Have you seen this painting? Organizers of the 50th annual Bruno Engler Memorial Race are scanning the Bow Valley for an original piece of art used to commemorate the historic ski race, and they need the public's help to locate it.
Have you seen this painting?
Organizers of the 50th annual Bruno Engler Memorial Race are scanning the Bow Valley for an original piece of art used to commemorate the historic ski race, and they need the public's help to locate it.
Canmore folk artist Virginia Ann Hemingson painted the piece to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the race. But since then, the work has disappeared.
Organizers are unsure if the painting went to the family, or was given away, but in order to maintain a piece of race history, Mount Norquay is looking to purchase it if it turns up, and many of the original members would very much like to see it at the 50th anniversary race on Saturday (April 2). A print is featured on this year's race invitation.
This year's race is also the end of an era for the Bruno Engler Memorial Race. Organizers are turning it over to Mount Norquay, which has vowed to keep the event going, however, it will morph into a family-oriented race.
Engler, a former Swiss downhill ski champion, first arrived in Banff in 1939 as a 25 year old guide. A cinematographer, climber, bon vivant and a yodeler, he was one of Banff's ski pioneers.
On film, he worked with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Lee Marvin, Jimmy Stewart and Paul Newman, while on snow, he started the race on the Athabasca Glacier as a tribute to James Brewster. The original slalom course started at 3,000 metres elevation, and finished at 2,286. Today, the run takes about 30 seconds to complete on Mounty Norquay.
Banff legend Eddie Hunter will be the oldest skier in the race. At 89, he's participated in 49 of the 50 Bruno Engler races, and said the race is a great way to preserve the area's ski heritage.
“I'll probably be the oldest one there. I have a lot of old friends who are coming because it's the 50th,” Hunter said.
A handsome skier who spoke five languages and loved Italian opera, Engler was a popular figure in Banff. He married five times and was known as ‘Let's have a party' Bruno to his friends.
Every year, Hunter makes a mock phone call to Engler at the event banquet, checking if he's made it to heaven yet.
“A lot of people doubt if Bruno had the qualities to get into heaven. Right now he's in a bit of a halfway house.” Hunter chuckled. “I remember him, worked with him and skied with him. To me, he was a great guy and I like to remember him that way.”
Along with the skiing, the event includes a Swiss gourmet dinner provided by Ticino's Restaurant.
Reservations are available by contacting Mount Norquay at 403-762-4421 or email [email protected].
