1931
The Idea. Chamonix, France

John Monod was a pioneer of skiing in Chamonix. It was there, in 1931 that he started one of the first ski shops in the world. His business model involved ski guiding, instruction & retail sales. The store was abandoned due to the events of WW II but as soon as the war ended, John headed to the "Alps of the Canadian Rockies" Banff, Canada to start again.


John Monod (far right) & partner Fred Iselin (far left) in front of their shop in Chamonix. After the 2nd World War, Fred went to Colorado to develop skiing in a coal mining town known today as Aspen. John travelled to the Canadian Rockies and created Monod Sports in Banff Canada.