CSIA's National Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the history of the organization, inspiring and encouraging the development of young Ski Instructors, and enshrining CSIA Icons and Legends who have made a significant contribution to the growth and well-being of the CSIA on a National scale and to the sport of skiing and ski teaching. The CSIA thanks Mike DesBrisay, Martin Jean, Norman Kreutz, Doug Leeming and other cherished Members who have contributed to the esteemed process over time.
Anyone to recommend? Submit a Nomination for the Hall of Fame
Réal Charette has been a member of the Alliance since 1941. He was the first Canadian in 1948 to
direct a
ski school in Canada, called at the time “Snow Eagle Ski School”. In 1951, Réal was the creator of
the
“Learn to Ski Week”, better known these days as “Ski Week”.
In 1953, Réal was nominated, along with Ernie McCulloch and Harvey Clifford as the first three
“Seniors”
(Level 4). After years of being an integral part of Gray Rocks promotion, Réal left the ski school
in 1982
to become Director of Public Relations and Marketing for Gray Rocks.
In 1986, he was presented with the first annual Bewi Award in Boston for “Outstanding Contribution
to the
World of Skiing”. Réal was subsequently inducted into the Laurentian Ski Hall of Fame in the late
1990s.
Réal Charette, one of the early icons of alpine skiing in Quebec, passed away in Mont-Tremblant on
October
22, 2002 at the age of 82.
1938: Founding Member of the CSIA
1939: First President of the CSIA
1939 and from 1945 to 1948: Chief Examiner
Wrote the first CSIA Manual
Manager of the 1948 Olympic Ski Team
Manager of the family business – Chalet Cochand Resort in Sainte-Marguerite, Quebec
Founding member of the Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance in 1943, Chris held the very first
secretary-treasurer position from 1949 to 1962. At that time, the Executive Director's position did
not exist. This was considered the highest position, and in fact, Chris was also CSIA's first paid
employee. His responsibilities included the administration of day-to-day business as well as
assisting with courses.
Chris has been a member of the CSIA for 50 years! Needless to say, this is quite an achievement and
undoubtedly reflects his tremendous love and passion for the sport. Chris was the 11th ski
instructor to earn his Level 4 Senior Instructors Certification.
As a well-respected contributor and avid writer, Chris covered "Skiing in the Laurentians" in the
Montreal Star.
Amongst his many career successes, Chris was also head coach of the "Université de Montréal Bleue et
Or" Ski Team.
His involvement in the ski industry continued, as Chris became an Executive Committee member of the
Canadian Ski Museum, based out of Ottawa during the late 1990s.
Twice President of the CSIA: from 1958 to 1960 and from 1964 to 1966
Member of the National Technical Committee
Wrote the first French translation of the Manual
Interski Team Manager in 1965 at Badgastein, Austria
Interski Delegate in Aspen in 1968 and Garmisch in 1971
Developed the concept of ski equipment sponsorship for key CSIA people through his sport equipment
distribution company
Director of the Mont-Plante Ski School for 15 years
Hines Von Allmen 2010
Hermann Gadner 2010
Hans Falkner 2010
Rolland Belhumeur 2010
A member of the Alliance since 1960, Wayne Bradford was Head Examiner in western Canada in the 1970s. Wayne was also part of the Interski Team in 1964 and 1968. Wayne played an instrumental role as the founder of the development of Technique and Modules for the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiers. At the time of updating this information (October 2005), Wayne is the Ski School Director at Kimberley Resort in British Columbia.
Conrad Guay has been a member of the Alliance since 1968. He was the Ski School Director in Mont-Tremblant from 1975 to 1989. Interski counted Conrad amongst its team in 1975. Conrad also coached the Interski Team in 1983 and 1987. At the time of Conrad's induction into the CSIA Hall of Fame, he was coaching the National Ski Team.
Ernie McCulloch became a member of the Alliance in 1946. In the early 1950s, his career saw him win several prestigious ski races in North America, in the Quebec-Kandahar as well as the U.S. National Championships. Ernie also took with him, on numerous occasions, the Harriman Cup and won the Ryan Cup. Nominated as one of the first "Seniors" (Level 4) along with Réal Charette and Harvey Clifford, Ernie held the position of Ski School Director of the Mont-Tremblant Ski School between 1953 and 1969. In 1965, he was a member of the Interski Team. Ernie has also been inducted in both the U.S. and Canadian Ski Hall of Fame. He was Director and owner of the Blue Mountain Ski School from 1970 to 1980. Regretfully, Ernie passed away in 1987.
