Hugh Smythe

Hugh Smythe played a pivotal role in the development of Whistler Blackcomb, widely regarded as the most successful mountain resort in North America.

He began his lifelong ski industry career as a volunteer ski patroller on Whistler Mountain in January 1966. By the fall, he had joined the professional patrol and later advanced to director of patrol, hill manager and other leadership positions.

Hugh’s connection to Whistler runs deep. He was on the mountain for opening day on Jan. 15, 1966, as an 18-year-old volunteer patroller who drove up on weekends from Vancouver. Over the next four decades, he became a central figure in many of the key moments that shaped the resort’s extraordinary growth.

In 1974, Hugh left Whistler to resurrect Fortress Mountain, a defunct ski area outside Calgary. His success there as general manager led him in 1977, along with others, to persuade the Aspen Skiing Company and the Federal Business Development Bank to bid on the development of Blackcomb Mountain. He returned to Whistler in 1978 and, as president of Blackcomb, directed the project from inception and planning through construction, opening in December 1980 and the mountain’s ongoing operation and growth.

In 1986, Hugh attracted Intrawest’s interest in Blackcomb, leading to the company’s acquisition of the resort. Under his direction, a major expansion the following year positioned Blackcomb as Canada’s premier ski destination.

Smythe was instrumental in Intrawest’s growth from a single resort in 1986 to a diversified portfolio of award-winning destination properties by the mid-2000s. He served for 20 years as president of the Resort Operations Group, overseeing 13 mountain resorts, including Panorama, CMH Heliskiing, Blue Mountain, Mont Ste. Marie, Tremblant and Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, as well as Stratton, Snowshoe, Copper Mountain, Steamboat, Mammoth, Mountain Creek and Sandestin Beach Resort in the United States, plus Courmayeur in Italy.

In the early 2000s, Intrawest was the largest ski company in the world. Hugh’s vision for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola — connecting Whistler and Blackcomb with the world’s longest unsupported span — was realized shortly before his retirement in 2009.

Upon retiring, Hugh was able to spend a lot more time skiing the mountain he helped build, stopping often to greet the many people whose lives he had influenced. He was a visionary, leader, collaborator and innovator whose career helped shape Whistler Blackcomb’s remarkable journey since opening day in 1966.

Hugh is recognized as one of the most experienced and respected figures in the ski industry, his contributions honoured with numerous awards and accolades.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 1995 – Jim Marshall Award
• 1995 – Henry Singer Award for Retail Excellence
• 1999 – Ski Magazine recognition as one of the 100 most influential people in the history of skiing
• 2000 – Tourism BC’s Tourism Industry Leader of the Year
• 2009 – Canadian Ski Council Judith Kilbourne Award
• 2009 – Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2010 – Inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame
• 2024 – Awarded The Honour of Freedom of the Resort Municipality of Whistler

Note: The information gathered in this biography was compiled from a number of sources; it may not be inclusive of all accomplishments. Copyright © Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum. For personal and/or educational use only. All rights reserved.