André Bertrand

André Bertrand was one of the strongest skiers to emerge from the Quebec City region in the late 1940s and early 1950s, culminating inin his selection to the Canadian Olympic team in 1952 for the Olympic Winter Games held in Oslo, Norway, and in 1956 at the Olympic Winter Games held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

With many competitive successes as the top skier for the Laval University, André maintained close ties with his alma mater after his competitive days, acting as coach to the men’s ski team for an unprecedented 20 years from 1950 to 1970. The Laval University team won the Canadian Intercollegiate Championship in 1967 at Mt. Norquay, in Banff, Alberta.

André was also involved in the development of the Mont Sainte Anne ski area near Quebec City and was a key volunteer on many occasions at a number of World Cup alpine and other international alpine events hosted at this resort. This included the role of Chief of Course at the 1st Du Maurier International in 1966 and Chief of Course at the 1st Canada Winter Games in 1967.

André Bertrand left an indelible mark on alpine ski racing as an athlete, coach, ambassador and volunteer. 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 1948 – 1st place, Canadian Junior combined , Banff, Alberta.
• 1950 – 1st place, Canadian Junior Downhill Championships, Banff, Alberta. 1st place, Canadian Senior Downhill Championship, Banff, Alberta.
• 1952 – 1st place, downhill event champion and winner of the Sir Arnold Lunn Trophy at the Parsenn Derby course, Davos, Switzerland.
• 1954 – 1st place, Canadian Senior Downhill Championships, Mont Ste-Anne, Quebec. 1st place, Canadian Senior Alpine combined Championships, Mont Tremblant, Quebec. EISA (Eastern Intercollegiate Skiing Association) Champion, Burke Mountain, Vermont, U.S.A.

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.