Member of CSIA’s National Board of Directors from 1975 to 1987
CSIA President from 1980 to 1987
Member of the National Technical Committee from 1968 to 1974
President of the National Technical Committee from 1972 to 1974
President of the lnterski 87 Committee - Banff, 1987
President of CSIA’s International Committee from the 1980s until now
Three-time Member of the lnterski Demo Team:
1971 Garmisch, Germany
1975 Czechoslovakia
1979 Zao, Japan
Member of the Interski Committee from 1983 to 1999
President of the Interski Committee from 1995 to 1999
Instructor – Sunshine Village from 1965 to 1968
Supervisor – Mt. Snow, Vermont from 1969 to 1971
Ski School Director at Big Vanilla, NY from 1971 to 1973
CSIA Chief Examiner in New Zealand from 1974 to 1976
Director of the Sunshine Village Ski Resort in Banff from 1977 to 1981
Partner/General Manager – Silver Star Mountain from 1981 to 1993
Member of the CSIA National Board of Directors from 1965 to 1979
President of the CSIA from 1970 to 1974
National Technical Committee Member from 1965 to 1979
Chairman of the National Technical Committee in 1976
Four-time Interski Demo Team Member:
1965 Badgastein, Austria
1968 Aspen, Colorado
1971 Garmisch, Germany
1975 Czechoslovakia
Interski Team Delegate:
1979 Zao, Japan
1983 Sesto, Italy
Ski column writer in major local and national newspapers from 1964 to 1987
Instructor at Mount Baker, Washington from 1956 to 1960 and Mount Snow, Vermont 1961
Acted as Assistant Director: Mont-Tremblant from 1962 to 1964
Vice-President of Operations and Talisman, Ontario Ski School and Shop Owner from 1965 to 1990
Ski Professional and Boot Fitter at Whistler/Blackcomb from 1990 until now
Member of CSIA’s National Board of Directors for six years
Member of the National Technical Committee in the 1970s
CSIA Level 4 Examiner
Five-time Member of the Demo Interski Team:
1965 Badgastein, Austria
1968 Aspen, Colorado
1971 Garmisch, Germany
1975 Czechoslovakia
1979 Zao, Japan
Ski School Director:
Mont-Orford, Quebec from 1962 to 1972
Manoir Saint-Castin, Quebec in 1973
Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec from 1976 to 1979
Ski Resort Director: Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec from 1980 to 1998
George Hoffman, better known as “Bud”, joined the CSIA in 1963 after completing his ASI, and in
1966, he passed his CSI. Bud taught skiing at the London Ski Club. He joined the Beaver Valley Ski
School in 1960, and the following year, became their Ski School Director until 1971. Bud became
involved with the CSIA very early in his career. Bud was a member of the CSIA Board of Directors
from 1963 to 1970 (serving as Secretary, Vice-Chairman and then Past Chairman). He actually
originated the first CSIA ramp show. Bud also sat on the CSIA National Board for five years, serving
in a variety of positions including Vice-President. During that period, Bud set up the first
permanent CSIA National Office and personally supervised the first six months of its operation. That
same year, Bud served as a delegate with the CSIA Interski Team held in Garmish, Germany.
Moreover, Bud originated the Level 1 Courses as we know them today. He sat on the committee that
arranged government funding from the Ontario Government for these courses. He also served as the
first Director for these courses for a number of years. Bud initiated the Molson Molstar Racing
Program in Ontario with the assistance of Molson Breweries. This was the first citizen
non-competitive racing in the province. Bud is also the Founder of Molson Park in Barrie, Ontario, a
haven for cross-country ski enthusiasts.
As a member of the CSIA Steering and Executive Committees, Bud set up the Ontario Ski Council and
Sport Ontario (for Ontario). From 1969 to 1976, he served as the Full-Time Manager of the Southern
Ontario Ski Zone. Notable National Team names include Podborski, Safrata, Gibson, Creed and Robbins.
Bud subsequently hired Al Raine to come to Ontario to coach. In addition, Bud was the OSRA’s first
Full-Time Manager. In 1976, Bud bought an old creamery in Beaver Valley and turned it into a ski
shop and cross-country ski area.
At the time of his induction, Bud sat on the Beaver Valley Ski Club.
Corrine grew up as a ski racer, when she won the famous Taschereau Race in 1953, which was at the
time considered to be the "big" race in Eastern Canada for racers aged 18 years and under. Level 2
Certification - Chantecler in 1954
Level 3 Certification - Chalet Cochand in 1955
Level 4 Certification – Mont-Tremblant in 1958
For four years, Corrine instructed for Ernie McCulloch at Mont-Tremblant during the mid 1950s.
Corrine married CSIA Chief Examiner, Heli Summeurar in 1957, and subsequently, instructed full-time
at Mont-Sainte-Agathe, Mont-Orford, Mount Snow, Vermont, and Indian Head, Michigan.
Corrine also made the final cut for the 1965 Interski Team held at Badgastien, Austria.
In the late 1960s, Corrine became Ski School Director at Cuttle's, Mont-Tremblant Club, where she
worked for five years. A real trail blazer, Corrine was the first woman to attain the CSIA "Senior"
(Level 4) Certification and the first female to examine on CSIA Courses, where she started in
Rossland, British Columbia. And so, Corrine examined on CSIA Courses for close to two decades (1958
- 1975)
Peter Schwirtlich took his first Level 2 course at Grey Rocks in 1967. Without any experience, he
failed. But Lorne McFadgen, at that time director of skiing at Talisman Ski Resort in Kimberley,
Ontario, was the course examiner. Lorne needed full-time instructors. Recognizing some talent in
Peter, he hired him.
*After some great training with Lorne, Peter took his Level 2 for the second time in 1968, this time
at Mont Tremblant. He won that course, getting the top marks out of all candidates.
*The following year, 1969, Peter passed his Level 3 at Hidden Valley in Huntsville, Ontario, again
taking top marks and winning the course. At that time, course winners were declared and presented
with a trophy and other prizes.
*Peter passed his Level 4 in 1972 at Mont Tremblant, on the second try, having failed his first
attempt in 1971. In the fall of 1972, he became Ski School Director at Chicopee Ski Club in
Kitchener, Ontario, a position he held there until 2003.
