The following story was distributed by Dylan Henderson, Program Director for the Whitewater Ski Club.
On September 20, 2025, tragedy struck when Bob lost his modest home, tools, and belongings in a devastating fire on his property near Salmo, B.C. Now, he needs our support to rebuild.
We hope to raise $30,000 for the rebuild! Last week his good friend and former teammate Nancy Greene Raine spoke to the head coaches of the province to bring attention to Bobby’s tragedy and gave a call to action!
Robert “Bobby” Swan has been a fixture in the Canadian and Kootenay ski scene for decades, inspiring many with his dedication to the sport of ski racing. He is a member of the Whitewater Ski Team and competes in the local U14 Teck Kootenay Zone Races and at Masters events. Bobby is 82 years old and still ski racing!Jackie Atkins-Whitewater U16 coach- has made a documentary called Swabber! that will be showing at film festivals this year!
Bob was one of the original members of the Canadian National Ski Team, based at Notre Dame University in Nelson in the mid-1960s. He competed in the 1964 and 1968 Winter Olympics, representing Canada in slalom and giant slalom, and posted multiple top-ten finishes on the World Cup circuit.
His passion for skiing didn’t end with the Olympics. Bob went on to the pro circuit, where he won three U.S. Masters titles and eight Canadian Masters championships. To this day, he still trains and competes. Many locals have seen him setting up slalom gates (from hazelnut cuttings collected from his property) at Whitewater Ski Resort, or carving turns on the course he built in his own backyard.
Bob has always lived simply. For decades, he has made his home in a small, self-built cabin without electricity, skiing in the winter and gardening in the summer, selling organic produce to the community. His property has been his sanctuary. Now, after the fire, rebuilding even a modest shelter is imperative — and with your help, possible.
With volunteers expected to assist in the rebuilding, funds will be used to cover the essentials: purchasing building materials, a wood stove and firewood for heat, replacing vital tools like a chainsaw and gardening equipment, and restoring some of the personal belongings that were destroyed.
The energy was high in Sun Peaks this past weekend as more than 100 coaches, club executives and general members came together for the annual BC Alpine Member Summit. Over three days, participants dove into meetings, workshops and conversations designed to spark ideas, share knowledge and build momentum for the season ahead.
Inspiring Conversations and Fresh Perspectives
Guest speakers set the tone, offering insights that challenged and inspired. Coaches and members left feeling equipped and energized as they look toward kickstarting the 2025–26 ski season with optimism and fresh strategies.
Celebrating Excellence at The Goldies
The weekend wouldn’t be complete without the annual awards banquet, affectionately known as The Goldies. It was a night of heartfelt cheers, laughter, and even a few tears as athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials were recognized for their incredible contributions.
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came when legendary skier Nancy Greene Raine accepted the Long Term President’s Award on behalf of her late husband, Al Raine, who passed away earlier this year. The room filled with warmth and respect as the community honoured Al’s lasting impact. Congratulations to all the winners! (see below for the full listing)
Photo Gallery!
Photos by Gordie Bowles.
