Leo Grillmair (1930 - 2023)
“I wouldn’t trade my life for anybody’s. It was so fascinating this way.”
From poor and weary post-WWII Europe to the wild and free mountain wilderness of western Canada, Leo Grillmair’s life story is one of terrific adventure.
Leo and his life-long friend Hans Gmoser arrived in Canada from Austria in 1951 and soon after greatly impacted our mountain community. The duo was credited for introducing Canadians to modern rock climbing and founded Canadian Mountain Holidays. In 2009, Leo was named the Patron of the ACC and ACMG’s Mountain Guides Ball, where his accomplishments and contributions that helped define and shape Canada’s mountain community were celebrated.
On May 1st, at 92, Leo passed away with his family by his side. Today we wish to remember him by sharing his story from the 11th Edition of the Summit Series, written by Lynn Martel.
Leo strikes a pose on a pinnacle of Mount Yamnuska, Alberta Rockies, circa early 1950s. Photo by Franz Dopf.
A Life So Fascinating: Leo Grillmair
Enjoy a few photos from the Summit Series book on Leo below and a friendly chat Chic Scott had with Leo for the Whyte Museum.