*Soon after that, Peter received training from the CSIA to work on courses. He started to examine in
the fall of 1972, working on Level 2 courses. *Peter became Eastern Technical Committee Chairman in
1975. By 1979, Peter was part of the National Technical Committee and went to the Interski at Zao,
Japan as CSIA Photographer, Videographer and Technical Delegate. By that time he was qualified to
examine at all levels. *Peter again attended Interski in Sesto, Italy, in 1983, then in 1987 served
as Technical Committee Chairman, giving a speech on the Canadian ski technique at the Banff
Interski.Peter became President of the CSIA soon after the Banff Congress, and held that position
until late 1989, almost three years later.
*He then became active in CASI, serving as Treasurer from 1994 to 1999. *Peter is now retired and
lives and skis in Courtenay, B.C., on Vancouver Island.
1962 - 1979 CSIA Examiner.
1965 - 1976 CSIA Technical Committee (Chairman from 1975-1976).
1969 - 1979 CSIA National Board Member.
1975 - 1979 President of CSIA National Board.
1971 Interski Team, Garmish, Germany.
1975 Head of Canadian Delegation, Interski Czechoslovakia.
1979 Interski Delegate, Zao, Japan.
1966 - 1979 CSIA Examiner.
1971 - 1975 Chairman, CSIA Technical Committee.
1972 - 1974 Member of CSIA National Board.
1971 - 1975 Interski Team, Garmish, Germany; Czechoslovakia.
1979 Interski Team Coach, Zao, Japan.
Doug is known as the guy who made “skiing” in Manitoba. He learned to ski by reading books as the
CSIA wasn’t here yet. In 1951, Doug became President of the Varsity Ski Club at the University of
Manitoba. In the 1960s, Doug was introduced to the CSIA when the Winnipeg Ski Club where he became
an instructor and later on took the CSIA Level 2, was referred to as the ASI. Named Ski School
Director at the Winnipeg Ski Club in the 1970s, Doug’s relationship with the CSIA strengthened as he
was appointed Chairman of various Manitoba sub-committees and became the voice of the National Board
of Directors’ Regional Committees.
His involvement as a National Board member from 1976 to 1982 was instrumental as Doug was named
Chairman of the Finance Committee in 1981-1982. Doug was also active in the restructuring of Regions
with the CSIA, and ultimately, he was responsible for shaping the Central Region (SK, MB and NWO).
Doug’s involvement in the ski industry was diversified as Jerry Johnston (CADS) was the person who
introduced him to teaching the disabled to ski. Working with the disabled became a very important
part of Doug’s life. From 1974 to 2004, Doug was a member of CADS and during his long tenure, he was
President of CADS. He assisted in creating the By-Laws, Constitution and Policies of the Canadian
Paralympic Committee.
In 1984, Doug was appointed “Chef de Mission” for the Canadian Team at the Winter Olympic Games for
the disabled in Innsbruck, Austria.
Doug retired in 2003 at the young age of 80.
To summarize, Joe’s business successes have been many and quite diverse, namely in ski, golf, oil,
land, and as a rancher! In addition to these achievements, Joe’s involvement with the CSIA spanned
over a 25-year period:
967-1973: Member of the Alberta Committee Board of Directors.
1971-1973: Chairman of the Alberta Committee.
1971-1973 and 1982-1991: Served on CSIA’s National Board of Directors.
1989-1991: President of CSIA’s Board of Directors.
Joe was also a key member of the Organizing Executive Committee for the 1987 Interski event, which
took place in Banff, Alberta. He was later appointed Delegate and “Chef de Mission” for the 1991
Interski event in St. Anton, Austria.
Of course, Joe’s career within the ski industry was a fulfilling one. Here are just a few of the
positions he held:
1959-1964: Volunteer Ski Patrol at Lake Louise Ski Area.
1964-1969: Ski School Director and General Manager at Happy Valley.
1970: Purchased a major share in Paskapoo (COP).
1984: Sold Paskapoo to the Calgary Olympic Committee for the 1988 Olympic Games.
1987-1992: Owner/Operator of Fortress Mountain in the Kananaskis.
Guy’s involvement with the CSIA continued to flourish. For a decade, from 1970 to 1980, Guy was a
member of the CSIA National Technical Committee and simultaneously served three impressive terms as
a member of the National Board of Directors from 1971 to 1979. Meanwhile, in the 1970s, Guy closely
worked with the CSCF and the CSIA Technical Committees to coordinate course presentations and the
overall administration of both organizations. On the international front, Guy was also involved as
Coach and Demonstrator at the 1975 Interski event, and in 1979, he held the position of Manager, and
once again, Demonstrator. Guy’s astonishing ski career earned him a wide variety of significant
positions such as:
National Alpine Ski Team (Canada) Men’s Coach 1968-1971
Japan National Ski Team - Olympic Technical Coach 1972
From a manufacturing perspective, Guy successfully introduced Descente Ski Apparel to the Canadian
market in 1983, and from 1995 to 2003, he held the position of President and CEO of Descente North
America, Inc.
CSIA PRESENTS BERNARD TROTTIER WITH AN HONOURARY CSIA LEVEL 4
(Mont-Tremblant, Que.) During the Members Convention and Hall of Fame dinner, the CSIA proudly
presented the Founder of Bernard Trottier Sports, with an honourary CSIA Level 4. Bernard became a
member of the CSIA in December of 1963 when he obtained his ASI Level 2 at the Cochand Cottage.
