Joseph ‘Joe’ Bondurant Ryan

Joe Ryan’s greatest contribution to Canadian skiing was his role in developing Mont Tremblant, which became eastern Canada’s largest and most internationally recognized ski resort.

A native of Philadelphia, Pa., and the heir of a wealthy family, Joe had always been interested in the wilderness. In his youth, he spent considerable time exploring the rivers and forests of eastern Canada. He was first introduced to Mont Tremblant, then a remote wilderness, in the 1930s by broadcaster Lowell Thomas.

In 1937, Joe, accompanied by Thomas, climbed Mont Tremblant on skis with skins and was struck by the panoramic views across the Laurentians from its summit. At the top, an exhausted Joe reportedly said: “This has to be the most beautiful sight in the world. There is only one thing wrong. It is too difficult getting up here. I believe I’ll fix that!” His “fix” was the purchase and development of the mountain itself.

Joe was able to buy about 700 acres of freehold land, though acquiring the mountain proved more difficult. The province of Quebec, which owned the land, was reluctant to sell. Joe eventually persuaded officials that developing the area would create jobs and bring prosperity to what was then an impoverished region.

The government imposed strict conditions: Ryan had to put up $30,000 as evidence of good faith, purchase at least $50,000 in land, spend $90,000 in the provincial park and invest at least $500,000 in the property’s development. He had just two years to meet those conditions or risk cancellation of the agreement.

The pressure spurred extraordinarily rapid development. Joe oversaw a frenzy of activity — clearing the site, constructing 20 buildings for a new village, cutting ski trails, building on-mountain rest houses, installing chairlifts and T-bars to service about 20 alpine runs, and developing roads to connect the resort to the highway. The village featured architecture inspired by rural French provincial design.

He also established a first-class ski school with top instructors, which attracted thousands of learners and further boosted Tremblant’s reputation.

Joseph Bondurant Ryan’s vision and investment created a ski resort that, in remarkably little time, gained worldwide recognition for its quality and beauty. Today, Mont Tremblant is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Canadian and international skiers each season.

Career Highlights

• 1930s – Introduced to Mont Tremblant by broadcaster Lowell Thomas
• 1937 – Climbed Mont Tremblant and resolved to develop it into a ski resort
• Secured agreement with Quebec government under strict development conditions
• Directed rapid construction of Mont Tremblant: ski trails, lifts, roads, on-mountain facilities and a French provincial-inspired village
• Founded one of Canada’s premier ski schools, employing leading instructors
• Recognized as the developer of Mont Tremblant, eastern Canada’s largest and most internationally renowned ski resort

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.