Member News | BC Alpine Ski Association
Volunteer Awards 2025: Club, Event, Resort, Volunteer

Volunteer Awards 2025: Club, Event, Resort, Volunteer

There are so many volunteers, partners and supporters who are the true “engine” of ski racing in B.C. Now it is time to recognize some of the events, clubs, resorts and volunteers who went above and beyond in the 2024-25 ski season. PLEASE nominate before May 31, 2025!

1. Club Development of the Year

  • Criteria: This BC Alpine ski club has illustrated growth and significant improvement or leadership during the current season
  • Award:Trophy presented to one club per year
  • Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/

2. Event of the Year

  • Criteria: Open to all levels, no restrictions. Well organized and fun for racers and volunteers. Exceptional and compelling event for the community.
  • Award: Trophy presented to one club per year for hosting the winning race event
  • Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/

3. Mountain Resort of the Year

  • Criteria: This resort showed extraordinary support for the local ski club (its events and members) throughout the current season.
  • Award: Trophy presented to one Mountain Resort per year
  • Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/

4. Zone Official / Volunteer

  • Criteria: Dedication and commitment to volunteering at the club or zone level
  • Award: Four (4) trophies awarded – one for each zone: Coast, Kootenay, North & Okanagan
  • Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/
  • Selection: BC Alpine Awards Committee makes the final selection for this award

5. Moira Jaatteenmaki Officials’ Award

Criteria:

  • A continued dedication to the Officials’ program and the sport of ski racing by serving as a committed BC Alpine Official over a period of several seasons
  • As a result of his or her contributions, this Official has helped ski racing continue at the highest level in the province, offering participating athletes the best opportunities for advancement in their pursuit of excellence in the sport. 

Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/

Award: Trophy awarded to one Official per season

Selection: BC Alpine Officials Committee makes the final selection for this award.

6. Volunteer of the Year

Criteria:

  • This individual’s volunteer efforts are exceptional
  • His or her level of commitment contributes to the betterment of the club, zone and province
  • The contributions can be on or off the hill

Award: One trophy awarded per season

Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/

Selection: BC Alpine awards committee makes the final selection for this award.

7. Coach Awards

We know there are many outstanding and dedicated coaches who keep the clubs going and the athletes fit and motivated. We will be recognizing them too! A committee of Program Directors and Coaches, along with BC Alpine, will honour coaches in the following categories:

  • Train to Train Coach of the Year
  • U16 Coach of the Year
  • FIS Coach of the Year
  • Head Coach of the Year
  • Team of the Year
  • Hustler of the Year

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS MAY 31, 2025

Athlete Bursaries & Awards: Nominate by May 31, 2025

Athlete Bursaries & Awards: Nominate by May 31, 2025

It is that time of year – award season! This is a great opportunity for us all to recognize the extraordinary talent and work ethic of the ski racers across the province. See below for detail on the Athlete Award categories for 2025.

1. Dave Murray Bursary

Award: $750.00 (two bursaries)

Criteria: Awarded to two BC athletes based on the following:

  • Financial need.
  • Athletic ability / Sportsmanship / Leadership.
  • Recommendation to BC Alpine by coach or other club representative.
  • Priority given to U19 level athletes.

About the Award: Founded in 1987 by friends of Dave Murray after a fundraiser

Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/

Selection: BC Alpine awards committee makes final selection for this award

2. Bob Parsons’ Memorial Fund Bursary

Award: $1,000.00 per athlete

Criteria: Awarded to two individuals based on:

  • Leadership and dedication to the sport of ski racing
  • Financial need
  • Recommendation to BC Alpine by coach or other club representative
  • Priority is given to U19 level athletes

About the Award: Bob Parsons was the original weasel worker at the Whistler World Cup.

Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website. http://bcalpine.com/awards/

3. Ski Canada Bursary

Award: *$500.00 

*Awarded to one athlete OR $250 each to one male and one female athlete

Criteria

  • U16 level athletes only
  • Financial need
  • Potential to rise to the top of ski racing in Canada
  • Recommendation to BC Alpine by coach or other club representative

About the Award: The Ski Canada Bursary is available for not-for-profit ski organizations and groups across Canada.

Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/. Selection BC Alpine awards committee makes final selection for this award

4. Cary Mullen Award

Criteria: This athlete has displayed the most sportsmanlike conduct

Award: Trophy for one male and one female athlete

Application/Nomination: Submit via BC Alpine Website http://bcalpine.com/awards/

Selection: BC Alpine awards committee makes final selection for this award

DEADLINE: May 31, 2025

BC Alpine MEGA Camp is back, Sun Peaks, April 17-27, 2025

Considered some of the “best training imaginable”, BC Alpine in partnership with Sun Peaks Resort is hosting this exclusive training opportunity – the mountain will be closed to the public – from April 17th to the 27th, 2025. Conditions are expected to be optimal for training and this opportunity will give clubs and racers a big jump on next season.

“Our goal is to again bring athletes and coaches from around our province, as well as other provinces, together for a variety of training opportunities for a low cost. This will give BC racers more time on-snow in their home province. Our last Mega Camp was a great success and we aim to grow the opportunity to make great off- season training available to as many athletes as we can.”

Johnny Crichton, BC Alpine Vice President

BC Alpine will centrally manage the Sun Peaks “Training Centre” in terms of tickets and lane space. We will help to create different environments for all the teams and clubs that want to take advantage of this great training. Teams must come with their club coach and the price for lift ticket and lane space is $100 per day. Details on meal plan and accommodation options can be found in the links below.

BENEFITS
  • 11 days of exclusive-access ski race training (weather/snow dependent)
  • Mountain closed to public – access for racers only. Cycle on Elevation Lift only
  • 5 different trails with different terrain to work on ski technique and tactics – trails include OSV, Bluff, Cariboo, Lower Chute, and 5 Mile
  • On snow exposure to the BC Ski Team athletes and coaches
  • Q&A with BC Ski Team athletes and coaches
  • Legend Coaches (TBD) will be in attendance
  • FIS races (2GS/2SL) on April 24 – 27; OSV booked out for this race; start fee for these races will be $20.00 (lift and lane fee still required – $100 per day).
ELIGIBILITY
  • All athletes U12 and older (cap at 250 athletes per day)
DATES
  • April 17 to 27, 2025 (11 possible days on snow)
LOCATION
  • Sun Peaks Resort, BC
COST
  • $100 per day per athlete/coach (includes lane, lift and grooming)
  • Salt, if needed will be extra
COACHES SIGN UP YOUR TEAM

MEGA Camp registration (Coaches only) can be done here.

PAYMENT LINK FOR COACHES
ACCOMMODATION

To book accommodation at the Cahilty Lodge please email Calvin Doyle at calvin@bearcountry.ca.

To take advantage of the Meal Plan at the Cahilty, please email Kelly Dye at cahiltycreek1@gmail.com – you DO NOT have to be staying at the hotel.

Sport BC Regional Sport Philanthropy/Financial Literacy Workshop Vancouver, April 30 & May 22

Sport BC Regional Sport Philanthropy/Financial Literacy Workshop Vancouver, April 30 & May 22

Sport BC is proud to be partnering with members of the Regional Sport Alliance to deliver FREE sport philanthropy workshops for people working or volunteering in amateur sport. Please use the links below to register for the one of the two upcoming Vancouver sessions: April 30th or May 22nd.

Please reach out to Allison Mailer at ali.kiesman@sportbc.com if you have any questions. More details will be provided closer to the workshop!

Revy winds down ski racing season in the Okanagan with an “energizing” Teck OK zone finals

Revy winds down ski racing season in the Okanagan with an “energizing” Teck OK zone finals

Under stunning bluebird skies with early-morning firm snow conditions, Revelstoke Mountain Resort (open until April 21st!) and the Revelstoke Ski Club hosted the Okanagan zone for one last red-blue-red-blue show down.

A total of 152 athletes aged 12-19 from ski clubs in Sun Peaks, Big White, Apex and Vernon arrived, ready to show the skills and speed they have developed all season. The skill, progression and confidence shown in the final race series of the season in the zone but awesome. 

