Fonds consists of materials pertaining to Ben Gadd's personal life and career as an environmental researcher, educator, interpretive guide, publisher, public speaker and author, ca.1956-2018. Fonds includes maps, research materials, publication notes/drafts, correspondence, contracts, photographs, …
ca. 7.9 metres of textual records -- ca. 274 maps -- 29 VHS tapes -- ca.15 discs with digital files -- 21 cassettes -- photographs -- oversized materials -- USB stick with 15 sldeshows
History / Biographical
Ben Gadd (1946-) is a retired naturalist, guide, geologist, instructor, freelance writer and award-winning author based in the Canadian Rockies.
Ben was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1946. He met his wife, Cia (Langdon) Gadd at Colorado College in 1965, and the couple married four weeks later. Ben and Cia had two sons, Will and Toby. Ben and his family relocated to Jasper in the late 1960s. Ben later attended the University of Lethbridge and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science in 1972.
Between 1976 and 1980, Ben taught classes at Mount Royal College and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; he later taught additional classes at Grant MacEwan College and Lakeland College. From 1981, Ben also worked as a seasonal naturalist/guide for Parks Canada. Ben left Parks Canada in 1985 to start an independent naturalist guiding business with Cia based in Jasper and other parts of the Canadian Rockies, which the couple continued to operate for over two decades.
Ben published his best-known work, "Handbook of the Canadian Rockies", through his publishing company Corax Press in 1986. The second edition of "Handbook of the Canadian Rockies" received multiple awards after its release in 1995. Ben's fiction book, "Raven's End" won the title of Best Canadian Rockies Book at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival in 2001 and became a Canadian bestseller. Overall, Ben has authored or co-authored 11 books and received nearly one dozen awards for his achievements as a writer, researcher and guide.
Ben continued to lead guided hikes and school programs until his retirement in 2016.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of materials pertaining to Ben Gadd's personal life and career as an environmental researcher, educator, interpretive guide, publisher, public speaker and author, ca.1956-2018. Fonds includes maps, research materials, publication notes/drafts, correspondence, contracts, photographs, video and sound recordings, and other related material. Materials donated in 2024 include one USB stick containing
Notes
Ben Gadd fonds arrangement:
Series I : Personal records
- Subseries A : Travel guides and maps
- Subseries B : Education and early writings
- Subseries C : Personal interest files
- Subseries D : Other personal and collected
Series II : Research and publication records
- Subseries A : Handbook of the Canadian Rockies
- Subseries B : Other publications
Series III : Professional records
- Subseries A : Parks Canada Records
- Subseries B : Interpretive guiding
- Subseries C : Teaching records
- Subseries D : Other contracts and projects
Series IV : Legal and financial records
- Subseries A : Legal records
- Subseries B : Financial records
Fonds consists of materials personally collected by Margaret Gmoser. Fonds includes photographs and textual records pertaining to Hans Gmoser, Robson Gmoser, and traverse trip with Chic Scott. Fonds also includes an original letter from Orville Wright regarding early helicopters.
4 cm textual records -- ca. 42 photographs -- 1 oversized poster
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of materials personally collected by Margaret Gmoser. Fonds includes photographs and textual records pertaining to Hans Gmoser, Robson Gmoser, and traverse trip with Chic Scott. Fonds also includes an original letter from Orville Wright regarding early helicopters.
Fonds consists of films, video recording, sound recordings, textual records and photographs produced and collected by Hans Gmoser. Film series (I.) includes: A.1. Presentation films by Hans Gmoser Productions, 1956-1967, 10 items. Feature-length adventure/annual films, mainly silent for live narrat…
25 motion pictures: 41 film reels, also audio reels and magnetic track. -- 17 film reels, 7 film strips, 1 video recording. -- 25 sound recordings. -- 15.5 cm textual records. -- ca.640 photographs: negatives, copy negatives, prints. -- 2 photograph albums. -- 39 cartographic records: maps, some annotated.