Three years later, in 1966, Bernard completed the CSI Training Session (Level 3).
He was a volunteer builder involved in developing and financing Ski Québec and Ski Canada
1983-1994 Vice-President, Marketing for Ski Canada at the time of the Crazy Canucks
Mille-Aide Club and support to athletes. 1990-1991 Obtained the J. Réal Boulanger Trophy from the
Association des stations de ski du Québec for contributing to the development of the ski sport.
1998 Trophy for exceptional contribution during meetings at Ski Schools in Mont-Tremblant
(1938-1998)
Director of several ski schools in Quebec:
Domaine de Rougemont, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Rouville
Villa Bellevue, Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Bélair,
Mont-Sauvage,
Val-Morin
Mont-Shefford, Station Owner
1999-2000 President of the Gold Medal Club (Currently Governor).
1996 Obtained the Spatule d’Or for contributing to the development of ski competition.
Founder of the University Circuit in cooperation with student sports.
Former Governor and Administrator of Quebec University Sports Award of Merit.
1995 Laurentians Hall of Fame Inductee.
Ski Quebec Ambassador.
Throughout his various contributions, Mr. Bernard Trottier participated in giving Canadian athletes
more than a million dollars in bursaries.
It is with great pride that the CSIA awarded Bernard Trottier with this honour to thank him for his
past and present efforts in ensuring that the Canadian ski industry continues to help future
generations.
Knute grew up in London, Ontario and learned to ski at the London Ski Club in the early 60’s. He had
an incredibly fast rise through our pathway: He obtained his Level 2 in January 1968, his Level 3 in
December 1968 and his Level 4 in May 1970. He also achieved his CFCF Level 3 in 1985.
He has always been totally passionate with his CSIA involvement, which is demonstrated so well, as
Knute has attended the Fall Level 4 Course Conductor training for 50 years in a row! He served 3
terms on the CSIA Ontario Board and was Chair during one term, served as the Level 1 Coordinator for
the CSIA & CFSF in Ontario and was editor of the CSIA Ontario Newsletter.
Knute was inducted into the CSIA Ontario Hall of Fame in 1999.
He also served 2 terms on the CSIA National Board in the 1980’s and was involved with Interski 87
held in Banff. Knute was a Course Conductor for Level 2 & Level 3 Courses for many years across
the country and was Ski School Director at Beaver Valley, Ontario for 19 years.
Knute continues to be an active Course Conductor in Ontario and is a staff trainer at Beaver Valley.
Here’s a few highlights of Kirsti’s many industry achievements and contributions to CSIA:
In 1948, Harvey Clifford became a member of the Alliance. Between 1950 and 1962, Harvey held the position of Ski School Director in various stations across Canada and abroad, namely in Banff, Alberta; Sainte-Marguerite, Quebec; Ruapehu, New Zealand, and Mt. Snow, Vermont. Amongst his achievements, Harvey represented Canada at the 1948 Olympic Games in St. Moritz as well as the FIS Championships in Aspen, Colorado in 1950. Harvey, who was an inductee in the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, passed away in 1982.
Elton Erwin first became a member of the Alliance in 1949. Elton is also a founding member of the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers of which he was President for 16 incredible years. He was also an Interski delegate on three occasions. Inductee of the Laurentian Ski Hall of Fame, Elton teaches skiing and golfing at Gray Rocks, Quebec
André Schwarz became a member of the Alliance in 1970. In 1975 and 1979, André was a member of the Interski Team, and in 1983, he took on the position of Coach of the Interski Team. During the early 1970s, André was Ski School Director in Lake Louise. André presently owns and operates the Post Hotel in Lake Louise.
Member of CSIA’s National Board of Directors from 1964 to 1970
CSIA President from 1968 to 1970
Member of the National Technical Committee
Interski Delegate twice:
1971 Garmisch, Germany
1975 Czechoslovakia
Owner and Director of the Sunshine Village Ski School in Banff from 1958 to 1977
Founder of the Association for Disabled Skiers
Founding Member of the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS/ACSSH)
CADS President from 1976 to 1978
CADS General Manager from 1978 until now
1945 to 1955: Vice-President of the CSIA
CSIA Ski School Director (Training) from 1943 to 1949
In charge of the training courses for operating instructors
In charge of introducing CSIA training in Ontario and Manitoba
Member of CSIA s National Board of Directors from 1962 to 1966
President of the National Technical Committee from 1964 to 1969
Level 4 Examiner in the 1960s and 1970s
Interski Delegate Member:
1968 Aspen, Colorado
1975 Czechoslovakia
1979 Zao, Japan
Assistant Director in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec from 1960 to 1966
Assistant to the General Manager in Mont-Trembant, Quebec from 1965 to 1980
General Manager at Fortess Mountain, Alberta from 1983 to 1986
General Manager at the Osler Bluff Ski Club, Ontario from 1986 to 1998
Doug joined the CSIA in 1972 upon completing the ASI course (Level 2) at Talisman Ski Club. Doug and
his wife Debbie moved to the Kitchener area and both worked at the Chicopee Ski Club full-time for
Peter Schwirtlich. From 1972 to 1978, Doug taught full-time and obtained his CSI (Level 3) and his
CSCF Level 2. From 1974 to 1978, he was the Assistant Director of Chicopee.
