Nick Hirst

I’m an old guy skier. I didn’t get on skis until I was 31 when I was a correspondent for ‘The Times’ of London which got me to ski for free in such wonderful places as Courchevel and Verbier and write about the experience. I was, if you like, their learn-to-ski reporter. I’ve got a little better since then and have skied around from Austria to Revelstoke with ample time spent freezing in Manitoba (yes, there really is ski on the flatlands), dodging rain in Ontario and diving through powder at Jay Peak in Vermont and resorts in the eastern townships. I have an Ikon pass which has opened up the North American world of resorts. I have known Jean-Francois since we both lived in Winnipeg, me as editor-in-chief of the ‘Winnipeg Free Press’ and JF selling me skis and boots. JF organized trips to Sunshine Village in Alberta in May when there was still powder.  Together we produced a ski section every year. You never leave journalism but my main business now is to run a company that produces television and film, mostly for the American studios.