History / Biographical
Hans Gmoser, 1932-2006 was born in Braunau, Austria in 1932. During his long career he worked as a mountain guide, mountaineer, ski instructor, skier, cinematographer, lecturer, and founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Canadian Mountain Holidays. Hans Gmoser was also an active cyclist and was based in Banff and Harvie Heights, Alberta.
Gmoser gained early skiing and mountaineering experience in post-war Austria before emigrating to Canada with his friend Leo Grillmair in 1951. Lizzie Rummel gave him his first job in the mountains at Mount Assiniboine. By 1953 he was working as a mountain guide and founded Rocky Mountain Guides Ltd. (Canadian Mountain Holidays CMH) in 1957. That year he began filming promotional films containing climbing and skiing adventure sequences. He first used fixed-wing aircraft and later helicopters, starting in 1963, to transport clients for spring skiing and summer climbing. Gmoser toured throughout North America promoting his skiing and climbing films, attracting large audiences with his inspiring lectures.
Gmoser built Bugaboo Lodge in 1968, the first of six lodges which also include Bobbie Burns, Galena, Gothics, Adamants and Cariboo lodges, to serve international heli-skiers and heli-hikers. Gmoser retired from Canadian Mountain Holidays in 1993. Hans Gmoser received honourary memberships in the Alpine Club of Canada and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations. He was elected to the Honour Roll of Canadian Skiing and the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame and received the Banff Mountain Film Festival Summit of Excellence Award. In 1987 Hans Gmoser was awarded the Order of Canada.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of films, video recording, sound recordings, textual records and photographs produced and collected by Hans Gmoser.
Film series (I.) includes: A.1. Presentation films by Hans Gmoser Productions, 1956-1967, 10 items. Feature-length adventure/annual films, mainly silent for live narration with background music. Some with sound tracks. A.2. Edited versions of presentation films, 1959-1968, 5 motion pictures. B. Other films by Hans Gmoser, 1962-[1969], 8 motion pictures. C. Out-takes, fragment and miscellaneous films, 1960-ca.1970, 17 film reels; Skifarri - Head Hunter film, 1924-1950s, 7 negative strips. D. Collected films, ca.1960, 1972, 2 motion pictures.
Other series are: II. Video recording, 1979; III. Sound recordings (not related to films) include 23 reel to reel tapes of classical and traditional folk songs, 1961 and 1979; IV. Textual records, ca.1955-ca.1995, in the form of film documentation, script to "Ski's over McKinley," certificates, Order of Canada correspondence and information, personal papers and correspondence, maps and other records; V. Photographs, 1950-1986. Photographs pertain to ski trips, climbing expeditions to Mt. Logan, Mt. Robson, Wapta Glacier, Columbia Icefields, Canoe Glacier, Rodgers pass trip, mountaineering clubs, Trudeau/Bugaboo trip, Assiniboine Lodge, portraits of Lizzie Rummel, Erling Strom, and Jim Davies. Albums consist of photographs taken during ski trips in Austria.
Films depict a mixture of skiing and climbing including spring skiing, powder skiing, glacier skiing on Columbia Icefield, heli-skiing in the Rockies and Selkirks and ascents of Mount Logan, Yukon, and Mounts Blackburn and McKinley, Alaska, also rock and ice climbing. Feature length films consist of, or are accompanied by, all or some of the following elements: 16mm originals (A and B rolls); work prints, out takes, 16mm mag track (sound); 1/4" audio tape (background music to accompany narration, 7 items); teasers (TV film clips) and the following items included in the textual records: narration scripts, teaser text, descriptive flyers, press releases, annual pamphlets and ad solicitation for same, censor certificates, related correspondence, maps, oversize promotional posters for Gmoser's films "With Ski and Rope" 1957, and a handmade poster by Banff Ski Runners for "Adventure Bound" and related ephemera.
