Our History

Skiing in the Corner Brook area has been an individual activity for many years, although occasional attempts were made to organize a club and develop ski runs and trails. Lacking money and enthusiasts, little progress was made until the 1960s, when skiing began to take hold locally – a ski club was formed, a site (Marble Mountain) was chosen, and, using volunteer labor, the first runs were cleared.

In 1964, club members, seeking a way to attract attention, organized a parade on a Saturday in February. Led by Dr. Bob McLeod, who developed the idea and dressed as their mascot, Leif the Lucky, the parade arrived at the town hall to be greeted and encouraged by the mayor. The parade subsequently became an annual event.

In 1971, the Ski Club, in consultation with the Town Hall, decided to organize a Winter Carnival that would last a weekend. The council declared its annual civic holiday for the Monday of that weekend and loaned $2,500 to the carnival committee to help with its development.

The first Winter Carnival, in 1972, was a resounding success, and by 1977 it had become a major annual event spanning ten days at the end of February. While skiing was the main attraction, all winter sports were included, from snowshoeing and snowmobiling to indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.

Each year, a patron, an honorary president, special guests, a carnival queen, and/or ambassadors presided over the festivities. A logo, carnival hats and buttons were designed, and a special official proclamation and carnival song, both written by Dr. Noel Murphy, were adopted.

Its success can be measured by community participation and by the fact that the spirit of the winter carnival soon spread not only to Corner Brook, but also to most communities in western Newfoundland. As these communities organized their own winter carnivals, Newfoundlanders and visitors alike learned to use and enjoy the winters.

Each year, new events have been added to maintain the fun, involvement and activity, and an impressive list of distinguished Canadians from across Canada, as well as from our province, have attended.