In 1979, Doug became Director of Skiing at Glen Eden Ski Area in Milton, Ontario. At that time, Glen
Eden was a small school with a few hundred lessons given per season. Under Doug’s direction and with
a very dedicated staff, the lesson program grew over the next twenty-four seasons. In 2003, when
Doug retired from the Glen Eden Ski Area, his school was teaching about 65,000 lessons per season
with a professional staff of 250 ski and snowboard instructors.
Doug and Debbie with their two sons, Mark and Andrew, and their concession with Conservation Halton
developed a staff of truly dedicated skiers and boarders that have moved on and are now being
recognized for their involvement in the organization. These include nine Level 4s, Demo Team
Members, Snow School Directors and many full-timers in the industry.
Along with running a successful business, Doug held important roles with the CSIA. From 1981 to
1987, he was a member of the National Board spending the last four of those years as Vice-President.
In 1987, Doug attended Interski in Banff, Alberta as an Official Delegate of the CSIA.
In 1990, Doug was approached to see if he would return to the National Board, which he did, and held
a position as President from 1991 to 1995. During this time, Doug and the CSIA Board of Directors
brought snowboarding under the CSIA umbrella which was later to be called CASI. In 1995, Doug
attended Interski, once again, in Japan, as President, and part of the official delegation.
During these periods on the National Board, Doug was very highly regarded for his ability, fairness
and diplomacy in dealing with important issues. Doug was also proud of his relationship with the
CSIA field staff and was always sensitive to their needs and those of the membership.
Some of Doug’s achievements include his induction into the Ontario Hall of Fame in 1997.
Doug was inducted into the CSIA National Hall of Fame in the fall of 2001. Doug continues in 2006 to
work for the CSIA, as a Course Conductor, and as the Director of Development back where he started
at Chicopee in Kitchener, Ontario. He also develops skiers through his business, The Phoenix Club.
Doug is very proud of his involvement with the CSIA, but especially of his family and their support
over the years. Debbie and Mark are both Level 2 Instructors and A.J. (Andrew) is a Level 3
Instructor and a Level 1 Course Conductor. Doug would like to send an open invitation to all his
past contacts to keep in touch [email]
Ski School Director at Big White, British Columbia.
Ski School Director at Sunshine Village, Alberta.
CSIA Level 4 Course Conductor
CSIA Course Director for all of Canada.
Instrumental in starting the Examiners’ Training Program.
Instrumental in starting the CSIA Courses in Lahr, Germany.
Member of the Board of Directors.
CSIA Vice-President.
Mountain Guide (ACMG), worked for Heli-Skiing out of Golden and Revelstoke, British Columbia.
CSIA Level 4 Course Conductor (worked on 17 Level 4 Courses).
Member of the Board of Directors.
Past-President (Chairman) of the CSIA.
Interski Delegate at six Interski Congresses.
Eastern and National Technical Committee.
Ski School Director at Mont-Avila, Quebec.
Ski School Director at Bolton Valley, Quebec.
Ski School Director at Bromont, Quebec.
Ski Instructor in Aspen, Colorado, Grouse Mountain and Whistler, British Columbia.
Canadian Distributor for Suunto Products.
1974 - 1981 National Board Member.
1988 - 1991 National Board Member.
1979 CSIA National Board Vice-President.
1978 - 1984 CSIA Technical Committee.
1979 Interski Team, Zao, Japan.
1983 Interski Delegate, Sesto, Italy.
1987 CSIA Organizing Committee, Banff Interski.
President of the CSIA International Committee.
Founding Member of CSCF.
* 1957 - 1980 CSIA & CSCF Examiner.
* 1955 - 1970 CSIA Ontario Board.
* 1968 - 1980 CSIA National Board.
* 1968 - 1972 CSIA Technical Committee.
* 1966 - 1986 Assistant Coach, National Ski Team Summer Camps.
* 1969 - 1979 Tour Guide France, Italy and USA.
* Inducted into CSIA Ontario Hall of Fame.
It is with great pride that Linda Crutchfield was inducted into the CSIA Hall of Fame. Born in
Shawinigan Falls, Quebec on April 3, 1942, Linda Crutchfield’s impressive, multitasked career spans
over 40 years, and might we add, several continents. Her involvement and dedication to the ski
industry is considerable and so is her devotion as an overall athlete.
It is with great pride that we share with you some of Linda’s achievements over the past 10 decades.
Linda’s career as an athlete spanned over 17 years in three separate sports:
Canadian National Teams:
From 1959 to 1965: Alpine Skiing in three events – Downhill, GS and SL.
From 1965 to 1975: Water Skiing also in three events – Jumping, SL and Figures.
From 1967 to 1969: Luge.
On four occasions, twice as an athlete, Linda participated in different disciplines at the Olympic
Games:
1960: Alternate – Alpine Ski Olympic Team, Squaw Valley, California, USA(Unfortunately, “Alternates”
were unable to attend the Games).
1964: Alpine Skiing – Innsbruck, Austria in the SL, Downhill and GS.
1968: Luge – Grenoble, France. Linda finished in 10th place and was recognized for Best Canadian
Performance, Male or Female.
1976: Assistant “Chef de Mission” in Innsbruck, Austria for the Winter Games.
