In the spirit of cooperation, creativity, and finding great training opportunities, two Coastal ski clubs teamed up for a memorable trip to Baldy Mountain Resortover the Christmas holidays.
The idea to head to Mount Baldy early in the holiday break originated with the Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club, which had explored the option well in advance and worked with the resort for weeks to organize a training camp. With limited snowfall on the Coast, the Cypress Ski Club decided to join the camp on relatively short notice.
From December 19 to 23, four athletes from the Cypress Ski Club’s U16 group joined Grouse Mountain’s U14 and U16 athletes, continuing a strong collaborative relationship that has been building between the two clubs since the start of the season.
Mount Baldy proved to be an exceptionally welcoming host. Despite being a smaller resort with no snowmaking capabilities, it offered excellent training terrain and quickly became an ideal alternative to North Shore conditions at the time.
“We completed four full days of slalom training in a truly wintery environment—cold, quiet, and peaceful—far from the crowds typically found at North Shore resorts or in Whistler during this time of year when snow conditions are good,” said Ferdinand Gros, Cypress Ski Club U16 head coach.
Cypress Ski Club was thrilled to be part of the camp and would like to sincerely thank the Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club and Mount Baldy Resort for their warm welcome, hospitality, and outstanding support throughout the week.
“The overall experience was great—a mountain that, in a lifetime of skiing, was almost a myth turned out to be a fairytale,” said Ryan Jazic, Grouse Tyee head coach. “We were treated incredibly well by both the locals and mountain staff. The athletes loved the snow and the lack of crowds and lift lines, which kept the terrain in great shape both on and off piste. The stunning views when the sun came out were a bonus, and the old-school vibe made the experience truly unique.”
As the 2026 ski racing rapidly approaches, the top skiers in the province are ready to roll and hungry for ski racing.
After a productive pre-season, consisting of physical conditioning and on-snow training on two continents, the BC Ski Team coaching staff are optimistic heading into the 2025-26 season, which kicks off next week at Panorama, B.C., for the FIS GMC Cup starting Thursday, Dec. 18th.
Led by three returning BC Ski Team skiers – Dylan Stevens, Baptiste Cais and Hannah Jensen – four newcomers are officially named to the provincial team. The skiers range from 16 to 20 years-of-age and represent four ski clubs from across the province.
Photo (above) from left: Baptiste Cais, Dreas Gibbons, Dylan Stevens, Hannah Jensen, Tylee Carr, Lola Gilbert. Missing: Thea Thorn. For full team photos, including coaches, see below.
Pridy, along with assistant coaches Eric Schwenck and Dillon Prophet, said that the grind of the off-season has great potential to pay off over the coming weeks.
“This crew has been great throughout the prep, pushing each other to be better the whole way along.
Morgan Pridy, BCST Head coach
“Each of these athletes have worked hard to raise their potential over the last six months,” Pridy said. “If we can continue to learn and our efforts stay as high as our expectations, this team will have a successful season.”
BC Alpine’s VP Johnny Crichton believes that this group is a solid representation of quality athletes who have developed through the BC Alpine and Alpine Canada system.
“This team is a great example of what the BC pathway is all about, from the Nancy Greene Ski League to club FIS programs and onto the BC Ski Team,” he explained. “They are working hard in the gym and on snow, and the coaches have been intentional with every block of training. Clear, athlete-specific performance plans have kept everyone aligned, and they’re ready to race, learn, and keep pushing toward the next level.”
BC Alpine also recognizes Jasmine Coubrough, who will not return to the BC Ski Team this season due to injury, and acknowledges her commitment and professionalism during her time with the program.
“We were fortunate to have Jasmine on the team. She proudly represented the Vernon Ski Club and inspired future racers. We wish her all the best,” said Crichton.
For optimal viewing, click to see the full roster and individual athlete photos. Photos by Kimberley Rae.
