The new bylaws modernize how the organization is governed, moving to a nine-member board and a more structured nominations process focused on bringing together the skills, experience and perspectives needed to effectively guide BC Alpine. Rather than directors representing specific zones or roles, the new structure is designed to build a board with a broad mix of expertise while maintaining a strong connection to the ski racing community.

Following a review of nominations by the Nominations Committee and Board, a recommended slate of nine candidates was presented to the membership and accepted at the AGM. The new board combines returning directors with five new members and brings experience spanning ski racing, high-performance sport, business, finance, law, governance, communications and organizational leadership.

• Graham Cope (3-year term) – Returning Chair with extensive club, zone and provincial leadership experience, as well as an active national Technical Delegate.

• Gordie Bowles (1-year term) – Former NCAA ski racer and BC Alpine Athletic Director who brings extensive experience in sport communications, marketing and governance.

• Gord Reese (3-year term) – Business executive, former racer and coach, and FIS and National TD with extensive experience in governance, financial risk management and race operations.

• Murray Smith (3-year term) – Former BC and Canadian Alpine Ski Team athlete, CPA and KPMG partner who has served on the Alpine Canada Board and brings extensive business, club, governance and officiating experience.

• Riley Seger (2-year term) – Recently retired Canadian Alpine Ski Team athlete and 2026 Olympian who brings a current athlete perspective along with a background in business and finance.

• Diane Katrusiak (1-year term) – Former lawyer and ski racer and long-time sport volunteer with more than 20 years of experience in ski racing, governance and athlete development.

• Brian Bennett (2-year term) – Former Canadian national ski cross athlete and seven-season World Cup competitor bringing a strong athlete-focused perspective to the board.

• Carmine Boskovich (2-year term) – Partner at Fasken LLP law firm, former racer and coach, and past Whistler Mountain Ski Club Chair with experience in governance, risk management and strategic leadership.

• Nicole Stefenelli (1-year term) – Founder and CEO of Urban Impact Recycling with extensive business, governance and strategic leadership experience and a long-standing involvement in ski racing.

BC Alpine extends its sincere thanks to the outgoing members of the Board for their time, leadership and commitment to the organization and the ski racing community. We also thank everyone who put their name forward during the nominations process and expressed an interest in helping guide BC Alpine into its next chapter.

There may not have been any snow on the ground, but there was plenty of ski racing energy in Sun Peaks this weekend. [All presentations can be viewed at the bottom of this article.]

Under bright sunshine and cooling temperatures, the tight-knit BC Alpine community converged on the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel for three days of learning, resource sharing, discussion and celebration, officially kicking off the 2026–27 ski racing season.

Coaching philosophies shared

Coaches got things underway Friday with a full afternoon of discussion and professional development, with a focus on the topic “Good is Built: From Reflection to Action,” bringing coaches together around shared philosophies and, importantly, how those ideas can translate into action within their programs this winter.

The program also included Mike Janyk on Self Determination Theory, an update and discussion with Alpine Canada’s Declan Norris on high performance training methodology, and a look ahead to the 2027 race calendar. 

BC Ski Team head coach Morgan Pridy provided a technical update and some of the learnings emerging from the current provincial team. The session provided an opportunity to connect what is happening at the provincial-team level with athlete and coach development throughout the BC Alpine pathway.

The community comes together

By Saturday afternoon, the room had grown as representatives from BC Alpine member clubs joined coaches for a packed Member Summit featuring information, discussion and resources they could take back to their home clubs.

BC Alpine CEO Anders Hestdalen opened the Summit with an update on progress toward the organization’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan before Tom Berekoff and Sport BC CEO Rob Newman took the floor for a session on philanthropy, fundraising and the range of services available to sport organizations in B.C. 

One of the biggest opportunities discussed was the BC Amateur Sport Fund, which raised an impressive $8.1 million in 2025, with funds earmarked for amateur sport initiatives throughout the province. The discussion highlighted the opportunity for sport organizations to think differently about philanthropy and fundraising, and to tap into resources already available within B.C.’s amateur sport system.

The group also learned more about KidSport, Sport BC’s program dedicated to helping remove financial barriers that prevent children and youth from participating in organized sport. Together, the two programs offered a powerful example of the resources available to help strengthen sport from the grassroots up.

The rest of Saturday offered something for virtually every corner of the ski racing community. Declan Norris explored fitness qualities in young athletes, while Julie Morris of MyHR tackled a challenge familiar to many ski clubs, hiring and retaining seasonal staff, and Johnny Crichton continued the Good is Built conversation.

