Ornulf Johnsen

Ornulf Johnsen, an adventurous Norwegian from Bergen, was Whistler Mountain’s first ski school director and founder of the Grouse Mountain Ski School in North Vancouver where he built a highly successful enterprise from 1966 to 1987. Under his leadership, the ski school generated over $42 million in revenue, a testament to his business acumen and exceptional delivery of customer service. During Johnsen’s tenure, the Grouse Mountain Ski School was selected as one of the ten best in North America. He was a visionary in the ski industry, introducing innovative teaching methods and marketing efforts that were highly progressive for their time.

One of Johnsen’s most significant achievements was the introduction of the Head-Way Learn-to-Ski program, a teaching method which greatly reduced the learning curve for beginners. He also introduced ski programs in local schools, a concept that has since become widespread across Canada. Additionally, Johnsen played a pivotal role in making skiing accessible to individuals with disabilities, initiating one of the first ski programs in Canada for the deaf, blind, and amputees. He co-founded the BC Disabled Skiers Association, further expanding opportunities for those with disabilities to enjoy the sport.

As a pioneering figure in the ski industry, Ornulf Johnsen’s legacy extends beyond his professional career and accomplishments. He understood the importance of inclusivity and believed that skiing should be accessible to all. His commitment to this belief led him to chair the BC marketing group for the Canadian Ski Council’s “Skiing is Believing” campaign, a successful program aimed at introducing new participants to the sport.

During a stellar career, Ornulf Johnsen inspired generations of skiers and left his indelible mark on the Canadian ski industry. At age 85, he was still teaching skiing in Whistler. Now into his 90s’, he enjoys reminiscing about his lifelong adventures in skiing.