On International Women’s Day, Mont Tremblant ski resort celebrated Lucile Wheeler, Canada’s first Olympic alpine skiing medallist, with a ceremony at the Chalet des Voyageurs. The resort announced the renaming of the Ligne de Pente trail in her honor. Wheeler’s bronze medal at the 1956 Winter Olympics marked a historic achievement for Canadian sport.
Mont Tremblant marked International Women’s Day with a commemorative gathering at the Chalet des Voyageurs, attended by Wheeler’s family and close friends. The event honored Lucile Wheeler, who won Canada’s first Olympic alpine skiing medal—a bronze—at the 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Games, 70 years ago. As part of the tribute, the resort revealed plans to rename the Ligne de Pente black diamond trail after her.
Born in Saint-Jovite in 1935, Wheeler grew up at Gray Rocks, a hub for ski pioneers. She began skiing at age two and started racing by ten, competing in events like the Taschereau Cup and Ryan Cup on Mont Tremblant. Her Olympic debut came in Oslo in 1952. Beyond the 1956 medal, Wheeler secured two gold medals and a silver at the 1958 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Bad Gastein. That year, she also earned the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s Athlete of the Year.
Wheeler has received numerous accolades, including induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and appointment to the Order of Canada. The trail renaming will occur gradually, with updates to signage, maps, and displays in the coming months. Skiers and riders will see the full change by the start of the 2026–27 winter season.
This tribute underscores Wheeler’s lasting impact on Canadian skiing, bridging her pioneering legacy with the resort’s ongoing commitment to recognizing female athletes.