1976: Director, Observation Missions – Montreal, Canada during the Summer Games.
Linda also participated in five World Championships:
1962: Alpine Skiing – Chamonix, France. She competed in the SL, Downhill and GS. 1965: Water Skiing
– Surfers Paradise Gardens, Australia in the Jump and Slalom Categories.
1969: Water Skiing – Copenhagen, Denmark in the Slalom and Tricks. She placed 5th in the Jump. 1971:
Water Skiing – Banolas, Spain in the Jump and Tricks. Again, she placed 5th, this time in the
Slalom.
1973: Water Skiing – Bogota, Colombia in the Jump, Tricks and Slalom. Her most impressive
achievements in Water Skiing include:
•First woman in Canada to jump over 100 feet in water skiing.
• Fifth woman in the world to jump over 100 feet in water skiing.
With such an extensive profile, Linda has also been honoured and inducted into four Ski Halls of
Fame, namely;
1984: Canada – Ski Hall of Fame.
1985: Laurentians – Ski Hall of Fame.
1985: Saint-Maurice Valley – Ski Hall of Fame.
1994: Quebec (Province) – Water Ski Hall of Fame. Since July 2002, Linda is President of the
Laurentians Ski Museum.
Her professional career brought her to become Director of six snow/ski schools, including Mont-Avila
and Saint-Sauveur in Quebec. For eight years (1971 to 1979), Linda examined on courses across Canada
as a CSIA Level 4 Examiner. From 1982 to 1983, Linda was Director of Sports and Recreation at the
Alpine Inn and Auberge du Lac Lucerne in Sainte-Marguerite, Quebec. She also held the position of
Director of Operations, responsible for ski school, marketing and ticketing activities at Ski Morin
Heights, Quebec.
Since 1998, Linda has been a part-time ski instructor at the Mont-Tremblant Snow School. As stated
earlier, these are just some of Linda’s many achievements and she should be very proud.
Linda Crutchfield can always be reached by email at the following addresses:
John Hanna’s career in the ski industry is a long standing one. John first took his ASI in December
1961, and the following year, he completed his CSI. In the spring of 1963, he became a Senior
Instructor.
His career with the CSIA prospered as he became a Demo Team member for the 1965 Interski event,
which was held in Badgastein, Austria and in 1968 in Aspen, Colorado. In 1971, John was Coach in
Garmish Parterkirchen, Germany.
John was also a valued member of our National Board of Directors from 1969 to 1975. He then became a
member of the TC Committee from the late sixties to the mid-seventies.
Born on June 11, 1944, this Ottawa native graduated from Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ontario, in 1971
with a Business Administration, Major in Management, degree.
His first ski experience began at the tender age of four. Mike grew up skiing, and his many talents
took him from cross country skiing to jumping and downhill at the Ottawa Ski Club at Camp Fortune,
Quebec.
Mike began climbing the CSIA certification ladder in 1962 after successfully completing his Level 2
Course (ASI) at Camp Fortune. Moving out West, he then took his CSIA Level 3 (CSI) at Sunshine
Village, Alberta, in 1965, and passed his Level 4 in 1971. He also became a founding member of the
Canadian Ski Coaches Federation (CSCF) in 1970, and presently holds his CSCF Level 3.
Moreover, Mike enjoyed a successful racing career from 1953 to 1965 with the Ottawa ski club and
Gatineau Ski Zone. He also raced nationally, and was named to a 12-person roster, better known today
as the Development Team. A famed Taschereau Race winner at Mont Tremblant in 1963, which at the time
was the most important race for 18 years and under in Eastern Canada, Mike became a member of the
Quebec Ski Team where he won the Canadian Junior Championships in Banff, Alberta. In 1974, he won
the Western Molstar Pacesetters Race at Sunshine Village.
CSIA Involvement
1968 – Observer at the Interski Congress held in Aspen, Colorado
1971 to 1998 – Level 1, 2 and 3 Course Conductor
Mid ‘70’s – Member of the Western Technical Committee
1974 (Approx) – Founding member of the Canadian Professional Ski School Association
1974 to 1975 – Chairman, Alberta Committee
1984 to1987 – Member of Interski ’87 Organizing Committee, event held in Banff
1985 to 1991 – Member of Alberta Committee, Finance Portfolio
1991 to 1999 – Member of the CSIA Board of Directors
1993 to 1995 – Member of the Executive Committee
1995 to 1999 – President of the CSIA
Ski Industry Involvement
1962 to 1963 – Instructor, Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania and Camp Fortune, Que.
1963 to 1964 – Part-time Instructor, Camp Fortune, Que.
