BC Alpine members elected a new nine-member Board of Directors at the organization’s Annual General Meeting at Sun Peaks, marking the first board selected under BC Alpine’s updated bylaws and governance structure.
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.
BC Alpine members will gather at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel this weekend, Oct. 2–4, for three days of learning, discussion and connection. The program begins with a coaches meeting on Friday and Saturday morning, followed by the Member Summit on Saturday afternoon and the Annual General Meeting on Sunday.
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.
BC Alpine is pleased to announce an expanded three-year partnership with Haywood Securities Inc. that will strengthen support for high-performance alpine ski racing across British Columbia.
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.
BC Alpine is now accepting nominations for the 2026 BC Alpine Ski Racing Awards, celebrating the outstanding athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs and resorts that make ski racing in British Columbia thrive.
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.
BC Alpine Ski Association has announced an upcoming Special General Meeting (SGM) to be held virtually on Tuesday, July 28th at 6:00 PM PST.
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.
