Hall of Famer
Edouard Champagne
Affiliated Discipline(s):
Alpine
Hometown:
Ste. Anne, Man. / Montreal, Que. / Ottawa, Ont.
Active Career Period:
1945–1990
Induction CSHF:
1995
Induction Category:
Builder
A passionate and universally-likeable leader in both Manitoba and at the national Alpine Canada office, Ed Champagne played an integral role in promotion and awareness of ski racing as well as the connection of athletes, coaches and members within it.
Ed was born in St. Anne, Manitoba, and joined the Viking Ski Club at about 18-years, and later switched to the Puffin Ski Club, where he held the position of social chairman.
In 1968, the energetic and affable skier started in sports leadership in Winnipeg, as the junior chairman of the Manitoba Ski Division, with a particular focus on the promotion of the Nancy Greene Ski League program. During his time in this role, he served on a committee convened by Parks Canada to search for, and recommend, a site within the Riding Mountain National Park which would be suitable for a ski area. The results of the committee lead to the development of Mount Agassiz, which operated from 1961 to 2000. Ed also served on a Manitoba provincial government committee to select a site for skiing in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. The site selected became known as the Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes, located near the border of Ontario.
In 1969, Ed was hired as the manager of the national ski team, based out of its office in Montreal. As a bilingual professional, Ed quickly developed great communications skills, both with the local and national media, the ski industry and with the families of team members. He moved with the team office to Ottawa in 1972 where he continued his supportive role with the team, being available anytime for anyone, in his relationships with the media and families.
Ed was also an integral part of the Crazy Canuck’s rise in popularity – and other teams throughout the 1970s and 80s – as ski racing grew in Canada and around the world.
After officially retiring, Ed continued to stay in touch with the ski team alumni, helping keep them connected with each other, for many years. In 2018, Ed was recognized and honoured by Alpine Canada with a “Builder Award”. His infectious attitude, charismatic smile, soft voice and subtle leadership were all endearing traits loved by all. After retiring, Ed continued to consider the national team and those around it, as family.
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CSHFM Collection / Taylor Made Service.
Ed Champagne at 2002 Canadian Ski Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. CSHFM Collection / W.P. McElligott 6302-18.
Ed Champagne and Peter Duncan (Master of Ceremonies) at 2002 Canadian Ski Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. W.P.McElligott 6302-17.
Ed Champagne at 1995 Canadian Ski Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. CSHFM Collection.
Ed Champagne (right) with Canadian Ski Museum Chair, Grant Boyd, at 1995 Canadian Ski Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. CSHFM Collection.
Ed Champagne and Patrick Morris at 2007 Canadian Ski Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Valberg Imaging / Andréa Cardin.
Ed Champagne, John Fripp, Keith Nesbitt during “Ski with the Legends Race” at Mt. Cascade in 2000. CSHFM Collection.
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