldness supplied the guests with generous amounts of “tea”. When they arrived at the top, guests were welcomed by a Norwegian feast. After the festivities, guests were given a pair of 10-foot-long skis and no pole to make their way back down the mountain. Jeldness gave minimal instructions on how to ski, and instead, he offered guests more liquid courage. He did, however, have the foresight to have an ambulance waiting at the base.