A dramatic shift in weather and an incredible all-hands effort set the stage for a memorable U14 Provincial Championships at Apex Mountain Resort. From spring-like rain and slush on Friday to cold, sunny, and world-class race conditions over the weekend, athletes experienced the full spectrum of racing in the Okanagan.
Earlier this season, the decision was made in early February to relocate the U14 Provincials from Mt. Washington to Apex. With typically a year of planning required for an event of this scale, the Apex organizing committee and supporting clubs rose to the challenge—delivering a high-quality championship event on a condensed timeline.
Friday kicked off with Team Duals, featuring 28 teams made up of 8–9 athletes from mixed clubs, each led by an assigned coach. Despite above-zero temperatures, rain, and slushy conditions, racers put down strong single runs in a spirited and collaborative format. Off the hill, athletes took part in a scavenger hunt around Apex Village, followed by a well-earned BBQ lunch hosted by The Edge Bistro – bringing athletes and coaches together in a fun, team-focused environment.
Overnight, temperatures dropped, transforming the track and setting up ideal race conditions for the remainder of the weekend.
Saturday featured boy’s slalom on Okanagan and girl’s giant slalom on Old Mill (Dual ROC). Under bluebird skies and below-zero temperatures, athletes were met with firm, consistent surfaces – conditions that allowed for confident skiing and high-level performance across the field.
Sunday delivered more of the same, with boy’s GS on Old Mill and girl’s slalom on Okanagan. The GS track in particular stood out, offering a surface that would rival top-level race venues—one that any World Cup athlete would have appreciated.
This event would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of volunteers. With limited lead time, clubs from across the province stepped up in force. A special thank you goes to volunteers from Sun Peaks and Mt. Washington who arrived early on Thursday to assist with venue setup, alongside the many hands who supported throughout the weekend to ensure smooth and safe racing.
Leading the race organizing effort was Michael Johncox (Race Chair), supported by Wally James (Chief of Timing), David Warriner (Chief of Race, Men), Jeff Ellis (Chief of Race, Women), Todd Ring (Chief of Course, Men), Martin Parilak (Chief of Course, Women), Sonja Childs (Chief of Gates, Women), Mark Leng (Chief of Gates, Men), Jenafor Lansel (Race Administrator), and Dave Gill (Chief of Volunteers).
From a rapid turnaround in planning to exceptional race execution, the 2026 U14 Provincials at Apex showcased the strength, collaboration, and resilience of the BC Alpine community.
The 2026 HUB International Nancy Greene Festival returned to Sun Peaks Resort, welcoming nearly 2,000 guests for the largest Nancy Greene Ski League festival in Canada.
Across two days, 675 skiers took part in a full schedule of events designed to build skills and foster a love of racing. The program featured dual glalom, speed trap, moguls, jump, obstacle course and a ski cross-style kombi, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for young skiers.
Winter conditions set the stage, with a firm, consistent surface on Friday and sunny skies delivering excellent conditions for Saturday’s events. The combination of a challenging track and a fun, festival atmosphere made for a standout weekend.
Nancy Greene was on site throughout the event, cheering on young skiers, connecting with families and handing out awards—adding to the energy and excitement across the venue. Olympic ski cross gold medallist Ashleigh McIvor was also on hand at the awards ceremony delivery a few words to the skiers and handing out awards.
The festival also delivered its signature off-course moments, with a lively atmosphere that included entertainment and plenty of opportunities for athletes to engage beyond racing.
Overall, the event provided a valuable development opportunity for young skiers, blending competition with fun and community in a uniquely Sun Peaks setting.
Organizing Committee: Jeff Robinson (Chief of Festival), Kelly Dye (Chief of Race – Glalom), Dave Gilmour (Chief of Course), Dave Fox (Chief of Events), Gabrielle Fox and Sara Thomson (Race Administration), Gabrielle Fox (Volunteer Coordinator)
BC Alpine congratulates and thanks the incredible event organizers and the Sun Peaks Alpine Club for hosting an outstanding event.
The FIS Boyd Cup Speed and Tech series returned to the Dave Murray National Training Centre, delivering a full week of training and competition under the leadership of race chair and Canadian ski racing legend Rob Boyd.
Following heavy rainfall the week prior, cooler temperatures and clear skies provided a turnaround in conditions, allowing for high-quality surface preparation. The event featured a full program, including downhill training and racing, and concluded with FIS-sanctioned giant slalom and slalom races.
“We were proud to deliver a strong FIS series despite early weather challenges,” said Carol Anne Parkhill, Chief of Race (WMSC). “The field was deep, and the volunteer support – especially from the Weasel Workers – created a positive, collaborative environment. We’re excited to build on this and welcome back full speed events next year.”
Rob Boyd acknowledged the resilience of the organizing team and the broader community:
“The weather forced adjustments, but the focus remained on creating a positive experience for athletes. Once conditions improved, the track was exceptional, and the team delivered. It was also great to connect with athletes and coaches off-hill and see strong engagement from visiting programs who are eager to return.”
The event also featured athlete and coach engagement initiatives, including a speed-focused session led by Boyd and Broderick Thompson. Local athletes capitalized on home-hill advantage, with strong performances highlighting the week.
Organizing Committee: Rob Boyd (Race Chair), Carol Anne Parkhill (Chief of Race), Henry Voss (Chief of Timing), Rick Hume (Chief of Course), Vicki Schenk (Race Administration), Jenn Heyries (Chief of Volunteers), Lisa Ferguson (Technical Delegate)
Podium photos by Kevin Heyries. Action photos by Cash Nedelak
This past weekend, Lightning Creek Ski Club marked its 50th anniversary at Troll Resort, bringing together generations of athletes, coaches, and supporters for a memorable celebration of community and skiing.