Fonds consists of photographic material accompanied by media coverage and articles written by Robert Fleming pertaining to Chief Walking Buffalo's 1960 world journey with Chief David and Mrs. Crowchild and five other Stoney and Sarcee people, sponsored by International Moral Rearmament. Travel incl…
ca. 500 photographs: negatives, prints, transparencies. -- ca. 30 cm of textual records
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of photographic material accompanied by media coverage and articles written by Robert Fleming pertaining to Chief Walking Buffalo's 1960 world journey with Chief David and Mrs. Crowchild and five other Stoney and Sarcee people, sponsored by International Moral Rearmament. Travel included Aboriginal people in Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Uganda, and Kenya.Fonds are unprocessed held in 3 boxes and 1 oversize print mounted on foamcore
Series consists of 23 interviews recorded between 1999 and 2009, which were used during the creation of the book Powder Pioneers : Ski Stories from the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains.
Discover the rich history of skiing in the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia. From the early ski jumpers at Revelstoke, through the birth of the backcountry lodges and ski resorts to the heli-skiers and snowboarders of today, the stories are all here.
Scope & Content
Series consists of 23 interviews recorded between 1999 and 2009, which were used during the creation of the book Powder Pioneers : Ski Stories from the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains.
Notes
Series consists of 23 interviews:
S47 / IV / 1 : Syd Scroggle in Dundee
S47 / IV / 2 : Hans Gmoser
S47 / IV / 3 : Bob Sayer 16-Feb-02
S47 / IV / 4 : Toni Klettl 15-Feb-02
S47 / IV / 5 : Art Patterson 12-May-99
S47 / IV / 6 & 7 : Hans Gmoser 29-Apr-04
S47 / IV / 8 to 10 : Philippe Delesalle 28-Apr-04
S47 / IV / 11 to 14 : Doug Gardner 19-May-04
S47 / IV / 15 & 16 : Tony and Gill Daffern 06-Jan-04
53 discs with image files -- 6 cm of scanned photograph copies -- 62 reference slides : col. ; 35mm -- 27 reference photographs : col. prints
History / Biographical
Hans Gmoser played a major role in creating Canada’s vibrant mountain community. Although known internationally as the father of heli-skiing, he was much more than that: a talented rock climber, tireless expedition leader, a mountain guide, film maker and organizer.
Deep Powder and Steep Rock presents an intimate portrait of this charismatic man. Much of the story is told in Gmoser’s own words, gleaned from his diaries, expedition journals, film commentaries and personal correspondence. It is a unique tale of adventure, hard work, perseverance and ultimate success.
Scope & Content
Photograph series consists of discs with reference scans of photographs pertaining to the research and creation of Deep Powder and Steep Rock.
File consists of 8 cassettes with sound recordings pertaining to interviews with Hans Gmoser. Includes interviews by Phil Dowling, [Vicki] Gabereau and [Joseph] Brooks Dodge. Interview with Gabereau was produced for use by the CBC Radio interview show "Gabereau" [aired 1985-1997].
File consists of 8 cassettes with sound recordings pertaining to interviews with Hans Gmoser. Includes interviews by Phil Dowling, [Vicki] Gabereau and [Joseph] Brooks Dodge. Interview with Gabereau was produced for use by the CBC Radio interview show "Gabereau" [aired 1985-1997].
Notes
S47 / V / C / 1 : "Gabereau - March 26/96 Hans Gmoser"
S47 / V / C / 2 to 4 : "Hans Gmoser - Interview [1, 2 and 3]", n.d.
S47 / V / C / 5 to 6 : "Hans Gmoser Interviewed by Phil Dowling 18 Dec 1978 [Tape #1, Tape #2]"
S47 / V / C / 7 : "Hans Gmoser Interviewed by Phil Dowling 15 Oct 1994"
S47 / V / C / 8 : "Brooks Dodge (M. Gmoser) Feb 18, 2007"
File consists of photographs pertaining to Hans Gmoser skiing with friends. Most photographs are from a 1964 ski trip between Toby Creek and the Bugaboos mountain range in British Columbia.
