Ernie McCulloch

A bold innovator and fierce competitor, Ernie McCulloch helped define North American ski racing and instruction in the mid-20th century.

In a foreword to Ski Easy … The New Technique (McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1973), Raymond Lanctôt described his friend as “a perceptive analyst of skiing technique, an impatient stylistic innovator, and yet a charming and enthusiastic instructor.” Born in Trois-Rivières, Que., Ernie embodied the aggressive spirit of a champion—not for acclaim, but driven by boundless energy and talent.

He began as a ski jumper, the dominant winter sport in his hometown, but made the transition to alpine skiing in 1946 after placing second in a Laurentian zone slalom event at Lac Beauport. Just two years later, at the 1949 Quebec Kandahar at Mont-Tremblant, Que., Ernie shocked the ski world by defeating the entire French alpine team, including Olympic gold medallist Henri Oreiller.

He went on to dominate North American racing. In 1950, Ernie completed the rare “grand slam” of ski racing: U.S. giant slalom champion, Harriman Cup winner, and North American overall champion. The accolades continued: “Skier of the Half Century” in 1950, and a second Harriman Cup in 1952, followed by a win over Olympic legends Stein Eriksen and Othmar Schneider at Stowe, Vt.

His teaching career was equally legendary. Known as the “King of Mont-Tremblant,” Ernie became director of the Mont Tremblant Ski School in 1954, leading it to worldwide recognition for its innovative instruction. In 1955, he was appointed president and chief examiner of the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance and held the position multiple times into the 1960s. He also coached the Canadian alpine team at the 1956 Olympic Winter Games.

Ernie’s legacy is reflected in generations of skiers who learned under his imaginative, evolving approach, inspired by methods from Europe yet distinctly Canadian in application.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 1949 – 1st place, Quebec Kandahar champion, Mont-Tremblant, Que.
• 1950 – 1st place, U.S. downhill and combined champion
• 1951 – 1st place, North American championships, Peruvian Cup, Alta, Utah; winner, Harriman Cup
• 1952 – 1st place, Harriman Cup; 1st place, Quebec Kandahar Cup, Mont-Tremblant, Que.; U.S. downhill champion
• 1953 – 1st place, Ryan Cup, Mont-Tremblant, Que.

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.