By David Kells, Nova Scotia Zone (david.kells@skipatrol.ca)
This season (2025-2026) marks a remarkable milestone for Ski Martock as it celebrates 60 years of welcoming skiers and snowboarders to its slopes. Since opening for the 1965-1966 ski season, Ski Martock near Windsor, Nova Scotia has become a cornerstone of winter recreation in the province, offering not only memorable experiences for families and enthusiasts, but also serving as a hub for safety, training, and community. From its earliest days, the hill has relied on the dedication of the Canadian Ski Patrol to ensure that visitors can enjoy the mountain safely.
With an extraordinary 64 years of volunteer service, Doug MacLean’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of alpine skiing in Nova Scotia. He began patrolling in 1962, when the Atlantic Division of the Canadian Ski Patrol was still in its infancy, and Ski Wentworth was the province’s only operating ski area. Just a few years later, in the 1965-1966 season, he patrolled the slopes at Martock when it first opened—helping to build the foundation of patrol services that continue to this day.
Over decades of service, Doug has taken on nearly every role possible – patroller, instructor, examiner, and mentor—guiding and shaping the skills of hundreds of patrol members. His executive leadership at the local, provincial, divisional, and national (board of directors) levels helped modernize patrol operations, expand training opportunities, and strengthen the organization’s presence within the ski industry. In Nova Scotia, he played a pivotal role in securing early provincial funding, enabling growth in training, equipment, and overall patrol capacity.
Doug has received multiple honours from the Canadian Ski Patrol, including a National Appreciation Award (NAA 370), a CSP Award (CSP 412) and Scotia Zone’s first life Member (No.1) as well as the prestigious National Life Member (LM No. 28) designation—its highest recognition.
On Sept 21, 2023, Doug MacLean was awarded the Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, for his volunteer service as a dedicated member of the Canadian Ski Patrol for more than six decades, serving as both a regular patroller and an executive at the local, divisional and national levels. His guidance and teaching have laid a foundation for the organization in Nova Scotia, while his knowledge and action on the slopes have ensured the safety of skiers, snowboarders and members of the public.
These accolades reflect not only his commitment, but the profound and lasting influence he has had on the safety and development of skiing in Canada.
As Ski Martock celebrates 60 years of operations, it is fitting to also celebrate Doug MacLean’s unparalleled dedication. His work has touched generations of patrollers and countless members of the skiing public, leaving a legacy defined by leadership, mentorship, and service. From all who have had the privilege to learn from him or share the slopes, there is deep gratitude for a lifetime of commitment that has helped make skiing in Nova Scotia safer and stronger for everyone.