BC Ski Team – 2025-26
Baptiste Cais, Fernie Alpine Ski Team (Field)
Tylee Carr, Vernon Ski Club (Vernon)
Dreas Gibbons, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
Lola Gilbert, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
Hannah Jensen, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
Dylan Stevens (2004) Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club (North Vancouver)
For those in the trenches of ski racing in B.C. — or even for the casual observers — the mark and brand of Karbon on the sport is unmistakable. From early-morning warm-ups to Nor-Am podiums and everything in between, the Karbon logo is visible everywhere on ski hills across the country.
The Canadian brand has been outfitting world-class winter athletes for more than two decades and is now entering its sixth season as the exclusive outerwear and racewear supplier for BC Alpine and the provincial ski team.
The partnership is rooted in shared values: innovation, athlete-first thinking and a deep belief that potential has no limits.
Five Years In: A Partnership Hitting Its Stride
BC Alpine CEO Anders Hestdalen is thrilled with the success of the partnership to date.
“In working with Karbon we have a Canadian ally who actually gets ski racing,” said Hestdalen. “They understand the grind, the weather, the long travel days, the early-morning lifts at –20°C — and the difference that high-performance gear can make in an athlete’s confidence.”
“This is more than new jackets and ski pants,” he added. “It’s a shared commitment to elevating ski racing in B.C., giving our athletes every advantage possible and celebrating the passion that keeps this community thriving.”
The provincial ski team now trains and competes in gear backed by decades of research, athlete insight and Canadian design. The partnership also reaches the club level — opening the door for young racers, coaches and families to connect with a grassroots Canadian brand.
Dressing Future Champions
For decades, Karbon’s commitment to winter sport has empowered some of Canada’s best athletes, supporting their high-performance development at every stage of the pathway. The company currently supports 12 organizations worldwide, including four alpine PSO’s in Canada: Alpine Ontario, Ski Quebec, Alberta Alpine and BC Alpine.
From future Olympians still learning to carve the perfect turn, Karbon has built its reputation on blending technical performance with real-world athlete feedback. Their gear is tested on some of the toughest hills in the world and refined by the people pushing hardest against their own boundaries.
The #NoLimits tagline isn’t simply a marketing slogan — it reflects how Karbon designs, and why its product team works hand-in-hand with elite athletes to shape every new collection.
Karbon has been busy since the brand was launched in 1997 … with 450 World Cup medals, 91 World Championship medals and 24 Olympic medals.
The Karbon Story
For Karbon, supporting BC Alpine is more than a sponsorship — it’s a continuation of its commitment to the full athlete pathway. Behind the scenes is Schure Sports, a family-owned Canadian company that has been advancing winter-sport apparel since 1982. Based in Toronto and proud of its Canadian roots, Schure Sports has built Karbon into one of the sport’s most trusted outerwear brands.
“I am very proud that BC Alpine is part of the Karbon family,” said Peter Schure, VP of Teams and Resorts. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to sport at all levels, and we look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship with BC Alpine and its athletes.”
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
Five years into this partnership between BC Alpine and KARBON, the momentum keeps climbing. And with new gear on their backs, B.C.’s ski racers are more than ready to take the reins and charge ahead.
Ski racers from B.C. continue to punch above their weight on the national stage.
A total of 22 athletes from across the province — representing seven BC Alpine clubs — have been named to Canada’s alpine, ski cross and para-alpine national teams, making up an impressive 40 per cent of the national roster.
The announcement by Alpine Canada Alpin in late October confirmed 54 skiers across all disciplines, most of whom will compete on the FIS World Cup circuit this season. Their collective goal is to represent Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
“I couldn’t be prouder of these athletes and what they represent, not just for their home clubs, but for every young skier in B.C. chasing a dream,” said Johnny Crichton. “Their success speaks to years of commitment, belief, and teamwork from coaches, parents, and the whole ski community. Seeing so many of our skiers wear the maple leaf across different disciplines really shows the strength and diversity of our programs and the passion that runs through ski racing in British Columbia and I feel truly blessed to watch these athletes represent our amazing country, lets gooooo!
