Over the years, the camps expanded across Atlantic Canada, from PEI and Marble Mountain to Crabbe Mountain, Martock and Ben Eoin. Wherever we went, the formula was the same: great skiing, great coaching and a great group of people.
There were plenty of memorable moments. One year at Wentworth, the lift broke down. Rather than cancel the camp, we used ropes behind the groomers to haul skiers up the hill. There was powder, plenty of skiing and, as always, plenty of fun.
And then there were the legendary parties—especially at Dave Wilson’s place. Masters campers and “hanger-ons” packed the house, the dancing went late into the night, and more than once it felt like the floor might give way. Dave was always a gracious host, even if the cleanup crew wasn’t quite as enthusiastic!
Why Masters?
The program was created to give adult skiers an opportunity to keep improving, stay engaged with the sport and have fun long after their kids had moved on from racing. That vision has remained at the heart of the program for more than 35 years.
A New Chapter
In 2016, while free skiing with Brian Todd, Ben Surette learned that the following year would mark the 30th anniversary of Masters Camp. Brian was thinking about the future of the program and asked Ben, “Would you have an interest in keeping the ball rolling?”
One thing led to another, and in 2018, Ben took over the program. After 30 years of Brian’s vision and passion for adult ski training in Atlantic Canada, Masters Ski Camps entered a new chapter as Masters Maritimes Ski Camps.
The focus remained the same: delivering exceptional coaching and keeping Atlantic Canada’s skiers at the top of their game. Participation continued to grow, even through the challenges of COVID, with a successful first “COVID-friendly” camp in 2021.
That same year, Nathan Reese joined as a business partner. A local CSIA Level IV coach and owner of Turnstyle, Nathan brought a combination of coaching expertise and business experience that helped drive the next phase of growth.
In 2022, the program expanded with camps across Atlantic Canada and the introduction of a destination ski camp at Sun Peaks, BC.
Turnstyle Ski & Snowboard Camps
In 2023, Nathan Reese acquired Ben’s remaining interest in the program and took full ownership, continuing to build the program around a roster of exceptional CSIA Level IV coaches.
And now, in 2027, we’re beginning another exciting chapter. Masters Maritimes is becoming Turnstyle Ski & Snowboard Camps.
The name is changing, but the mission remains the same: exceptional coaching, great skiing and riding, and an unforgettable experience with a great group of people.
More than 35 years later, we’re still keeping the ball rolling.
The Story Behind Turnstyle Ski & Snowboard Camps
The story began in 1987, when Dave Murray, who was skiing with Brian Todd in Whistler, suggested he might consider running a Masters ski program in Atlantic Canada.
That idea became reality in 1988, when Jim Kirby and François Jodoin came to Wentworth for our first Masters Camp. From there, it grew quickly.
By the early 1990s, Masters Camps had really taken off. At Wentworth, we were running camps of 72 skiers, followed by a weekend of Masters Ski Series racing, then another 72-skier camp. We brought in some of Canada’s top ski racing alumni—including Lisa Savajarvi, Karen Stemmle, Jim Kirby, François Jodoin, “Jungle” Jim Hunter, Dave Irwin, Brian Stemmle, Lucy Laroche, Gen Simard, Larisa Yurkiw and Andrea Bedard—alongside an incredible roster of coaches such as Mike DesBrisay, Richard Potter, Dave Todd, Nick Pratt, Dave Green, Chris Robinson and Ben Surette.
2025
New York