MY WHISTLER
WHISTLER MOMENTUM
Olympic moguls skier John Smart talks about glacier skiing in Whistler and his freestyle ski camps’ role in its success.
NAME: JOHN SMART OCCUPATION: MOMENTUM SKI CAMP FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
This summer, two-time Olympian and 13-time World Cup moguls skiing medallist John Smart marks the 25th year of his Momentum Ski Camps on Blackcomb Glacier. A member of the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, Smart’s approach from the start was to hire the world’s best freestyle skiers and let them instruct and serve as positive role models. The camps are the largest summer ski camps in North America, and the current roster of coaches includes Mike Riddle, Dara Howell, Rory Bushfield and Roz Groenewoud, to name just a few.
How long have you been coming to Whistler?
Since 1975 from the age of 10. I grew up in Lions Bay and our family had a place here, so I skied every weekend. I would rarely miss a day skiing and hitchhiked here, when needed, from the age of 13.
Why did you decide Whistler was the place to set up your ski camps?
I started the camps in 1992 right after my first Olympics. I had been working at another ski camp on the Blackcomb Glacier for two years and decided to start my own camp, encouraged by fellow World Cup skiers and my future wife Julia!
The names of the camps were originally SMS (Smart Mogul Skiing). When and why did you expand to include other disciplines?
We also ran an Acroski (ballet) camp for a few years as well as an “Aerial Water Ramp Camp,” covering all three of the traditional disciplines of freestyle. In 1997, encouraged by one of our coaches, Mike Douglas, we were the first camp to add a Quarterpipe feature for skiers and that was the start of the evolution of new-school freestyle at the summer camps. We have stayed at the forefront of that movement every year, building a bigger and better park each summer, adding airbags and then a 22foot halfpipe.
What key factors have contributed to the camps’ ongoing success and relevance to freestyle moguls and freeride 25 years later?
Our formula has stayed the same over the years — we always bring in the best skiers in the world as coaches, who are at the forefront of progression in their disciplines. Our current roster includes more than 25 Olympians. We listen to our coaches’ ideas and continue to offer the most progressive coaching and inspiration for the next generation of skiers.
What role has the Whistler community played in the camps’ success?
We have had great partnerships over the years with local hotels, restaurants and many activity providers and of course with Whistler Blackcomb, who have continued to support the summer camp scene for many years. They are working to add snowmaking to the glacier and have recently announced plans to build some new incredible facilities.
What is your favourite thing about Whistler in the summer?
Soft snow, skiing in T-shirts, endless activities to do off the hill, long days, and always a fun atmosphere in the Village. We hang out in the centre of all the action, and at night: Sushi Village.