Canadian Ski Museum

The Canadian Ski Museum (French: Le Musée canadien du ski) was founded in Ottawa, Ontario in 1971 by a dedicated group of volunteers and ski enthusiasts. Shortly thereafter, in 1975 the Museum was incorporated.

The museum’s founders recognized the rapid expansion and development of the sport of skiing over the years; this inspired them to collect not only the material and artifacts related to skiing, but also the various stories associated with the early years. These artifacts and stories remain to be the foundation from which the museum has built its world-class collection. Upon the museum's opening, Herman 'Jackrabbit' Smith-Johannsen [1] acted as the Patron of the Canadian Ski Museum, and donated several of his prize possessions to the collection. Within the museum exhibit is an area devoted to ‘Jackrabbit’, the protagonist and practitioner of cross country and wilderness skiing who lived and breathed skiing for 111 years of his legendary life.

The Canadian Ski Museum’s unparalleled collection of artifacts and archival holdings are a priceless part of Canadian cultural heritage. Since the Museum’s beginnings, the collection has continued to grow, and the presentations of displays and stories about the history of skiing in Canada have increased. The museum has an incredible collection of photographs, memorabilia, skis, poles and ski clothing donated by skiers, all devoted to preserving the memory of Canada's skiing past.

At present, dedicated volunteers (supported by a small paid staff) carry out nearly all of the Museum’s activities. The Museum relies on the support of friends and donors to continue to preserve and present Canadian Ski Heritage.

The Canadian Ski Museum established the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame in 1982 [2]. Since the creation of the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame nearly 140 people have been inducted. The Canadian Ski Hall of Fame honours the pioneers, competitors, builders and industry personnel that have contributed significantly to Canada’s skiing/snowboarding heritage.

The Canadian Ski Museum is a registered Canadian Charity (119219913 RR0001) and governed by a Board of Directors, operating through the Chair of the Board and an Executive Committee

Sources:

Virtual Museum of Canada [3] Pacific Rim Snow Sports Alliance[4]

See also

• Pierre Harvey
• Jackrabbit Johannsen
• Nancy Greene

External Links:

Canadian Ski Museum official website [5] Canadian Ski Hall of Fame official website [6]

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