2025 Goldie Award Winners!
Award
Recipient
Club
Dave Murray Bursary $750.00
Katie Lo
Smithers Ski & Snowboard Club
Dave Murray Bursary $750.00
Logan Bailey
Mount Seymour Ski Club
Bob Parsons Bursary – $1,000
Kevin Hill
Grouse Tyee/Vancouver Ski Team
Bob Parsons Bursary – $1,000
Martin Winnett
Mt. Washington Ski Club
Ski Canada Bursary $500.00
Maggie Cormack
Whistler Mountain Ski Club
Cary Mullen Sportsmanship Award
Thea Lutz
Whistler Mountain Ski Club
Cary Mullen Sportsmanship Award
Bodie Ottem
Sun Peaks Alpine Club
Learn to Train Coach of the Year
Ferdinand Gros
Cypress Ski Club
U16 Coach of the Year
Ryan Jazic
Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club
FIS Coach of the Year
Dusan Grasic
Windermere Valley Ski Club
Head Coach of the Year
Andrea Adorno
Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club
Hustler of the Year
Rodger Poole
Vernon Ski Club
Team of the Year
Grouse Mountain Tyee U16 Team
Coast Zone Volunteer/Official of the Year
Jennifer & Rob Young
Mount Seymour Ski Club
Kootenay Zone Volunteer/Official of the Year
Katie Comb
Windermere Valley Ski Club
North Zone Volunteer/Official of the Year
Sean Seabourne
Lightning Creek Ski Club
Okanagan Zone Volunteer/ Official of the Year
Greg Tymchyna
Sun Peaks Alpine Club
Moira Jaatteenmaki Officials’ Award
Matt Sear
Smithers Ski & Snowboard Club
Volunteer of the Year
Lauren & Gordie Carr
Vernon Ski Club
Event of the Year
Teck U14 Provincials
Smithers Ski & Snowboard Club
Club Development of the Year
Cypress Ski Club
Mountain Resort of the Year
Sun Peaks Resort
Long Term President’s Award
Al Raine
A Perfect Setting at Sun Peaks
Hosted at the stunning Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre, the venue offered the perfect backdrop for collaboration while keeping members comfortable, well fed and ready to engage. “It was an incredible celebration of a great season and setting up next season,” said BC Alpine VP, Johnny Crichton.
The dinner and presentations closed out a productive and memorable gathering that included coach meetings, member sessions and the official BC Alpine AGM. With 26 clubs represented, the Summit once again reinforced the strength of the BC Alpine community—coming together to celebrate the past and plan for the future.
The BC Alpine Summit meetings aim to educate, inform and inspire members from across the province. Below is a quick rundown of what to expect. The full agenda and timing will be published by September 15th and added to this page.
Friday: 12 noon to 5:00 pm // Saturday – 8:30 am to 12 noon
Key Topics: Design and implementation of Yearly training plans (YTP). Practical ways to switch from event driven planning to development driven planning.
Technical update from the BC Ski Team and head coach Morgan Pridy
Review the Quotas, Rules and Selection (QRS), ACA rules and the calendar for the coming seasons.
Coach education updates and plans.
Random start order data analyses and review.
Development & Planning – Dr. Rob Reid, Director of Sport Science Norwegian Ski Federation will discuss how to manage development and planning, grounded in a clear philosophy.
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Sandy Holliday on September 6th, after facing cancer with strength and grace.
Sandy was a beloved member of the alpine ski racing community, dedicating countless years to the sport with passion and commitment. Her journey began in the 1980s when her sons Cody and Brady joined the Nancy Greene Ski League at SilverStar Mountain Resort. From those early days, Sandy became a cornerstone of the Vernon Ski Club, taking on increasing responsibilities as her sons progressed in their racing careers.
Her contributions as a Race Administrator were instrumental in the success of many high-profile events, including the World Cup in Whistler (2008), Apex Downhills throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, and the Canada Winter Games in 2015. One of the most notable highlights of her volunteer career was her role as Alpine Race Administrator for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Whistler.
Sandy was known for her unwavering dedication and reliability. Whether the event was large or small, she could always be counted on to step up and lend her expertise and support. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with her, and by the entire ski racing community.
BC Alpine sends heartfelt condolences to Bruce and the entire Holliday family during this difficult time.
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Leslie Clarke, a cherished member of the BC Alpine community. Leslie passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Leslie served as BC Alpine Program Director in 2010 and 2011. She made a lasting impact on the development of alpine ski racing in British Columbia. Her leadership, dedication, and passion for the sport inspired athletes, coaches, and colleagues alike.
Leslie’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched throughout her career in sport. She will be remembered not only for her professional contributions but also for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support of the ski racing community.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Leslie’s family and friends. For those wishing to read more or share condolences, please visit the official obituary.
