A Fireside Chat with John Gow

On March 16th, 2023, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies hosted a Fireside Chat with John Gow and Chic Scott.

John Gow’s roots in Banff go back a long way. His grandfather, Tex Vernon-Wood, was an early guide and outfitter here in the valley.

Although John grew up in Ottawa, he soon developed a deep love for the Rocky Mountains. He became a ski instructor in 1965 and a certified mountain guide in 1967. Soon he started the very successful mountaineer camp for teens, called High Horizons.

A light plane crash in 1969 in which he lost most of his lower leg and half the other foot, seriously affected his climbing and skiing plans, but he went on to win gold medals in the first Olympic skiing event for skiers with disabilities.

But John is best known as a very successful ski area manager. He apprenticed at Sunshine Village as Assistant Manager under Cliff White, then in the mid-70s. When Cliff retired, John took over as president of the resort. Along with White, he created the Sunshine Village Master Plan which opened up the Goat’s Eye area, and as president, he was responsible for building the gondola.

When Sunshine Village was sold in 1982, John moved on and in partnership with Norm Crerar developed the Silver Star Ski Resort near Vernon.

Since then John lived in France and Thailand but in recent years he has returned home to the Bow Valley. After a number of years living in Banff, he has recently taken up residence in Canmore.

Still strong after all these years he loves to ride his bike and over the last two summers has ridden up the Mount Norquay road 257 times!

Photo Description: John Gow (Left) and Cliff White (Right) at Sunshine Village Ski Resort. Image by Simon Hoyle