Famous Canadian Skiers

Erik Guay is a retired Canadian alpine ski racer who achieved significant success in his professional career. Hailing from Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Guay won the World Cup season title in super-G in 2010 and became the world champion in downhill in 2011, along with winning the super-G title in 2017. He holds an impressive record of 25 World Cup podium finishes, making him the career leader for Canada in alpine skiing. Guay's accomplishments solidify his status as one of the top athletes in the sport.

Lauren Woolstencroft is a Canadian alpine skier and electrical engineer. Despite being born missing her left arm below the elbow and both legs below the knees, she began skiing at a young age and started competitive skiing in her teens. She is renowned for her remarkable achievements in skiing, winning eight gold medals at the Paralympics. Woolstencroft's determination and success in the face of physical challenges have inspired many, and her story was featured in a Toyota ad during Super Bowl LII in 2018.

Brigitte Acton is a Canadian alpine skier who has competed in multiple Winter Games, including the 2006 and 2010 editions. She achieved notable results in events such as giant slalom, slalom, and combined disciplines. Acton also excelled in the Canadian National Championships, winning first place in Slalom and placing in other events. Her professional career showcases her talent and dedication to alpine skiing, making her a respected figure in the sport.

Todd Brooker is a retired alpine ski racer known for his impressive career as a member of the renowned Crazy Canucks team. After his successful athletic career, Brooker transitioned into ski commentary on television, sharing his expertise and insights with audiences. His experience as a competitive skier and his passion for the sport make him a valuable voice in the world of skiing, providing valuable analysis and commentary for viewers watching ski competitions.

Karen Percy Lowe is a Canadian former alpine skier known for her impressive career achievements. She won 2 bronze medals in skiing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and served as Canada's flag bearer in the closing ceremony. Throughout her career, she competed in 107 races on the World Cup circuit with 25 top-10 finishes, participated in four World Championships (including two Junior World Championships), and clinched 7 consecutive Canadian National Championships from 1983 to 1989. She retired from the National team in August 1990.

Kelly VanderBeek is a Canadian retired alpine skier known for her successful career in the sport. Throughout her professional life, she trained at various ski clubs, with Chicopee Ski Club in Kitchener, Ontario being her home club. She represented Canada in numerous international competitions, showcasing her skills and dedication to the sport. VanderBeek's achievements on the slopes have earned her recognition and admiration from fans and colleagues alike. She now resides in Canmore, Alberta, continuing to inspire others through her passion for skiing.

Alexander Deans is a renowned Canadian-British inventor, engineer, and physician, known for his innovative creations and contributions to the field of assistive technology. He gained recognition for inventing the "iAid", a groundbreaking navigation device for the blind. Deans has received numerous accolades for his work, including winning prestigious science fairs and being named a Youth Leader by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He has also been honored as a Future Leader under 25 by Maclean's magazine and has spoken at high-profile events alongside notable figures.

Steve Podborski is a Canadian retired professional downhill ski racer known for his success in the World Cup and Olympic competitions. He made a significant impact in the skiing world with his exceptional skills and achievements on the slopes. Podborski's career was highlighted by numerous victories and podium finishes, establishing him as one of the top athletes in the sport. His dedication, determination, and passion for skiing inspired many aspiring racers and left a lasting legacy in the skiing community.

Kerrin Lee-Gartner is a former World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medallist from Canada. She started skiing for the Canadian Women's Ski Team in 1982 and achieved her first World Cup podium in 1990. Her career peaked in 1992 when she won the gold medal in the Olympic downhill. Lee-Gartner continued to excel in the 1993 season with two podium finishes and twelve top tens. After retiring from international competition in 1994, she pursued a career as a television broadcaster with CBC Sports in Canada.

Allison Forsyth is a Canadian former alpine skier who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics. She retired from competitive skiing in 2008 due to injuries and to start a family. Forsyth alleged she was sexually abused by Alpine Canada coach Bertrand Charest, leading to his imprisonment for sex crimes against young skiers. She settled a lawsuit against Alpine Canada in 2023. Canada Soccer hired Forsyth to work on SafeSport initiatives.

