Tribute to Roger McCarthy: A Life Devoted to the Mountains

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Tremblant community gathered at the Camp de Base to pay tribute to a towering figure in the ski industry, Roger McCarthy, who passed away on January 4. Nearly 150 people came together to honour the impressive legacy of a man who helped shape Tremblant into the mountain destination it is today.

The ceremony was hosted with heartfelt emotion and sincerity by Yves Juneau, President and CEO of the Quebec Ski Areas Association and founding board member of the Fondation Tremblant, and Annique Aird, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Communications at Station Mont Tremblant.

The ceremony featured sincere and touching tributes from Annique Aird, Patrice Malo (President and Chief Operating Officer at Station Mont Tremblant), and Lorne Bassel (Former Executive VP and co-founder of Intrawest’s Placemaking division), all of whom worked closely with Roger over the years. A moving message was also shared on behalf of Thérèse Barette of the Fondation Tremblant, highlighting Roger’s pivotal role in its founding and his deep commitment to the local community.

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt tribute from Hugh Smythe of Whistler, a member of the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, who worked closely with Roger during key moments of his career. This was followed by the powerful video presentation THE ROGER MCCARTHY STORY (in English only), shown during the ceremony.

Though the atmosphere was tinged with sadness, it was above all uplifting, heartfelt, and unifying. It was a celebration of a builder, a leader, and a mountain enthusiast.

Well known and deeply respected within the ski industry for his human approach to leadership, his broad skill set, and his approachable nature, Roger McCarthy played a pivotal role in the remarkable revitalization of Tremblant following its acquisition by Intrawest in 1991. Appointed General Manager, he successfully guided the team through a complete renewal, helping the destination rise to the top as the best ski resort in Eastern North America in under five years.

“There’s no better way to spend your days than living and working in the mountains, delivering great guest experiences and being surrounded by people who share the same passion and enthusiasm.” – Roger McCarthy

Under his leadership, the resort grew rapidly, attracting more and more skiers each season. Those who worked alongside him describe him as a fair and thoughtful leader—always willing to listen, always ready to roll up his sleeves, even heading into the maintenance shops to chat with mechanics beneath the snow groomers. He inspired everyone he met, from frontline staff to senior management.

A trail Named After Roger McCarthy

One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was when Roger’s son, Julian, was presented with a ski trail sign bearing the name Roger McCarthy. This new trail name will replace the former Alpine run. A deeply symbolic gesture, it ensures Roger’s name will forever be part of the mountain he loved and helped transform. From now on, each descent down this South Side run will be a tribute to his lasting legacy.

Tremblant resort also announced the renaming of a meeting space—formerly known as La Verrière—which will now bear Roger McCarthy’s name. Roger McCarthy’s impact—at Tremblant and across the ski industry in Canada—is enduring. And now, his name will live on, carved into the mountain and remembered each day by those who, like him, live life at the rhythm of the slopes.