24 photographs : b&w and col. prints; 25 x 20 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of photographs pertaining to Hans Gmoser skiing with friends. Most photographs are from a 1964 ski trip between Toby Creek and the Bugaboos mountain range in British Columbia.
Notes
Photographs in file are accompanied by one page of handwritten notes pertaining to details of images from 1964 ski trip [PA - 1 to 21] and one copy of an Eaton's newspaper ad featuring an illustration of a ski jumper
File consists of 12 CDs containing digital files used as research material for Chic Scott's book, Deep Powder and Steep Rock. Content pertains to Hans Gmoser and friends skiing in Austria and the Canadian Rockies [including Mount Logan], and early images of Hans Gmoser before he moved to Canada. Fi…
File consists of 12 CDs containing digital files used as research material for Chic Scott's book, Deep Powder and Steep Rock. Content pertains to Hans Gmoser and friends skiing in Austria and the Canadian Rockies [including Mount Logan], and early images of Hans Gmoser before he moved to Canada. File includes slideshows and individual image files.
File pertains to black and white and colour photographs of the Banff area, as well as group portraits of the Banff High School Ski Team, High School Curling Team, and the Association of Mountain Guides. Also includes scenic views around the Banff townsite as well as Banff National Park, bears, the …
53 photographs : b&w and col. ; 20.2 x 12.7 cm or smaller
History / Biographical
See fonds level description
Scope & Content
File pertains to black and white and colour photographs of the Banff area, as well as group portraits of the Banff High School Ski Team, High School Curling Team, and the Association of Mountain Guides. Also includes scenic views around the Banff townsite as well as Banff National Park, bears, the Cave & Basin swimming pool, the Banff Winter Carnival, and unidentified First Nations people dressed in regalia as part of the Banff Indian Days parade. Group photographs have names written on the backs.
File consists of school assignments, certificates, notes and other educational records pertaining to Ben Gadd's time as a junior high school student in Colorado, 1958-1960.
File consists of school assignments, certificates, notes and other educational records pertaining to Ben Gadd's time as a junior high school student in Colorado, 1958-1960.
File consists of notes, assignments and other records pertaining to Ben Gadd's high school education in Colorado, 1961-1964. File includes collected newspaper clippings and research material for school assignments; illustrations by Ben, including architectural drawings and design plans for model ai…
File consists of notes, assignments and other records pertaining to Ben Gadd's high school education in Colorado, 1961-1964. File includes collected newspaper clippings and research material for school assignments; illustrations by Ben, including architectural drawings and design plans for model airplanes; short stories and original poetry; and other related material.
Notes
File M590 / I / B / 3 includes one annotated map of trails in Colorado which was used by Ben Gadd from 1960-1962 during various bicycling trips.
File consists of notes and personal writings produced by Ben Gadd between 1965-1968, following his high school graduation and prior to moving to Canada.
File consists of notes and personal writings produced by Ben Gadd between 1965-1968, following his high school graduation and prior to moving to Canada.
Notes
Original file folder included note written in pencil by Ben Gadd: "After meeting Cia, pre-university"
File consists of spiral notebooks and loose notes pertaining to courses taken by Cia (Langdon) Gadd and Ben Gadd at the University of Colorado, 1966-1968. Content pertains to several subjects including English, geology, palaeontology, stratigraphy, anthropology and biology.
File consists of spiral notebooks and loose notes pertaining to courses taken by Cia (Langdon) Gadd and Ben Gadd at the University of Colorado, 1966-1968. Content pertains to several subjects including English, geology, palaeontology, stratigraphy, anthropology and biology.
Notes
Contents of individual folders:
M590 / I / B / 7 : Geology notebooks (two belonging to Ben, one to Cia)
M590 / I / B / 8 : Palaeontology notebook and notes
M590 / I / B / 9 : Anthropology notebook (belonging to Cia) and notes from Ethics course
M590 / I / B / 10 : Biology and Stratigraphy notes/notebooks
File consists of notes, assignments and graded exams collected by Ben Gadd during his education as a Computer Science student at the University of Calgary.
