Canadian Ski Museum and Hall of Fame

Discover the history of skiing in Canada at the Canadian Ski Museum and Ski Hall of Fame in Ottawa. Housing a vast collection of memorabilia, the museum promotes the appreciation of skiing and snowboarding traditions in Canada, as well as the importance of the sports in Canadian life and culture. The Canadian Ski Museum is dedicated to preserving skiing history, honoring those who contribute to that history and educating people about Canada’s skiing heritage. Certainly, skiing and snow sport enthusiasts are recommended to visit this fascinating establishment.

The Canadian Ski Museum was established in 1971 by a group of ski aficionados. It was later incorporated under federal law in 1975. The founders of the museum realized the important role of skiing in Canada’s cultural heritage and so began to collect stories, legends and artifacts related skiing and its history in Canada. World-renowned skier Herman ‘Jackrabbit’ Smith Johannsen made a great contribution to the museum, providing them with a variety of historical and unique items.

Since its inception, the Canadian Ski Museum’s collection has grown and continues to do so. Amongst the collections are skis, poles, boots, bindings, waxes, clothing, uniforms, badges, pins, racing bibs, trophies, nearly 5000 photographs, books, posters, maps, scrapbooks, newsletters, magazines, programs, journals from ski clubs and ski areas, videos, films and various other historical documents. Amongst the collection are skis made by Scandinavian settlers, right up to Steve Podborski’s famed ‘fastest skis in the world’. These collections provide insight into how skiing equipment and techniques have evolved in Canada, encouraging an understanding of how skiing heritage plays a significant role in Canada’s history.

Visitors to the Canadian Ski Museum will be lead through a chronological look at Canada’s participation and successes at the Winter Olympic Games, all the way back to 1928 right up to 2006. The exhibit features information on the skiers and snowboarders who took part in the Winter Olympic Games. Visitors will be able to view personal items from Olympians such as Steve Podborski, W.B. Thompson, Kathy Kreiner, Lucile Wheeler, Laurie Graham, Anne Heggtveit and Jeff Bean.

The Canadian Ski Museum decided to create the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame (previously the Honor Roll of Canadian Skiing) in 1982. The aim of the Hall of Fame is to give recognition to individuals who were involved in some way with the advancement of skiing in Canada. Amongst those inducted are skiers, snowboarders, officials and coaches.

Those who wish to visit the Canadian Ski Museum will find it on the third floor of the ‘Trailhead’ building, at 1960 Scott Street in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The museum is open from Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm, and on Saturday and Sunday between 11:00am and 4:00pm. Though it is advisable to phone ahead and make sure they will be open.