1965 to 1968 – Instructor, Sunshine Valley, AB
1969 to 1970 – Head Coach, Ottawa Ski Club
1970 to 1972 – Head Coach and Technical Director, National Capital Division, Ottawa
1972 to 1973 – Contract Instructor, Queenstown, New Zealand
1972 – Founding member of the New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance NZSIA)
- Wrote the first manual for the NZSIA (based on CSIA methodology)
1972 to 1973 – Technical Chairman and National Course Director, NZSIA
1973 to 1977 – Ski School Director, Sunshine Village, AB
1978 to 1980 – Ski School Director, Paskapoo (COP), AB
1980 to 1991 – Part-time Instructor, Fortress Mountain, AB
1983 to 1984 – Manager of the 1984 Olympic Disabled Skiing Team, Insbruck Austria
2000 to 2003 – Part-time Instructor, Club Ski Banff, AB
2004 to 2006 – Private Ski Instructor, Fairmont Snow School, AB
1990 to 2006 – Member of Pro Work Shop team of instructors, Panorama, BC
Here’s a few highlights of Otto’s many industry achievements and contributions to CSIA:
Here’s a few highlights of Dan’s many industry achievements and contributions to CSIA:
Don Bilodeau 2007
Michel Beaulieu 2007
Martin Olson 2007
David Hay 2009
Marc Turcot 2010
Louis De Passillé 2010
Wade Hampton 2010
John Birrell 2010
Guy Paulsen 2013
Neil Tanner 2014
Norman Kreutz 2015
Guy Ouimet 2016
Louis Joncas 2017
Heather Robertson 2017
Martin Jean 2018
Serge Pilon 2020
An emotional Mike Wiegele, long-time CSIA member, founder of the Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and
of the Canadian Ski Guides Association, accepted this plaque at the Hall of Fame event held at the
Lake Louise Fall Convention.
Mike was inducted for his special contribution to the skiing and ski teaching profession in Canada.
Mike Wiegele was born in Austria in 1938, the same year the CSIA was founded. He grew up in the
Austrian Alps and lived to ski and ski race. Mike came to Canada in 1959, where he instructed at
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec in 1960-1961 and Sugar Bowl, California from 1962 to 1965.
Mike subsequently became Ski School Director and Ski Shop Owner in Lake Louise for eight years that
is from 1965 to 1972. He also was given the contract to manage the Ski School at Canyon in Red Deer,
Alberta.
Mike obtained his CSIA ASI Certification (equivalent to our Level 2) at Gray Rocks, Quebec in 1960
and proceeded to pass his CSI Certification (Level 3) in 1964 at Sunshine. Five years later, in
1969, Mike successfully completed the Level 4 Senior Instructor’s Course at Lake Louise.
The following year, in 1967, Mike married Bonnie and together they had a daughter Michele who has
grown up and is now a key person in the family business, better known as Mike Wiegele Helicopter
Skiing.
His achievements didn’t end here. In the early 1970s, Mike also founded the Banff Quikies Ski Club
for young children, and with his wife Bonnie and other friends, they taught kids to ski and have
fun. This later evolved into the Banff Alpine Racers, which continues to operate. They saw a real
need in the Banff community and made it happen. During this period, Mike began exploring and
studying various mountain areas for snow patterns and skiing potential. As we know, he found his
haven in the Blue River, British Columbia region when Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing was founded in
1970.
From small beginnings, which actually started with no guests, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing has
developed into a full service 5-star year-round resort, which is one of the largest heli-skiing and
year-round areas in the world. His clientele comes from all over the globe.
Mike also founded the Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA) in 1990, which has opened the door for
Canadians to train to become ski guides and which introduced a new meaningful way to live and work
in the mountains. He then initiated avalanche research in conjunction with the University of Calgary
to gain additional knowledge and expertise in this field. Today, all of the heli-skiing operators
participate.
Two books have been published on Mike and his heli-skiing operation. Mike is now writing a technical
book on ski and mountain guiding. In addition, in 1978, Mike created the now famous Powder 8 World
Championships, which he hosts each year at his Blue River Resort. He has hosted the Canadian Ski
Team for summer speed training at Blue River for several years, at his own expense. Mike has
continually encouraged Canadian CSIA members to join his world as well as the CSIA to broaden its
brush in its certification criteria to include first aid, mountain skills and awareness to truly be
a full certification in every sense of the word as required by mountain conditions.
In the fall of 2001, Mike invited key people from the CSIA to Blue River to develop the CSIA’s new
Mountain Skills & Awareness Program to help the CSIA meet the new criteria for international
certification and open doors for our members to pursue the heli-skiing way of life.
Mike Wiegele’s Awards and Merits Include:
• The Bravery Award from the Governor General of Canada.
• The Marshall Award for Excellence from the Canada West Ski Areas Association for his outstanding
contribution to the betterment of the ski industry.
• Mike was inducted into the Canadian Honour Roll of Canadian Skiing for his outstanding input in
the development of skiing in Canada.
Mike has an enthusiasm and passion for skiing that is unsurpassed and when he feels there is a need
to improve or be innovative, he takes on the task whole heartedly. He still has plans to expand and
develop his resort to offer more variety and facilities for people to enjoy, including surface lifts
to expand the heli-skiing operation. He was asked a few years ago if he thought he still had time to
fulfill all his development plans and his reply was simple and enthusiastic… “No problem… I just
took out another 150-year lease on life”.
The CSIA wishes to recognize Mike for his tremendous contribution to the ski world and especially
for his ongoing encouragement, help and guidance to the CSIA in its growth as well.
Martin Jean proudly presented a plaque Mr. Doug Roy, Snow School Director for their 45 years of
successful business. History
• In the early 1960’s the era of the Montreal Ski Train was coming to an end. The autoroute did not
exist resulting in slow travel even to the closest resorts in the Lower Laurentians. Skiing was
available mainly to families with ski chalets.
• Snowy Eagle Ski School was founded in December 1962 by Rod Roy and became one of the first
traveling ski schools in Quebec. Rod was a Physical Education graduate from McGill University and
was a high school teacher in St-Laurent for 33 years.