The day began with a dual glalom fun race, followed by a dinner in the lodge where it all began in 1972 with Lars and Astrid Fossberg. The evening program was led by MC and current club president Falko Kadenbach.
Falko welcomed alumnus Ian Grady, who raced with the club in the 1990s. Ian shared an engaging look at the region’s ski history, tracing its roots through the early ski hills in Wells and Quesnel. Representing a four-generation ski racing family, his perspective highlighted the deep heritage of the sport in the area. More on the Troll Ski Resort history from the Canadian Ski Museum.
The evening continued with club founders John Marien and Kris Dittman, who first envisioned Lightning Creek Ski Club in 1976. John reflected on the club’s early days and growth, while one of the most inspiring moments came from Kris—who is visually impaired—returning to the slopes that day to ski and run gates for the first time in over 20 years, a powerful reminder of skill, trust, and passion for the sport.
John also spoke about the early days of the Nancy Greene Ski League, which laid the foundation for the club’s youth programming, and the strong collaboration with Prince George Ski Club to support athlete development in the North.
Top photo (L to R): Mike Garry (coach), Neal Wood, Lucien Bellamy, Brice Bennet, Stuart Lebeck, Scott Turton, Ryan Cook, Toby Bellamy, Carly Felker, Mike Knault, Russel Wood. Above, left: Kris Dittman and John Marien. Above, right: Lightning Creek Ski Club today. Above: 1980s team.
Denis Wood, the club’s first Alpine Chair (1984), shared stories from the early racing years, including the introduction of electronic timing, the well-known Troll Downhill, and team travel across the province. His reflections emphasized the passion, commitment, and sense of adventure that defined the era.
Falko then carried the story forward into the early 2000s, recognizing key contributors and acknowledging the challenges that led to a temporary pause in operations from 2003 to 2009.
The club’s revival in 2009, led by John Marien, Dianne and Darrel Dagneau, and a dedicated volunteer group, was highlighted by Mike Sakakibara. He spoke about rebuilding the club’s foundation, including major investments in infrastructure such as the clubhouse (2014), timing systems, safety netting, and equipment—driven by strong leadership and community support.
Bringing the story to present day, Falko emphasized the importance of partnerships with clubs, resorts, sponsors, and provincial programs, as well as the continued development of coaches, officials, and volunteers. He recognized key contributors over the years, including longtime coach Karcsi Peter and past Alpine Chair Michelle Klapatiuk, whose efforts helped shape the club’s success.
The celebration also included video messages from BC Alpine CEO Anders Hestdalen and Olympic gold medallist Nancy Greene, both congratulating Lightning Creek on reaching this milestone.
A special recognition was given to John Marien for his lifelong commitment to the club—as founder, coach, and leader. He was presented with a BC Alpine team jacket and 50-year anniversary memorabilia in honour of his enduring impact.
The evening concluded with an open mic and time to reconnect, as past and present members gathered to celebrate five decades of skiing, community, and shared passion.
Sign up is now open for the annual MEGA Camp, GFF and the Boys Development Camp—featuring world-class training conditions, a star-studded coaching staff, and an unmatched lineup of training and learning opportunities that could define the 2026 season.
BC Alpine, in partnership with Sun Peaks Resort, will hosting this elite training opportunity from April 10–19, 2026. Widely regarded as some of the best training imaginable, this exclusive on-snow opportunity will take place while the mountain is closed to the public, creating an unmatched training environment for athletes and coaches. With spring conditions expected to be optimal, MEGA Camp offers clubs and racers a valuable head start on the 2026–27 season.
BC Alpine MEGA Camp
Athletes will benefit from up to 10 days of exclusive-access ski race training (weather and snow dependent) at a mountain closed to the public, providing racer-only lift access via the Elevation Lift. Training will take place across five varied trails — OSV, Bluff, Cariboo, Lower Chute and 5 Mile — offering diverse terrain and valuable on-snow exposure alongside BC Ski Team athletes and coaches.
Dates: April 10–19, 2026 (up to 10 days on snow)
Location: Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia
Cost: $100 per day per athlete/coach. (Includes lift access, lane space, and grooming; salt, if required, is additional)
Eligibility: Open to U12 athletes and older. Daily cap of 250 athletes.
Meal Plan: Cahilty Creek: $63.78 with tax and gratuity (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) – Email Kelly Dye – kellydye13@gmail.com
Girls Fast Forward (GFF)
Back by popular demand, the Girls Fast Forward Camp will once again inspire female-identifying ski racers from across the province with a world-class program led by some of Canada’s fastest athletes—World Cup racers and Olympians Cassidy Gray, Britt Richardson, Kiki Alexander, and others.
Dates: April 13–15th (3-day ski camp)
Location: Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia
Format: Three day development focussed ski camp.
Eligibility: Open to all registered female-identifying ski racers from BC, born 2013 and older
New to BC Alpine programming this season, the BC Boys Camp is designed to prepare male-identifying ski racers for FIS and beyond, with support from BC Alpine and former national team athletes in an exclusive alpine racing environment.
Dates: April 16–18th (3-day ski camp)
Location: Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia
Format: Three day development focussed ski camp.
Eligibility: Open to all registered male ski racers from BC, born 2010–2012.
“Our goal is to once again bring athletes and coaches from across B.C.—and beyond—together for high-quality training at a low cost. This gives BC racers more time on snow in their home province. Our last MEGA Camp was a great success, and we’re excited to expand the opportunity to make off-season training accessible to as many athletes as possible.” — Johnny Crichton, BC Alpine Vice President
