Lorne McFadgen

Born in 1935 on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, Lorne McFadgen’s journey across the continent was anything but straightforward. Originally drawn to hockey, he learned to skate on Atlantic Canada’s frozen ponds before his family moved west, settling first in the Rockies and later in Vancouver. Transferring his skills from blades to skis, McFadgen immersed himself in the sport that would define his life.

Although he held steady employment with BC Tel, McFadgen chose to pursue skiing as a career. From 1956 to 1960, he taught at Mount Baker in Washington, where he earned his instructor’s certification from the Professional Ski Instructors of America. In 1961, he moved with his wife and daughter to Vermont’s Mount Snow for a season before joining Mont Tremblant as assistant ski school director from 1962 to 1964 under the renowned Ernie McCulloch.

In 1965, McFadgen arrived at the newly opened Talisman Ski Resort in Kimberley, Ont., to run the ski school and local ski shop. He went on to serve as president of operations and ski school director until 1990, when he returned west to work as a ski instructor at Blackcomb, where his passion for teaching continued to thrive.

Early in his career, McFadgen found a way to promote skiing year-round. Each fall, he travelled across the United States to major ski shows in Cleveland, Detroit, Boston, New York, Denver and Miami, skiing on rolling ramps and promoting the sport on behalf of the Canadian Ski Association. From 1964 to 1987, he also wrote ski columns for local and national newspapers and hosted a talk show on CBC Radio.

McFadgen served as president of the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) from 1970 to 1974 and sat on the national board from 1965 to 1979. He was a four-time member of the interski demonstration team and twice served as a delegate. In 2000, he was inducted into the CSIA Hall of Fame and became the first honoured member of the Blackcomb Hall of Fame. His later work at Blackcomb, where he continued to teach well into his 70s while battling Parkinson’s disease, underscored his dedication to the sport.

McFadgen’s enthusiasm was infectious and his commitment unwavering. His legacy endures in ski circles across the country, including his final chapter at Blackcomb, where he left an indelible mark.

Career Highlights

• Tireless promoter of skiing for more than 35 years
• Vice-president of operations and ski school director at Talisman Resort for 25 years
• Ski instructor at Blackcomb Mountain
• Member of the Canadian interski team
• Inducted into the CSIA Hall of Fame and first inductee into the Blackcomb Hall of Fame

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.