• Skiing immediately became more accessible to children from non-skiing families.
• The name was changed to Rod Roy Ski Schools in 1969.
• Virtually every ski hill in the Laurentians has been part of the Rod Roy programs including long
forgotten resorts like Carling Lake, Mont Fugère, Mont Castor, Sun Valley and Yvon Coutu.
• The first season there were only 32 members & 4 instructors using one school bus. Today there
are 1200 members & 85 instructors using 25 deluxe coach buses.
Philosophy & Objectives
• Safety. Parents are entrusting Ski Rod Roy with their child from the moment they get on the bus in
the morning until their return in the evening.
• Fun. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are not a sixth day of school. The emphasis is on having fun
on the slopes.
• Learning. Using the teaching techniques of the CSIA and CASI.
Three programs were developed to meet the needs of the skiers.
• Ages 6-10 in full-supervision programs with lessons all day at smaller resorts.
• Ages 10-13 with half-day lessons and some free-ski time at mid-sized resorts.
• Ages 13+ with the option of half-day lessons or free-ski time all day visiting the larger resorts
in Quebec and Vermont.
• New programs evolved as the industry changed including snowboarding programs for teens, adult
programs, u-drive family programs and in recent years a parks & pipe course.
Rod’s passion for skiing continues to this day. He averages 60 ski days a year, and remains involved
with the ski school as on-hill ambassador reminding everyone that there is no such thing as a bad
ski day.
Rob Butler 2009
Lynn Warll 2011
Ian Kirkpatrick 2013
Don Kjorven 2016
Heli Summerhauer 2018
Martin Jean 2018
Peter Metzger 2019
Cam Watson 2019
Kathy Prophet 2019
Bob McLennan 2019
Serge Pilon 2020
Steve Smart 2020
Pierre Godbout 2021
Here’s a few highlights of Dan’s many industry achievements and contributions to CSIA:
Here’s a few highlights of Josh’s many industry achievements and contributions to CSIA:
“Of all the prizes and honorary distinctions I’ve received, this is certainly the most significant
one for me because I know pretty well how much time and effort it takes to achieve a Level 4,”
stated an emotional Nancy Greene during her speech in front of CSIA members.
Among her thirteen World Cup victories (the most by a Canadian) and numerous championships and
Olympic medals, Nancy Greene has also been presented with an impressive list of awards and honours
including:
Officer of the Order of Canada
Order of the Dogwood (British Columbia’s highest Award)
Canadian Athlete of the Year in 1967 and 1968
Amateur Athletic Union “Female Athlete of the Year”
B’nai B’rith “Woman of the Year”
BC Ambassador of Tourism
Whistler’s Citizen of the Year (with husband Al)
Honorary Doctorate of Laws, University College of the Cariboo
Canadian Female Athlete of the Century
HALVA International Skiing Award
Nancy is also a member of the National Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Honour Roll of Skiing, BC
Sports Hall of Fame, US Ski Hall of Fame and she is the Honorary Chair of the Nancy Greene Ski
League.
Nancy and her husband Al are now living in Sun Peaks, where Nancy is the Ski Resort Manager, a
partner of the Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge, and where she plays a significant role within the
National Speakers Bureau. Nancy also continues to cooperation with Rossignol Skis which allowed to
win several competitions.
The CSIA was very proud to present Nancy Greene with this honour, and is greatly appreciative of all
her efforts that have truly helped the Canadian Ski Industry evolve on so many levels.
Bernard became a member of the CSIA in December of 1963 when he obtained his ASI Level 2 at the
Cochand Cottage. Three years later, in 1966, Bernard completed the CSI Training Session (Level 3).
He was a volunteer builder involved in developing and financing Ski Québec and Ski Canada
1983-1994 Vice-President, Marketing for Ski Canada at the time of the Crazy Canucks
Mille-Aide Club and support to athletes.
1990-1991 Obtained the J. Réal Boulanger Trophy from the Association des stations de ski du Québec
for contributing to the development of the ski sport.
1998 Trophy for exceptional contribution during meetings at Ski Schools in Mont-Tremblant
(1938-1998).
Director of several ski schools in Quebec:
Domaine de Rougemont, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Rouville
Villa Bellevue, Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Bélair, Mont-Sauvage, Val-Morin
Mont-Shefford, Station Owner
1999-2000 President of the Gold Medal Club (Currently Governor).
1996 Obtained the Spatule d’Or for contributing to the development of ski competition.
Founder of the University Circuit in cooperation with student sports.
Former Governor and Administrator of Quebec University Sports Award of Merit.
1995 Laurentians Hall of Fame Inductee.
Ski Quebec Ambassador.
Throughout his various contributions, Mr. Bernard Trottier participated in giving Canadian athletes
more than a million dollars in bursaries.
It is with great pride that the CSIA awarded Bernard Trottier with this honour to thank him for his
past and present efforts in ensuring that the Canadian ski industry continues to help future
generations.
Rhoda Wurtele Gillis 2008
Rhoda Wurtele Eaves 2008
Peter Gibson 2018
The CSIA 50 Year Membership is exclusive to Members that have paid their Membership dues for 50 years.
The CSIA 40 Year Membership is exclusive to Members that have paid their Membership dues for 40 years.
The CSIA 25 Year Membership is exclusive to Members that have paid their Membership dues for 25 years.