Think you take top marks for hot-doggin’ it down your local hill? Check out our roundup of vintage ski photos and see who was making tracks back in the day.
Ah, the Great White North. Not just a hilarious 80s SCTV skit featuring everyone’s favourite hosers (Bob and Doug McKenzie), but also a land of endless snow. Our vast Canadian landscape is home to over 40 resorts, all dedicated to fulfilling the downhill desires of generations of ski bums. With many hills now open for the winter season, what better time to reminisce about the roots of our riding addictions? We’ve rounded up a sweet collection of vintage photos from some local resorts. Take off, eh!
Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario
Bright eyed ski patrol ready to go. Photo courtesy of Blue Mountain Ski Resort.
Before there were high-speed quads, there was tow-rope. Photo courtesy of Blue Mountain Resort.
Grouse Mountain, BC
On the peak of Dam Mtn. (north of Grouse Mountain.), 1934. From the George Armstrong-Hills Collection, photo courtesy of Hollyburn Heritage Society Collection.
George Armstrong Hills near the tip of Thunderbird Ridge, (Grouse Mountain.), March, 1934. From the George Armstrong-Hills Collection, photo courtesy of Hollyburn Heritage Society Collection.
Fernie Alpine Resort, BC
From the car to the lift, early days at Fernie. Photo courtesy of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Kimberley Alpine Resort, BC
Serious 80s style and a swanky cookout slopeside at Kimberley. Photo courtesy of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Spring skiing style at Kimberley. Photo courtesy of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Lake Louise Ski Resort, Alberta
Seeing visitors off in style. Photo by Eddie Hunter, courtesy of Lake Louise Ski Resort.
The Canadian Rockies look stellar, even in black and white. Photo by Eddie Hunter, courtesy of Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Resort founders Joe and Mary Ryan taking the T-bar up the hill. Photo courtesy of Mont Tremblant.
![10056405705_81f18a692a_o[1]](http://blog.mec.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10056405705_81f18a692a_o1.jpg)
The place to get your planks. Photo courtesy of Mont Tremblant.
Martock Resort, Nova Scotia
Martock staff keeping it friendly. Photo courtesy of Martock Resort.
Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec
Flying through the air with the greatest of ease. Photo courtesy of Mont Sainte-Anne.
And they say there’s no powder out East. Photo courtesy of Mont Sainte-Anne.
Nakiska Ski Resort, Alberta
Host to the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Photo courtesy of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort, Alberta
Making a mountain out of a molehill. Photo courtesy of Rabbit Hill Snow Resort.
Getting on edge. Photo courtesy of Rabbit Hill.
Stoneham Resort, Quebec
Swanky looking ski patrol. Photo courtesy of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
The après scene. Photo courtesy of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Whistler Blackcomb, BC
Locals on Little Whistler, 1968. Photo by Cliff Jennings, courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb.
Airplane turns all the way. Photo by Cliff Jennings, courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb.
Winsport COP, Alberta
The ski jump bowl hosts a big crowd for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Photo courtesy of Winsport COP.
Ski school meetup in the 80s. Photo courtesy of Winsport COP.
Want to look great on the hill? Learn how to be a skier, then try our style mixer.
Find everything you need for ski season at MEC: shop our downhill collection.