Thomas Grandi

A four-time Olympian and a member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team for 14 years, Thomas Grandi’s career was highlighted by back-to-back World Cup giant slalom victories in Alta Badia, Italy, and Flachau, Austria, in 2004. His Alta Badia win was the first ever by a Canadian male in a technical event.

Thomas (born Dec. 27, 1972, in Bolzano, Italy) spent 14 years on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and represented Canada at four Winter Olympics (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006). He joined the World Cup circuit in 1992-93 and recorded his first top-10 finish in December 1996 at Alta Badia, Italy. 

Thomas also holds the men’s record for the most Canadian championship titles (11) and ended his career with nine World Cup podiums, the third most among Canadian men.

Following his retirement at the end of the 2007 season — and after a brief comeback attempt in 2008-09 to qualify for the 2010 Winter Olympics — Thomas chose to prioritize family over competition. He served as president of Alberta Alpine in the year following his retirement.

Also a member of both the Banff and Alberta Sports Halls of Fame, Thomas is married to cross-country skier Sara Renner, silver medallist in the team sprint at the 2006 Olympics with Beckie Scott. The couple have three daughters: Aria, Gabriella and Maya.

Thomas and Sara own and operate the Paintbox Lodge, a boutique hotel in Canmore, Alta., and recently acquired Talus Backcountry Lodge. Thomas, an ACMG-certified ski guide, leads guests into the backcountry in winter and on hikes in summer.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

1992-93 — Debuted on the World Cup circuit

1994 — Competed at Lillehammer Olympics: 16th in giant slalom; 14th in slalom

1996 — First top-10 World Cup finish: 10th in giant slalom, Alta Badia, Italy

1998 — Competed at Nagano Olympics (DSQ in giant slalom, DNF in slalom)

2002 — Competed at Salt Lake City Olympics: 12th in giant slalom; 16th in slalom; DNF in super-G

2004 — First two World Cup victories: giant slalom, Alta Badia (first Canadian male technical win); giant slalom, Flachau

2006 — Competed at Turin Olympics: 10th in giant slalom; 9th in slalom; three successive World Cup slalom podiums following the Games

Overall — Nine World Cup podiums (third most among Canadian men); 11 Canadian championship titles (men’s record); president of Alberta Alpine following retirement

Note: Information compiled from several sources; may not include all accomplishments. © Canadian Ski Museum & Hall of Fame. For personal/educational use only. All rights reserved.