This year, Mt. Norquay turns 100. For a resort that’s watched generations of locals learn to ski, train, race, and pass the torch, that milestone means a lot. Norquay isn’t just Banff’s local hill, it’s where ski racing in the Canadian Rockies took root and where it continues to thrive. Ski racing has always been part of Norquay’s DNA. Long before high-speed lifts and modern race programs, this was a place where kids learned to ski, gates were set by hand, and competition grew naturally out of community.
Ski racing at Mt. Norquay in 1964 | Photo credit: The Whyte Museum
Alpine racing at Mt. Norquay goes back almost as far as skiing in Banff itself. In 1926, Gus Johnson cut the first ski runs on the mountain for a small ski training camp, focused on teaching local kids to ski. Two years later, the North American Lodge was built by Banff Ski Club founders Cliff White and Cyril Paris, giving the growing ski community a place to gather.
By 1929, slalom courses were already being set. Throughout the 1930s, Mt. Norquay welcomed European and American teams, putting Banff on the racing map and earning Norquay a reputation as a serious training ground. The mountain hosted the Dominion Championships, today’s equivalent of national championships, in 1937, 1940, and 1948.
That momentum carried on through the decades. In 1966, the Canadian national team trained at Norquay, including Nancy Greene, who would go on to win gold and silver at the 1968 Grenoble Olympics. In 1972, World Cup giant slalom and slalom races were held at the resort, bringing the best racers in the world to Banff’s backyard.
Ski racing youngsters at Mt. Norquay in 1984 | Photo credit: Simon Hoyle, provided by Mt. Norquay
Today, Mt. Norquay proudly serves as home to the Banff Alpine Racers. Founded in 1970 as the Bow Valley Quikies, the program started by teaching kids in Banff how to ski. Over time, it grew into a full alpine racing program, creating a clear pathway for athletes with dreams of racing at the national level.
While the club has produced elite competitors, its mission extends beyond podiums. The Banff Alpine Racers have shaped generations of kids, teaching commitment, teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong love of the sport. The heart of the program has always been its families and volunteers. Generations of parents have helped set courses, run races, drive carpools, tune skis, and cheer from the sidelines. On any given winter morning at Norquay, you’ll likely see young athletes lapping Big Chair or training on their dedicated race run, Silver Legacy; a living reminder that Norquay’s racing future is as strong as its past.
Ski racing at Mt. Norquay in the 1980s | Photo credit: Simon Hoyle, provided by Mt. Norquay
Norquay’s racing heritage is written directly onto the mountain, quite literally, with the trail map reading like a local history book. Henderson’s Turn honours former national team coach Scotty Henderson. Robinson’s Return recognizes Doug Robinson’s lasting contributions as a coach, course designer, and club developer. Giver Grandi and Monod’s Legacy pay tribute to Banff’s strongest racers and enduring ski families. Crosby’s Run commemorates Rob Crosby, who captured gold in downhill and silver in slalom at the 1939 Canadian Amateur Ski Association Championships, followed by gold in slalom and silver in senior downhill in 1940. EDge Hunter is named for Eddie Hunter, a true Norquay stalwart whose impact is still felt today.
And then there’s Silver Legacy, the dedicated training ground for the Banff Alpine Racers. Named for athletes who have reached the world stage, it serves as both a reminder of what’s possible and a quiet hope for what’s still to come. Given Norquay's extensive history raising legends, it's easy to imagine more runs bearing the names of future olympians. Thomas Grandi, Karen Percy Lowe, Jan Hudec, Trevor Philp, Jeff Read, Erik Read and Britt Richardson all got their start at Norquay, and shape the next generation of ski racers. Keep an eye out for Banff Alpine Racers alumni Jeff Read and Britt Richardson at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games.
What truly sets Mt. Norquay apart, though, is its deep-rooted focus on family. Skiing dynasties are woven into the fabric of the resort, passed down through generations who learned, trained, and raced here together. Take the Read family. Father Ken Read, a member of the legendary Crazy Canucks who dominated the World Cup circuit in the 1970s and 1980s, became part owner of Mt. Norquay from 2006 to 2018. His sons Jeff, Erik, and Kevyn all began their ski journeys with the Banff Alpine Racers. Jeff and Erik went on to become Canadian Olympians, with Erik representing Canada in alpine racing at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games. Kevyn, known as KJ, took a different path, competing professionally as a freeskier on the world stage.
Then there’s the Monod family. Their Norquay legacy began with John Monod, a Swiss racer, instructor, and guide who moved to Banff after the Second World War and founded Monod Sports. His sons Philip, Peter, and Nick all started ski racing at Mt. Norquay before competing on provincial and national teams. Today, Peter’s daughter Tatum carries that legacy forward, having competed on the Alberta Ski Team and internationally as a professional freeskier.
And it’s hard to think of Mt. Norquay without thinking of the Grandi’s. From 1995 to 2006, the resort was owned by Kika Grandi. After learning to ski at Mt Norquay, Thomas Grandi went on to become a four-time Olympian, a nine-time World Cup podium finisher, and an eleven-time Canadian champion, one of the most accomplished racers to ever come out of Banff.
Ski racing at Mt. Norquay in the 1980s | Photo credit: Simon Hoyle, provided by Mt. Norquay
Mt. Norquay’s ski racing legacy isn’t just history, it’s alive and thriving today. Whether it’s local Banff Alpine Racers speeding past you, or the annual Bruno Engler Memorial Race, racing remains impossible to miss.
Now in its 58th year, the Bruno Engler Memorial Race is the longest-running ski race in Canada and will take place on March 28, 2026. Named after Bruno Engler, legendary photographer, filmmaker, storyteller, and mountain guide, the event features a two-run giant slalom on Cascade, followed by the Bruno Engler Family Race. In true centennial style, Mt. Norquay is combining the Bruno Engler Memorial Race with its Day of Nostalgia, bringing together competition, community, and celebration.
Another highlight is the Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend, a high-energy two-day celebration of ski racing. Over the weekend, Mt. Norquay welcomes Olympians, junior racers, alumni, coaches and friends of the ski racing community for a weekend of racing and celebration. Featuring the Bozocup Pro-Am and Kindercup races, the weekend honours Rob Bosinger’s love for family, friends, and alpine racing. With round-robin dual slalom drag races, non-stop action, and costumes encouraged, it’s a uniquely Norquay blend of speed, spirit, and fun.
For 100 years, Mt. Norquay has been where Banff locals learned to ski, chased gates, coached kids, and shared countless chairlift rides. Join the community on March 28 for the Day of Nostalgia and help celebrate everything this Resort has given to skiing and ski racing in the Canadian Rockies.
If you aren’t visiting over March 28th for Norquay’s birthday bash, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Norquay’s history! After a big day on the mountain, sit back at The Lone Pine Pub and sip on Mt Norquay's annual collaborative beer with Banff Ave Brewing: The Mighty Quay Send'tennial Kölsch. Brewed in celebration of 100 years of skiing and stories, this Bavarian Kölsch is light and easy-drinking; a nod to the timeless connection between fresh lines and a cold beer at day's end. Catch Norquay’s centennial film, The Mighty Quay, and see Norquay’s history come to life. Looking for more history? Take a stroll through the Whyte Museum for an immersive experience to learn about the origins of skiing in Banff & Lake Louise.