Ken Read is a former World Cup alpine ski racer from Canada known for his expertise in downhill skiing. Throughout his ten-year international career, he achieved success by winning five World Cup races, all in the downhill discipline. His professional journey led him to compete in two Olympic Games, showcasing his talent on the global stage. Beyond his competitive achievements, Read remains a respected figure in the skiing community, contributing to the sport's growth and development.

Laurie Graham is a former Canadian downhill skier who had a successful career representing Canada at multiple Winter Olympics. She achieved six World Cup victories and three National Downhill titles during her time on the National Ski Team. Notably, she was the first North American woman to win a World Cup Super Giant Slalom skiing event and the first to win on home soil at Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. Graham also earned recognition with inductions into prestigious halls of fame and was honored as a Member of the Order of Canada.

Manuel Osborne-Paradis is a retired Canadian alpine ski racer known for his successful World Cup career. He achieved his first World Cup podium in 2006 and first victory in 2009. In 2017, he surprised many by winning a bronze medal at the World Championships. Throughout his career, he faced setbacks such as a serious crash in 2011 and a broken leg in 2018. Despite these challenges, Osborne-Paradis displayed resilience and determination, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Nancy Greene Raine is a former Canadian Senator for British Columbia and an Olympic alpine champion. She was appointed to the Senate in 2009 and retired in 2018 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. Greene Raine made history by winning the giant slalom at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France. She is widely recognized for her contributions to Canadian sports and was voted as Canada's Female Athlete of the 20th Century.

Dave Murray was a prominent alpine ski racer known for his fearless racing style as a member of the Crazy Canucks. Alongside his teammates Ken Read, Dave Irwin, and Steve Podborski, Murray made a significant impact on the Canadian downhill racing scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His competitive spirit and daring approach to the sport earned him a reputation as a skilled and determined athlete. Murray's legacy continues to inspire aspiring skiers and fans of alpine racing around the world.

Jim Hunter, also known as "Jungle Jim," is a retired Canadian alpine ski racer who competed in two Winter Olympic Games in 1972 and 1976, representing Canada. He achieved great success in the sport, winning a bronze medal in the 1972 World Championships. Hunter was a key member of the Canadian Men's Alpine Ski Team, famously dubbed the "Crazy Canucks." He is recognized as the original Crazy Canuck, a group known for their fearless and aggressive skiing style that captured the attention of fans worldwide.

Shannon-Ogbnai Abeda is an accomplished Eritrean-Canadian alpine skier and Ski Cross athlete. He made history as the first athlete to compete for Eritrea at the Winter Olympics. Abeda has participated in multiple Olympic Games, showcasing his skills in various alpine skiing events. He briefly switched to bobsleigh before returning to alpine skiing and successfully qualifying for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Despite announcing retirement, Abeda's active FIS license and social media posts suggest a potential comeback for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Dave Irwin is a former alpine ski racer known for his success in representing Canada at two Winter Olympic Games and winning a World Cup downhill race. He was part of the renowned "Crazy Canucks" group of Canadian downhill racers who gained recognition on the World Cup circuit in the late 1970s. Irwin's professional life has been marked by his achievements in competitive skiing and his continued involvement in the sport. Currently residing in Canmore, Alberta, he remains closely connected to the skiing community near the Rocky Mountains.

Connor O'Brien is a British-Estonian alpine skier turned successful entrepreneur and investor. He currently serves as the president and CEO of O'Shares Investments, a U.S.-based ETF adviser, and also holds the same positions at Stanton Asset Management, a Montreal-based investment management company he founded in 2002. Prior to starting his businesses, O'Brien worked at top financial firms such as Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers. His background includes founding a private-equity investment firm in New York City and representing both the UK and Estonia in the Winter Olympics.

Candace Crawford is a successful Canadian alpine skier who has achieved notable accomplishments in her career. She made her World Cup debut in 2014 and earned her first World Cup points later that year. Crawford was part of the Canadian alpine skiing team that won a silver medal at the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. She also excelled in the 2014-15 Nor-Am Cup, winning the overall women's ranking and individual titles in slalom and giant slalom while placing second in super-G.

