Mike Irwin

Mike Irwin was first inspired to become an elite ski racer by a neighbour and national team skier, Reto Barrington, who became his idol.

Mike followed Reto’s racing career and achievements closely, and from a young age, knew he wanted to pursue the same path. With the support of his parents, Jeannie and Joe, he spent countless days training at Paskapoo and Happy Valley. His development continued under the guidance of Mike and Norbert Wiegele with the Lake Louise Ski Club, laying the foundation for future success.

After five seasons competing on the World Cup and Europa Cup circuits, Mike’s highlights included a bronze medal in a Europa Cup speed event and two top-15 finishes in World Cup downhill races. Like many Canadian racers, he counted a trip down the legendary Streif in Kitzbühel as a career highlight.

“Nothing was better than my three years of racing the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel. It was an incredible experience,” said Mike. “The Canadians dominated the event and all of us skied our best that week every year. My mom and dad came and watched, and it was the thrill of a lifetime.”

Even after retiring from the national team, Mike remained connected to ski racing. He competed on the Ontario University circuit while studying at Western University, where he earned an honours degree in economics. Following graduation, he joined the brokerage firm Raymond James and went on to dominate the Interbourse international ski event for the financial industry, winning the World Stock Exchange Ski Championship 10 times.

Back in Calgary, Mike took on several leadership and organizational roles. He served as past chair of Alberta Alpine and as a director with Alpine Canada. He was also the chief of race at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games and at multiple World Cup events in Canada. In March 2022, he was race chair for the World Junior Ski Championships at Panorama Mountain Resort in British Columbia.

Ski racing has always run deep in the Irwin family. Mike’s father, Joe, was a founding patron of the Petroleum Club fundraising event for the Canadian ski team in 1968. Mike has proudly carried on that tradition for nearly five decades.

He was recently inducted into the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame as an alumnus of both the Canadian and Alberta ski teams. Mike continues to live in Calgary with his wife, Missy, and is a proud father of four.

From racer to leader and mentor, Mike’s lifelong dedication to Canadian ski racing has left a lasting legacy on and off the slopes.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Canadian Alpine Ski Team alumni, sport leader and international event organizer.
• Past Chair of the Alberta Alpine Ski Association and Board of Directors of Alpine Canada.
• Chief of Race for: FIS Alpine World Cup events at Panorama (2007); Whistler (2008); 2010 Olympic Winter Games; Nor-Am events at Panorama (2007to present); and 2022 FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships.
• Member of the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame (2015).

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.