File consists of notes, assignments and graded exams collected by Ben Gadd during his education as a Computer Science student at the University of Calgary.
File consists of documents pertaining to Ben Gadd's financial assistance and other university records. File includes Ben's student ID cards for the University of Colorado, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge; grade reports, tuition receipts, student loan cheques and invoices; schola…
File consists of documents pertaining to Ben Gadd's financial assistance and other university records. File includes Ben's student ID cards for the University of Colorado, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge; grade reports, tuition receipts, student loan cheques and invoices; scholarship and student loan application forms; school registration forms; and other related documents.
File consists of various scientific journal articles which were collected and used as research materials by Ben Gadd during the creation of his book "Geology Road Tours". Articles pertain to Canadian and North American geological history, and related subjects.
File consists of various scientific journal articles which were collected and used as research materials by Ben Gadd during the creation of his book "Geology Road Tours". Articles pertain to Canadian and North American geological history, and related subjects.
Sub-series consists of textual records and photographs collected by Ben Gadd. Content pertains to various research subjects, current events and other topics of interest, including: environmental science; wildlife; sports and recreation; Parks Canada; clubs, charities and organizations; natural hist…
ca.180 cm of textual records -- 5 CDs with digital image files -- 1 floppy disk -- ca.122 photograph prints : b&w and col. -- 2 negatives : b&w ; 6 x 7.5 cm -- 26 film strips : col. negatives ; 35 mm
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists of textual records and photographs collected by Ben Gadd. Content pertains to various research subjects, current events and other topics of interest, including: environmental science; wildlife; sports and recreation; Parks Canada; clubs, charities and organizations; natural history; and conservation.
Notes
Subjects are arranged alphabetically by title. Original titles and arrangement of materials by Ben Gadd has been preserved. See file-level descriptions for content details.
File consists of personal interest materials, including newspaper clippings, research articles, loose notes, and other textual records collected by Ben Gadd. Materials are arranged alphabetically by subject title.
File consists of personal interest materials, including newspaper clippings, research articles, loose notes, and other textual records collected by Ben Gadd. Materials are arranged alphabetically by subject title.
Notes
Contents of individual folders in file:
M590 / I / C / 1 : AGT Parkway Phone Line
M590 / I / C / 2 : Airline Boarding Passes
M590 / I / C / 3 : Airstrip
M590 / I / C / 4 : Alberta Ecotrust
M590 / I / C / 5 : Alberta Environmental Network
M590 / I / C / 6 to 7 : Alberta Power Line Proposal [Files 1 and 2 of 2]
M590 / I / C / 8 : Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment (AMPPE)
M590 / I / C / 9 to 10 : Alberta Speleological Society [Files 1 and 2 of 2]
Material Details
Note on original storage folder of "Alberta Speleological Society" materials reads: "See also Cadomin Cave"
File consists of personal interest materials, including newspaper clippings, research articles, loose notes, and other textual records collected by Ben Gadd. Materials are arranged alphabetically by subject title.
File consists of personal interest materials, including newspaper clippings, research articles, loose notes, and other textual records collected by Ben Gadd. Materials are arranged alphabetically by subject title.
Notes
Contents of individual folders in file:
M590 / I / C / 11 : Auto
M590 / I / C / 12 : Awards
M590 / I / C / 13 to 14 : Alberta Wilderness Association [Files 1 and 2 of 2]
M590 / I / C / 15 : Banff Issues
M590 / I / C / 16 to 17 : Bikes, Bicycling [Files 1 and 2 of 2]
M590 / I / C / 18 : Bird Atlas
M590 / I / C / 19 : Bird Checklists
M590 / I / C / 20 : Boating
M590 / I / C / 21 : Book Talk