Brittany Phelan is a Canadian freestyle skier known for her transition from alpine skiing to ski cross. After competing in slalom skiing, she switched disciplines due to injuries and a decline in World Cup ranking. She achieved personal best results in ski cross competitions, including an eleventh-place finish at a World Cup event in Val Thorens. Phelan represented Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics, where she won a silver medal in the women's ski cross event. She continues to excel in ski cross and is a Tremblant athletes ambassador.

Jean-Philippe Auclair was a Canadian freeskier known for his contributions to the sport. He played a significant role in the launch of the 1080 ski by Salomon and co-founded Armada skis with Tanner Hall. Auclair remained a member of Armada's "Pro Team" until his passing. He had various sponsors and was recognized for his distinctive facial hair styles. Auclair also appeared in multiple ski movies, including Sherpas Cinema's All.I.Can. His legacy continues to be celebrated through projects like the short film "Imagination" by The North Face and Sherpas Cinema.

Larisa Yurkiw is a Canadian retired World Cup alpine ski racer known for her expertise in downhill and super-G events. She made her World Cup debut in 2007 and achieved a personal best in 2015 with a 2nd place finish in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Yurkiw faced a setback in 2009 due to a severe knee injury but continued to excel in her career, earning multiple World Cup podium finishes. She also had success in junior competitions and national championships before retiring in 2016 to prioritize her health.

Mikayla Martin was a talented Canadian athlete who excelled in alpine skiing, ski cross, and mountain biking. She achieved multiple titles in both skiing and mountain biking competitions, showcasing her versatility and skill across different disciplines. Martin competed at various levels, from provincial championships to World Cup events, consistently demonstrating her passion and dedication to her sports. Despite facing injuries throughout her career, she continued to push herself and achieve notable results, leaving a lasting impact on the skiing and mountain biking communities.

Marie-Michèle Gagnon is a Canadian alpine ski racer specializing in speed disciplines and combined events. Originally focused on slalom skiing, she had to shift her focus due to an injury in 2017. Gagnon is known for her versatility on the slopes and her adaptability to different disciplines. She has represented Canada in various World Cup races and has shown resilience in overcoming challenges throughout her career. Gagnon's professional journey reflects her determination and dedication to the sport of alpine skiing.

Rhoda Wurtele is a renowned Canadian Olympian and skiing pioneer who made significant contributions to the sport in the 1940s and 1950s. Alongside her twin sister, Rhona, she represented Canada at the 1948 Olympic Women's Alpine team. Rhoda's dedication and skill in skiing led to her becoming one of the country's most celebrated athletes. Her achievements have left a lasting impact on the world of winter sports, inspiring generations of athletes to pursue excellence in skiing.

Kathy Kreiner is a retired alpine ski racer from Canada known for her remarkable achievements in the sport. She rose to prominence as a World Cup alpine ski racer and solidified her legacy by winning an Olympic gold medal. Kreiner's exceptional skills and dedication to skiing enabled her to compete at the highest levels of international competition. Her career is marked by numerous accolades and victories, making her a respected figure in the world of alpine skiing.

Shane McConkey was a professional skier and BASE jumper known for his fearless and innovative approach to extreme sports. He established himself in Olympic Valley, California, after an itinerant childhood. McConkey gained recognition for his skiing career after dropping out of the University of Colorado Boulder to pursue his dreams. He was a pioneer in ski-BASE jumping and is remembered for his contributions to the world of extreme sports through his daring stunts and creativity on the slopes.

Tracy Schmitt is a renowned Canadian motivational speaker and athlete who has inspired many with her remarkable achievements. Despite being a quadruple amputee, she has excelled in sports, winning a bronze medal in alpine downhill para-skiing at the Ontario Parasport Games. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, she received the prestigious Ontario Premier Award in 2017. Tracy's impact and influence extend beyond sports, as evidenced by her induction into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in 2019, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer and role model.

Stacy William Kohut is a renowned Canadian Paralympic skier, known for his exceptional achievements in the sport. With a remarkable career spanning years, he has garnered widespread recognition for his outstanding talent and dedication. Kohut has clinched a gold medal along with three silver medals, showcasing his prowess on the slopes. His impressive track record and relentless pursuit of excellence have solidified his status as a respected figure in the world of Paralympic skiing, inspiring many with his remarkable performances.

