After an eight-year absence, the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame induction ceremony has returned, with the latest class of honorees celebrated in Banff in November 2018.
“It’s not about playing catch-up now and trying to induct everyone deserving of this mention at once,” said Stephen Finestone, chairman of the board for the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame and Museum (CSHFM), and a long-time ski instructor at Tremblant and Ottawa businessman. “The rigorous selection process in place since the early ’80s is very much at the core of this institution. We are going forward with annual celebrations now, with this one in Banff coinciding with the Lake Louise World Cup.”
The ceremony was held in Banff in 2018 in part to honour the origins of most of the six 2018 inductees, curiously all male: alpine athletes Thomas Grandi, John Kucera and Bob Swan, as well as Nordic coach Marty Hall and industry builders John Fry and Russell Goodman. Each inductee is a legend in his own right, and you can read their achievements and bios on the CSHFM website.
And of the actual physical home of the Canadian ski museum? Since the move from its former Ottawa location, the precious artifacts have been in secure temperature-controlled storage. “We are kind of like an iceberg, not every effort and achievement is visible on top, but so much work has been happening under the surface by the group,” said Finestone. “We’re excited to reveal the plan for the new museum that will be built right next to Tremblant’s St-Bernard Chapel, a historical skiers’ landmark.” Fundraising has been the museum’s focus, but an enhanced web presence will also greatly improve exposure to Canadian ski and snowsports stories.
If you would like to submit a worthy name for 2019, or just want a good read, head to skimuseum.ca.