“The energy was high as they took to the GS course on Saturday and the SL course on Sunday,” a club representative said. “The U12s even tested their new skills, cross blocking on a three-quarter slalom gate course for the first time in competition!”

A huge thank you goes out to all volunteers, coaches, and parents who dedicated their time to making this event possible. A massive thank you to Revelstoke Mountain Resort and all our sponsors. 

Race Organizers

  • Technical Delegate: Graham Cope
  • Chief of Race: Jeff Colvin
  • Chief of Course: Todd Lenzi
  • Chief of Timing: Dave Sinclair 
  • Chief of Gates: Liz Rorstad 
  • Race Secretary: Trista Skerry
All ages, all In: Coast zone wraps up season with vibrant ski races

All ages, all In: Coast zone wraps up season with vibrant ski races

This past weekend, the slopes of Mount Washington Alpine Resort played host to the highly anticipated Teck Coast Zone Finals, bringing together over 210 athletes from across the Coast zone for a vibrant celebration of alpine ski racing. Hosted by the Mt. Washington Ski Club (MWSC), the event welcomed racers from U12 to U19, with the youngest forerunners—U10 athletes from MWSC—leading the charge and reminding us all that alpine racing is truly a sport for all ages.

Saturday slalom: Sunny skies and strong performances

Under clear skies and warm spring sun, Saturday featured a full day of racing with three exciting events: A U12 stubby course for the youngest racers, a U12 full-gate course to test agility and edge control, and a U14+ 2-run slalom, which tested precision, endurance, and tactical execution.

With five slalom sets, the course crew worked tirelessly throughout the day to keep conditions safe and fair. Thanks to their dedication—and some well-timed salt—the tracks held up remarkably well in the spring warmth, allowing athletes to push hard and deliver top-notch performances.

Sunday’s Team Dual: Team spirit shines in challenging conditions

Sunday brought rain and fog to the mountain, adding an extra layer of challenge to the much-anticipated Dual Panel Slalom. Despite the tough weather, the energy remained high as athletes from mixed-gender, mixed-club, and mixed-age teams battled it out in head-to-head races. The challenging conditions only added to the excitement, with racers showing grit, determination, and great sportsmanship all the way to the finish. The cheers from teammates and spectators echoed through the mist, capping off the weekend with heart and resilience.

A Community Effort

The Coast Zone Finals exemplified what makes youth alpine racing so special—athletes of all ages pushing themselves, supporting one another, and finding joy in the sport.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the team at Mount Washington Alpine Resort—especially Mike Manara, whose leadership of his team was instrumental in delivering great spring racing conditions on Whiskey Jack, our premier race run.

Photo Gallery

All photos courtesy of: Independent Sports News (ISN),  photographer Paul M. Williams

Thank you to the Mount Washington Ski Club sponsors:

  • Teck
  • Colonial Countertops
  • Rick Gibson Group | Royal LePage in the Comox Valley
  • Splashes Bath & Kitchen
  • Mattenley Group / Scotia Wealth Management
  • Quality Foods
  • The Province of British Columbia

A heartfelt thank you to our MWSC coaching team, led by Head Coach John Trimmer, who recently announced his planned retirement at the end of the 2026 season after an incredible career dedicated to the sport.

Special appreciation goes to the Race Organizing Committee—Eric Findlay, Stuart Aldred, Graham Millicheap, Adam Goehner, Stephen Childs, Kim Gerrow, Michael Dingle, Josh Good, and Sonja Childs—for their outstanding efforts behind the scenes. We’re also especially grateful to BC Alpine Technical Delegate Paul Francisty, who brought his expertise and steady guidance to the event. Although Mount Washington is his home mountain, it had been many years since Paul last worked an event here, making his return all the more special. His presence and support were instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful weekend.

To the volunteers, more than 100 strong, and to the visiting clubs, thank you for your incredible energy and support. These events don’t happen without you, and your enthusiasm fuels our community.

– Submitted by Keir Graaten, Chief of Race