Later in the afternoon, Laurie Ehrman of Alpine Canada led a discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion in alpine ski racing, while Mark Newton shared information on Alpine Canada’s Para-Ready Program and available grant opportunities. 

A night to celebrate

Saturday evening shifted from learning to celebration with the annual Goldie Awards, recognizing the athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, clubs and ski resorts whose contributions helped make the 2025–26 season a success. Named in honour of Bruce “Goldie” Goldsmid, who spent 37 years leading BC Alpine, the Goldies celebrate the people and organizations that make ski racing possible across the province. [full list of recipients is below the photo gallery.]

2026 Goldie Award winners

• Charlie Yule, Mt. Washington Ski Club — Dave Murray Bursary
• Nevis Liu, Whistler Mountain Ski Club — Dave Murray Bursary
• Luke Belsham, Revelstoke Ski Club — Bob Parsons’ Bursary
• Hazel Schmidt, Mt. Washington Ski Club — Bob Parsons’ Bursary
• Danica Williams, Mt. Washington Ski Club — Ski Canada Bursary
• Hannah Jensen, Whistler Mountain Ski Club — Athlete of the Year
• Sylvi Nymann, Mt. Washington Ski Club — Development Coach of the Year
• Dillon Prophet, BC Ski Team — High Performance FIS Coach of the Year
• Drew Hetherington, Whistler Mountain Ski Club — Head Coach of the Year
• Zak Bourgon, Windermere Valley Ski Club — Hustler Award
• Whistler Mountain Ski Club U14 — Team of the Year
• Rob Boyd, Whistler Mountain Ski Club — Coast Zone Official of the Year
• Craig “Rooster” Rusnak, Windermere Valley Ski Club — Kootenay Zone Official of the Year
• Andrew Czornohalan, Smithers Ski & Snowboard Club — North Zone Official of the Year
• Kim Shippam & Murray Smith, Vernon Ski Club — Okanagan Zone Official of the Year
• Josh Douglas, Whistler Mountain Ski Club — Moira Jaatteenmaki Provincial Official of the Year
• Apex Ski Club — Ski Club of the Year
• Teck U14 Provincials, Apex Ski Club — Event of the Year
• Mt. Washington Alpine Resort — Ski Resort of the Year
• John Trimmer, Mt. Washington Ski Club — BC Alpine Builder Award

Planning for success

Sunday morning brought everyone back together for a few final updates before the Annual General Meeting.

Hestdalen presented From Start Gates to Spend Gates, BC Alpine’s Value of Ski Racing Study, followed by an officials update from Mark Schwenck and Drew Hetherington’s presentation on the Alpine Terrain Awareness Program. 

The AGM officially brought the weekend to a close and marked the beginning of a new chapter for the organization, with a new Board of Directors elected under BC Alpine’s newly adopted bylaws. After three days of conversations, new ideas, shared resources, reconnecting with friends and celebrating some of the people who make the sport special, attention now turns to what everyone is thinking about and preparing for: the season ahead.

See the update New Board of Directors elected at BC Alpine AGM for information on the newly-elected nine-member BC Alpine Board of Directors.

NOTE: Some presentations and meeting materials will be added throughout the week. Please check back at this link for updates.

The coaches meeting will focus on athlete development and the season ahead. Sessions include Mike Janyk on Self-Determination Theory, a technical update from BC Ski Team Head Coach Morgan Pridy and a review of BC Ski Team selection criteria. Declan Norris of Alpine Canada will lead a presentation and discussion with coaches on Friday afternoon.

Coaches will also review quotas, rules, selection and the 2027 race calendar. Johnny Crichton’s “Good is Built” sessions will give coaches time to reflect together and turn ideas into action.

The Member Summit opens with CEO Anders Hestdalen’s update on progress toward BC Alpine’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan. Presentations will also cover sport philanthropy and fundraising, fitness qualities in young athletes, and hiring and retaining seasonal staff. Members will hear about diversity, equity and inclusion in alpine ski racing, Alpine Canada’s Para-Ready Program and grant opportunities.

On Sunday morning, the program turns to the Value of Ski Racing Study and the Alpine Terrain Awareness Program before BC Alpine’s Annual General Meeting.

The weekend also includes the Goldie Awards and banquet on Saturday evening.

We look forward to bringing coaches, clubs and members together at Sun Peaks.

[View the full Summit agenda and AGM package]

Beginning with the 2026-27 season, Haywood Securities will become the title sponsor of BC Alpine’s provincial FIS race series. The series will be renamed the Haywood FIS Race Series, reflecting Haywood’s increased commitment to the development of B.C.’s emerging high-performance athletes.

Haywood will also continue as the lead sponsor of the BC Ski Team, building on a longstanding partnership that has supported athletes competing at the provincial, national and international levels.

Supporting the High-Performance Pathway

The Haywood FIS Race Series is expected to include four to five events at ski areas throughout British Columbia each season. The series provides an essential competitive pathway for athletes progressing from club programs to the BC Ski Team, national teams and international competition.

Haywood’s continued support of the BC Ski Team will help BC Alpine provide the coaching, training, competition and development opportunities athletes need to pursue success at the highest levels of the sport.

“Haywood Securities is proud to expand our partnership with BC Alpine and become the title sponsor of the Haywood FIS Race Series. We believe in supporting athletes who demonstrate commitment, resilience and the drive to perform at their best. We look forward to continuing our support of the BC Ski Team while helping create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of alpine ski racers across British Columbia.”

— Rob Blanchard, Haywood Securities

BC Alpine CEO Anders Hestdalen welcomed the expanded partnership and its continued impact on the provincial high-performance pathway.

“Haywood Securities has demonstrated a genuine long-term commitment to alpine ski racing in British Columbia and Canada. Their support has been instrumental in the success of the BC Ski Team and in creating opportunities for our athletes to develop and compete at the highest levels. Within our community, Haywood Securities has become synonymous with high performance, and we are incredibly proud to expand this partnership through the new Haywood FIS Race Series. On behalf of the entire BC Alpine community, I would also like to extend a special thank you to Rob Blanchard and Bernard Leroux for their continued support and commitment to alpine ski racing in British Columbia.”

— Anders Hestdalen, CEO, BC Alpine

The expanded partnership represents a shared commitment to strengthening the provincial racing system, supporting B.C.’s leading athletes and building a sustainable high-performance pathway for the next generation.

BC Alpine looks forward to launching the inaugural Haywood FIS Race Series in the 2026-27 season.

Advance registration is required. Registration information is available here: AGM Signup

The AGM meeting package, including the agenda and supporting documents, will be available here Meeting Information no later than five days before the meeting. Members are encouraged to review the materials in advance.

Membership and voting rights:
BC Alpine has the following categories of membership:

• Member Clubs: Voting members
• Participant Members: Non-voting members
• Associate Members: Non-voting members
• Honorary Members: Non-voting members

All categories of members may attend the AGM; however, only Member Clubs are entitled to vote.

We look forward to welcoming BC Alpine members to the 2026 AGM.

This event is always a highlight of the year, bringing our entire community together to learn, prepare for the upcoming season, connect with colleagues and friends, celebrate achievements, and recognize the incredible people who make ski clubs across the province so successful.

This year’s program is packed with inspiring sessions and industry-leading speakers. Declan Norris, Director of Athlete Health & Performance for Alpine Canada, will discuss how to support and develop young athletes on their journey to becoming successful skiers. Tom Berekoff will offer insights into building stronger clubs through philanthropy, while Julie Morris of MyHR will discuss effective strategies for attracting and retaining great coaches. We are also pleased to welcome Kyle Alexander, former WMSC and BCST athlete and current CAST Men’s World Cup Team member, who will share his experiences and perspectives from competing at the highest level.

We will also present the results of our Economic Impact Study, highlighting the significant value ski racing brings to the ski industry and communities across British Columbia. The weekend will culminate with our annual banquet, where we will celebrate the accomplishments of our athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

All BC Alpine members are welcome and attendance is free (not including your transportation and accommodation). Please register below.

The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel is pleased to offer a special group rate for attendees. Please click the button below to book as soon as possible, the hotel fills up quickly!

• Block code / Username : GJYBCASAO
• Delegate Password : SunPeaks2026

OR, you can visit the Sun Peaks Grand website to make your reservation:

• Click BOOK NOW in the top right-hand corner.
• Select GROUPS.
• Enter the following credentials:
  Block code / Username : GJYBCASAO
  Delegate Password : SunPeaks2026
• Select your arrival and departure dates.
• Choose your preferred room type and complete your reservation.

We look forward to seeing you in October. More information and Agenda details coming soon!

BC Alpine is seeking qualified candidates who can contribute to a skilled, diverse and effective Board. Experience in one or more of the following areas is particularly valuable:

• Board leadership and sport governance
• Finance, legal or human resources
• Sponsorship and technology
• Coaching, ski racing or officiating
• Para sport

BC Alpine also encourages nominations that support a Board reflecting a diversity of ages, genders, backgrounds and perspectives, including greater representation from First Nations and Asian communities and those with experience in para sport.

Individuals may nominate themselves or another person. Every nomination must include the nominee’s written consent, provided by signed or electronic signature.

Nominations must be submitted to BC Alpine by midnight Pacific Time on Sept. 13, 2026, 21 days before the AGM.

Please submit nominations and written consent to Anders at Andersh@bcalpine.com.

This year marks an exciting new chapter as BC Alpine aligns its awards program with Alpine Canada’s new Awards of Excellence framework, creating a stronger connection between provincial recognition and the national stage.

A New Chapter for Ski Racing Recognition

Under the new framework, recipients of select BC Alpine awards will become the official provincial nominees for the Alpine Canada Awards of Excellence. National award recipients will be selected by an independent National Award Selection Committee and announced in September.

The new process provides an exciting opportunity to showcase the exceptional people and organizations that make BC one of Canada’s leading ski racing provinces.

Submit a Nomination

BC Alpine’s annual awards program recognizes outstanding performance, leadership and contributions to alpine ski racing across the province.

We encourage clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers, athletes and members of the ski racing community to submit nominations and help recognize those who have made a lasting impact during the past season.

Key Dates

• Nomination deadline: Aug. 1, 2026
• BC Alpine award recipients announced: Aug. 20, 2026
• Alpine Canada award recipients announced: September 2026

BC Alpine award recipients will be recognized during the BC Alpine Membership Summit, taking place Oct. 2-4th.

For a complete list of award categories, nomination criteria and submission information, visit the BC Alpine Awards page.

The official award ceremony will be held at the BC Alpine membership Summit October 2-4th

The purpose of the meeting is to approve new bylaws prior to our AGM on October 4th, 2026. The proposed bylaws have been reviewed with consideration of feedback from our town hall meeting held May 27th 2026.

Advance registration is required. Registration details have been distributed directly to all member clubs. A link to the virtual meeting will be shared with participants following registration.

In preparation for the SGM, members are encouraged to review the documents included in the meeting package.

Meeting Package

SAIP Changes

The SAIP (Sport Accident Insurance Program) is the same as last year with options listed at https://bcalpine.com/programFees/#_saip. Please remember that all FIS registered athletes must have a SAIP insurance selected in order to registered on the FIS database.
Information about the SAIP coverage and claims process are posted in the BC Alpine SAIP Information folder.

FIS Paperwork

We are continuing using the feature on BC Alpine’s Members Site to manage all FIS paperwork. This can be found and uploaded via the BC Alpine Members page at https://bcalpine.com/memberUpdate/. FIS members need to get their yearly medical completed, so please be sure to book with your doctor soon if you have not already done so.
Note: A link to this page is sent to registered members provided that their email address is valid. Thank you to all of the members who I’ve seen already getting their forms uploaded!

Out of Country FIS Racers

ACA will continue supporting Out of Country / International FIS Athletes this season. They charge a service fee of $153.75 in order to process these out of country athletes. This applies to Canadian FIS licensed athletes who are participating in an international program outside of Canada and electing to start in FIS competitions as well as Canadian FIS Licensed Masters athletes who are participating in an international FIS race outside of Canada. This fee allows ACA to appropriately service CAN FIS licensed athletes participating in programs and/or Masters races outside of Canada, additional time and resources are required to ensure that their program(s) can be supported in the manner to which is expected. Contact KevenD@bcalpine.com via email to verify you are correctly listed if you believe this applies to you. This fee is included in the “SAIP Exclusion” option found in the SAIP Insurance selection when clubs register FIS racers.

CWSAA All Areas Pass – Important Deadline: August 6th

Alpine and Ski Cross athletes in FIS programs born between 2007 and 2011 are on the qualification for this season. Deadline for selection is August 6th* so any athlete or FIS traveling coach wanting to qualify for an All Areas Pass must be registered with BC Alpine and then the club registrar needs to submit those requesting passes via the “All Area Passes” registration form found in the BC Alpine Club Admin Login by that date.
_{* Note: CWSAA published deadline is Aug 7th, but BC Alpine needs one day to complete all application data and submit.}

Cost of the pass this season is $845.25 for athletes and $1690.50 for coaches.

In order to qualify all applicants must both be registered as well as complete the appropriate CWSAA Waiver found on the link below. Failure to do either of these steps by the deadline may result in ineligibility.

Pass availability is limited. Refer to the CWSAA website for the terms and conditions of the Competitor Pass.