From wooden skis and early rope tows to Olympic athletes and international competitions, Yukon has a rich skiing history. Now, a new initiative could turn that history into a visitor experience celebrating the territory’s skiing heritage.
Longtime Yukon skier Neil Hartling is working with the Yukon Transportation Museum and local ski organizations to develop a collection of vintage equipment, memorabilia and stories spanning generations of skiing in the territory.
According to Hartling, there are currently 114 ski museums worldwide, including seven in Canada, but none in the northern territories. The Yukon initiative could become Canada’s eighth and the world’s 115th.
The idea began with Hartling’s own growing collection of vintage ski equipment. After conversations with fellow skiing enthusiasts and representatives from Mount McIntyre and Mount Sima, the concept quickly gained momentum.
Plans are taking shape for a main collection at the Yukon Transportation Museum, complemented by smaller rotating displays at Mount McIntyre and Mount Sima. The first displays could appear this winter, with an opening event at the Transportation Museum planned for April 1, 2027.
The collection aims to celebrate cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, biathlon and snowboarding, exploring how equipment, technology and skiing culture have evolved. It will also highlight the people and programs that have shaped Yukon’s sporting history, from Father Mouchet’s TEST program and generations of Olympic athletes to Whitehorse hosting a Nordic World Cup event in 1981.
For visitors, the proposed exhibits could offer another way to connect with Yukon’s outdoor culture and discover the stories behind the territory’s sporting achievements.
Have a piece of Yukon skiing history?
Hartling is inviting Yukoners to contribute vintage ski equipment, memorabilia and stories. Items approximately 25 years old or older are of particular interest, especially those that reflect changes in skiing technology or have a unique story to tell.
Those interested in contributing can contact Neil Hartling by email at neil.hartling@gmail.com.
Want to hear more?
Listen to Neil Hartling’s full interview on CBC Radio’s Midday Café to discover more about the proposed museum, Yukon’s fascinating skiing history and how you can contribute to the collection.
