Raymond Lanctot

Whether enthusiastically instructing a class of small children, presiding over a meeting of the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance, or overseeing his ski equipment enterprise, Raymond Lanctôt had little time for interests outside the world of skiing. It remained a lifelong passion, with his dynamic personality influencing the development of the sport in Canada and enhancing the country’s reputation on the international stage.

Lanctôt’s instructional career spanned 30 years, from 1950 to 1980, after beginning as a ski instructor in 1945 at Mont-Tremblant, Que., under John Fripp (inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame in 1988). He later progressed to become director of ski schools—first at the Ski Hills Inn, then the Alpine Inn, and finally at Mont Plante, all in Quebec—where he remained for 15 years.

Particularly passionate about teaching young people, Lanctôt developed his own method, which he called the “Rhythmic Formula,” based on years of observation and experience. “It differs from the orthodox or classic systems,” he said, “in that I use games and formations on the slopes to get the message across.” At the time, it was considered a unique approach in the development of ski instruction.

For many years, Lanctôt was an influential member of the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA), to which he was deeply committed. He served three terms as president, in addition to holding roles such as secretary, vice-president and director, while serving on several technical committees. He also worked closely with European ski authorities on technical matters and, through his participation in the International Congress of Ski Instructors (Interski), helped solidify Canada’s reputation in skiing technique and instruction.

In 1951, he authored and published the first Canadian ski instruction manual in French.

Although Lanctôt was once said to have admitted that he didn’t enjoy business, he demonstrated remarkable acumen for it. As the founder of Raymond Lanctôt Ltée, he built a ski equipment distribution company that grew into one of the largest in Canada, with annual revenues in the millions. The company also became a generous donor of equipment to ski teams across the country.

While he imported many brands—including such names as Allais, Bogner and Dynamic—his most important and successful partnership was with French ski manufacturer Rossignol. He became its exclusive importer in the late 1950s. Rossignol’s growing success in North America led to the construction of manufacturing facilities in Granby, Que., and Williston, Vt.

In 1981, the long-standing partnership culminated in a merger between the two companies, forming Société Distribution Rossignol du Canada Ltée.

Lanctôt was honoured for his many contributions to the sport. He was inducted into both the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance Hall of Fame and the Laurentian Ski Hall of Fame.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Ski instructor from 1945 to 1980; directed ski schools across Quebec
• Developed the “Rhythmic Formula” teaching method for youth
• Published the first French-language Canadian ski manual (1951)
• Served three terms as president of the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA)
• Represented Canada at Interski; helped build international reputation for Canadian ski instruction
• Founded Raymond Lanctôt Ltée, a leading ski equipment distributor in Canada
• Exclusive importer of Rossignol; helped establish factories in Quebec and Vermont
• Merged with Rossignol in 1981 to form Société Distribution Rossignol du Canada Ltée
• Inducted into the CSIA and Laurentian Ski Halls 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.