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 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.
BC Alpine announced five returning ski racers – and three new additions – to the BC Training Group, a major stepping stone towards BC Ski Team selection.
A total of five ski clubs from across the province are represented in the group – Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club, Fernie Alpine Ski Team, Vernon Ski Club and Windermere Valley Ski Club.
“It is awesome to see our women’s team increase coming into next season,” said Morgan Pridy, the BC Ski Team head coach. “We will be missing Alexa [Brownlie] in a leadership role but it will make for a great inter-team opportunity for the whole group to dial in and keep the ship running true and fast. And the men’s team is anchored by two solid veterans, and the addition of Dreas [Gibbons] will round out a very competitive environment.
Alexa Brownlie, one of the leaders on the team last season, is moving on to the University of Colorado Boulder, to join the powerhouse NCAA ski racing team, while she pursues a university degree. Other notable changes are the departure of Oliver Young, who is attending University of Calgary this Fall.
The team and coaching staff are currently in the midst of a month-long training camp in Fernie, with two on-snow camps scheduled in Europe in August and South America in October. The focus for the group is on fitness and pre-season training.
Pridy is impressed with the team energy and mix of athletes.
“I’m very excited about the future of this group. The team is anchored by returning members and new energy coming in. We have continuity and stability in the coaching staff and a really good plan to help the athletes achieve their goals.”
MORGAN PRIDY, HEAD COACH
BC Ski Team (returning)
Jasmine Coubrough (2006) Vernon Ski Club / OST (Salmon Arm)
Thea Torn, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
Hannah Jensen, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
Dylan Stevens (2004) Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club (North Vancouver)
Baptiste Cais, Fernie Alpine Ski Team (Field)
Training Group
Lola Gilbert, Windermere Valley Ski Club (Whistler)
Tylee Carr, Vernon Ski Club (Vernon)
Dreas Gibbons, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
The 2025/26 season registration is under way! Online registration by the club through the BC Alpine’s registration database is all that is require to get on the FIS list however athlete will not be start eligible until such time that their paperwork is accepted by BC Alpine.
SAIP Changes
The SAIP (Sport Accident Insurance Program) is the same as last year with options listed at https://bcalpine.com/programFees/#_saip. Please remember that all FIS registered athletes must have a SAIP insurance selected in order to be considered start eligible. Information about the SAIP coverage and claims process are posted in the BC Alpine SAIP Information folder.
FIS Paperwork
We are continuing using the feature on BC Alpine’s Members Site to manage all FIS paperwork. This can be found and uploaded via the BC Alpine Members page at https://bcalpine.com/memberUpdate/. FIS members need to get their yearly medical completed, so please be sure to book with your doctor soon if you have not already done so. Note: A link to this page is sent to registered members provided that their email address is valid. Thank you to all of the members who I’ve seen already getting their forms uploaded!
Out of Country FIS Racers
ACA has increased the Out of Country / International FIS Athlete Service fee this season to $153.75. This applies to Canadian FIS licensed athletes who are participating in an international program outside of Canada and electing to start in FIS competitions as well as Canadian FIS Licensed Masters athletes who are participating in an international FIS race outside of Canada. This fee allows ACA to appropriately service CAN FIS licensed athletes participating in programs and/or Masters races outside of Canada, additional time and resources are required to ensure that their program(s) can be supported in the manner to which is expected. Contact KevenD@bcalpine.com via email to verify you are correctly listed if you believe this applies to you. This fee is included in the “SAIP Exclusion” option found in the SAIP Insurance selection when clubs register FIS racers.
CWSAA All Areas Pass – Important Deadline: August 7th
Alpine and Ski Cross athletes in FIS programs born between 2005 and 2009 are on the qualification for this season. Deadline for selection is August 7th so any athlete or FIS traveling coach wanting to qualify for an All Areas Pass must be registered with BC Alpine and then the club registrar needs to submit those requesting passes via the “All Area Passes” registration form found in the BC Alpine Club Admin Login by that date.
Cost of the pass this season is $803.25 for athletes and $1606.50 for coaches.
In order to qualify all applicants must both be registered as well as complete the appropriate CWSAA Waiver found on the link below. Failure to do either of these steps by the deadline may result in ineligibility.