Sarah Jean Burke was a Canadian freestyle skier known for pioneering the superpipe event. She was a five-time Winter X Games gold medallist and won the world championship in the halfpipe in 2005. Burke successfully advocated for the inclusion of the event in the Olympic program for the 2014 Winter Olympics, where she was considered a top contender for a medal. Tragically, she passed away in 2012 following a training accident in Utah, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in freestyle skiing.

Wayne Wong is a Canadian freestyle skiing pioneer known for his significant influence in the sport during the 20th century. He is recognized for inventing the "Wong Banger" and has starred in numerous skiing films. Wong's contributions have led to his induction into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Additionally, he played a key role in introducing future Tour de France champion Greg LeMond to cycling in 1975.

Lucile Wheeler CM is a former alpine ski racer from Canada known for her exceptional achievements in the sport. In 1958, she made history by becoming the first North American to win a world title in the downhill event, solidifying her status as a double world champion. Her remarkable success on the slopes showcased her talent, determination, and skill as a competitive athlete. Lucile Wheeler's legacy in alpine skiing continues to inspire and influence future generations of skiers worldwide.

Lois Butler was a versatile professional known for her achievements as an Olympic skier, aviator, and a pioneering member of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). She excelled in various fields, showcasing her skills and determination. As an Olympic skier, she demonstrated her athletic prowess, while her involvement in aviation highlighted her passion for flying. Joining the Air Transport Auxiliary further underscored her dedication to serving in critical roles during wartime. Butler's career epitomized a commitment to excellence and breaking barriers across multiple disciplines.

Rhona Wurtele was a prominent figure in the skiing world, known for her exceptional skills and pioneering spirit. Alongside her twin sister, she made history as part of Canada's women's skiing pioneers and champions of the 1940s and 1950s. Their remarkable performance at the 1948 Olympics showcased their talent and dedication to the sport. Rhona's professional life was marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the skiing community, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of athletes to admire and follow.

Betsy Clifford is a Canadian retired alpine skier who made a significant impact in the world of skiing during the late 1960s and early 1970s. She gained recognition for being the youngest Canadian skier to compete at the 1968 Winter Olympics. Clifford achieved notable finishes in the Alpine Skiing World Cup in 1970 and 1971, including a victory in slalom skiing in 1971. Her impressive performances led to her induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1971.

Anne Heggtveit had a successful professional skiing career, representing Canada as an alpine ski racer. She achieved great acclaim in 1960 by winning an Olympic gold medal and becoming a double world champion. Her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport made her a prominent figure in the skiing world during that time. Anne's achievements on the slopes solidified her legacy as one of Canada's most talented and accomplished alpine ski racers.

Emily Brydon is a Canadian former alpine skier and three-time Olympian. Throughout her career, she achieved significant success on the World Cup circuit, reaching the podium nine times. Her victories include a super G win in 2008 in St. Moritz. Brydon competed in both the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics, showcasing her talent and determination on the international stage. She was coached by Heinzpeter Platter, Rob Boyd, and Brett Zagozewski, who played crucial roles in shaping her competitive abilities.

Kate Pace Lindsay is a Canadian retired alpine skier who achieved notable success in her career. She won six World Cup medals and three Canadian downhill championships, with a significant victory at the 1993 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Pace Lindsay also competed in the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics as a member of the national team. Her professional accomplishments include being awarded the Velma Springstead Trophy and the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award in 1993. Additionally, a pathway named the Kate Pace Way in North Bay, Ontario, commemorates her legacy as a versatile athlete.

Mélanie Turgeon is a former member of the Canadian national ski team, known for her success in alpine skiing competitions. She joined the national team at a young age and quickly made a name for herself with multiple medals at the World Junior Championships. Turgeon competed in three Winter Olympics and achieved a notable victory at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Unfortunately, her career was interrupted by a back injury, leading to her retirement from professional skiing in 2005.

Eric Pehota is a renowned Canadian alpine skier known for his numerous first descents of mountains on skis and appearances in ski films such as Steep and various Warren Miller productions. Rising to fame in the early 1990s as a big mountain skier, Pehota has continued to be a prominent figure in the skiing world. He is a sponsored athlete of Rossignol and Arc’teryx. Pehota has been featured in several ski films, showcasing his skill and expertise in the sport.