BC Alpine announced four returning ski racers – and two new additions – to the BC Training Group, a major stepping stone towards BC Ski Team selection.
The Training Group represents five ski clubs across the province – Fernie Alpine Ski Team, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Grouse-Tyee Ski Club, Big White Racers and the Vernon Ski Club. All athletes are now focussed on fitness and pre-season training.
“It’s always exciting when we arrive at the beginning of a new season. The addition of new athletes & staff to our team adds another level to that excitement. They will all bring things to the table that will continue to build this team up and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
Morgan Pridy, Head Coach
The teams will work together throughout the prep season, starting with a month training together in Fernie (beginning June 11, 2024), and then completing in two on-snow camps in South America during August and October.
New coaching faces, same focus
As published a few weeks back in “True professionals”: Two coaches departing BC Ski Team at season’s end, women’s head coach Montana Molyneux and men’s coach Dustin Koepke have moved on and two new faces are joining the BCST staff.
Dillon Prophet and Eric Schwenk, both BC Alpine club coaches last season, have joined BCST head coach Morgan Pridy to create a formidable coaching trio.
“I am also super pumped on the new coaches moving up to the BC Team through our BC coaches development pathway,” Crichton said. “Both Dillion and Eric have a ton of positive energy and will be highly effective coaches regardless of who they work with.”
Sascha Gilbert qualifies for Alpine Canada D team
Earlier this week Alpine Canada announced a national development team. Sascha Gilbert, a two year member of the BC Ski Team (Whistler Mountain Ski Club) will join an elite national program to continue his development.
“Congratulations to the athletes who have been nominated to the team. They have all put in significant effort on and off the snow to achieve this nomination,” said men’s alpine head coach John Kucera. “I am very excited for the introduction of the CAST D Team and look forward to all of our staff working to support the athletes on their journey to the podium.”
Dylan Timm lands scholarship at NCAA school
Last season’s BC Ski Team leader Dylan Timm, of Fernie, signed a “full ride” scholarship with the University of Alaska Anchorage Sea Wolves, starting in September. The BCST veteran now continues his ski racing journey with the Sea Wolves. Congratulations and well deserved Dylan!
“We’re really excited about Dylan, we’ve watched him climb the ranks over the last couple of years and what impresses us the most is his consistency and composure,” said Alaska head coach Sparky Anderson. “He’s got all the right tools and has another top gear to grap, he’s a race horse and we’re super happy he’s found a home in our stable.”
BC Ski Team (returning)
- Alexa Brownlie (2005) Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
- Jasmine Coubrough (2006) Vernon Ski Club / OST (Salmon Arm)
- Dylan Stevens (2004) Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club (North Vancouver)
- Oliver Young (2004) Vernon Ski Club/Okanagan Ski Team (Coldstream)
Alexa Brownlie 
Jasmine Coubrough 
Dylan Stevens 
Oliver Young
BCST Training Group
- Hannah Jensen, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
- Thea Torn, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
Hannah Jensen 
Thea Torn
BCST Coaches:
- Morgan Pridy, Head Coach
- Eric Schwenk, Assistant Coach
- Dillon Prophet, Assistant Coach
Dillon Prophet 
Erik Schwenk 
Morgan Pridy
“This time of year is all about building trust and connection between coach and athletes,” said Crichton. “Find the limits and work together to extend them. It’s all about communication and support through physical challenges to prep the team for the long, arduous season. We have a great crew of coaches and athletes who are fully dedicated to becoming champions!”
Three members of last year’s BCST Training Group – Mila Plavsic, Erin Husken and Shayna Little – will not be with the group this season.
Stay tuned for updates on the BCST Training Group’s progress and upcoming events on social media.
Photo credit (top & middle photos): Derek Trussler. Bottom photo by Roger Carry.