Alpine Canada is also inviting all Canadians to experience the best ski racing in the world in person at the two FIS World Cup events in Canada this season:
Women’s giant slalom races at Mont Tremblant, QC, December 6 and 7, 2025
Ski cross racing at Craigleith Ski Club, in Collingwood, ON, March 21-22, 2026
You can follow Canada’s national ski this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across its social media accounts and subscribe to the ACA newsletter.
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 B.C. Ski Team spent a month in Fernie this summer laying the groundwork for the upcoming season, focusing on a range of vital skills during an intense four-week training block. The athletes put in the blood, sweat and tears to ensure a strong start to the preparation phase.
Morgan Pridy, BC Ski Team head coach, sent in this informative report. See the full report below photo gallery.
BCST – FERNIE JULY 2025 (Photos by Roger Carry)
(left to right) Dillon Prophet, Alexa Brownlie, Hannah Jensen, Lola Gilbert, Tylee Carr, Jasmine Coubrough, Dylan Stevens, Dreas Gibbons, Baptiste Cais, Eric Schwenck, Morgan Pridy
Fernie Dryland: June 23 – July 23
The main reasons for this camp—apart from the fitness component—were to run a long and centralized session before getting on snow with our teams, focusing on:
Providing an entry point for new athletes into the BCST environment
Learning how the team, teammates, and new staff operate
Aligning and collaborating on big- and small-picture values and expectations
Mirroring the physical, mental, and scheduling stresses of on-snow camps in a lower-stakes environment
Allowing time for goal setting, individual performance planning, and other onboarding needs
The camp began with several days of fitness testing—a barrage of physical challenges ranging from classic field tests to isometric and velocity-based strength testing. It was an intense first four days, but it gave us valuable insight into each athlete’s strengths, gaps, and current level of development.
We also introduced what we call “performance coaching 101,” as one of our objectives is to normalize talking to a third party. The goal is that, when or if athletes need support, the idea of a performance coach or sport psychologist won’t feel foreign.
Following the testing and introductory sessions to the month’s programming, we settled into a relatively predictable schedule. Athletes knew what work was coming, could prepare properly, and got into a steady rhythm. Each week, we kept one session a mystery—it’s hard, around an hour, and they only get a clue about what type of shoes to bring.
Throughout the month, we emphasized gameplay and made an effort to play as many sports as possible, considering our team size. Beach volleyball and pickleball were likely the favourites this year. For most games, teams stayed in the same pairs, and we tallied wins and losses to crown the all-sports champions of the camp. This year’s teams included Tylee/Dreas, Dylan/Jasmine, Baptiste/Lola, the Coaches, and Hannah/Dillon (with Hannah somewhat limited as she recovers from shoulder surgery).
The month ended with “Games Day Finals,” a full day dedicated to sport and the deciding round for this year’s champions—culminating, as usual, with nine holes of best-ball golf.
Highlights from the camp:
Activity Day
This year’s challenge took place on Heiko’s Trail, with bike transit to and from trailheads.
Women’s team started from the western trailhead; men’s team from the eastern side.
Two aid stations (trucks in the bush) served as transition zones for bike-to-hike gear swaps.
The route included: 27 km alpine hike and 33 km of biking
The women’s team encountered a major rainstorm and were nearly stranded due to a washed-out service road—but everyone made it out safely and with a great story.
The goal of activity day: equal parts preparation and testing athletes’ staying power.
Baptiste completed a custom ultra challenge:70 km with 2,250 vertical metres. Handled it “way too easily”
Games Day Finals
A highlight of camp—fun and competitive.
Great opportunity to observe improvement over the month.
Noticeable gains in both individual performance and team cohesion.
Final Conditioning Session
Camp wrapped with an early morning field workout before travel day.
Athletes pushed hard, knowing it was their final challenge.
Coaches joined the session—usually outpaced by the athletes, who then helped motivate them to the finish.
Personal Highlight
Witnessing each athlete’s growth throughout the month was a standout.
Rookies, in particular, showed noticeable gains in:
