Member News | BC Alpine Ski Association
Officials update this Saturday — join in person or online

Officials update this Saturday — join in person or online

Sign up for the BC Alpine 2025–26 Officials Update, taking place Saturday, Nov. 8 from noon to 5 p.m.

The session is open to all interested participants and will be available both in person at the BC Alpine office in Vancouver and online. The afternoon will include updates on rules for the upcoming season, case studies from past events, and an overview of this year’s race calendar across British Columbia.

In-person capacity is limited, so those planning to attend on site are encouraged to register early to secure a spot. An official agenda is linked on the calendar.

Coaching courses across B.C. (Nov. & Dec., 2025)

Coaching courses across B.C. (Nov. & Dec., 2025)

BC Alpine will be facilitating a number of coaching courses over the coming weeks. Please see below for course details, along with a link to the event info and registration page.

TitleStartLocationInfo & Registration
Entry Level Facilitator Training11/13/25Online https://ev.bcalpine.com/6043/
Entry Level Coaching Course11/22/25Whistlerhttps://ev.bcalpine.com/5988/
Entry Level Coaching Course12/2/25Revelstokehttps://ev.bcalpine.com/5987/
EL Coaching Course12/5/25Big Whitehttps://ev.bcalpine.com/5965/
Development Level Coaching Course Part 1 of 212/8/25Whistlerhttps://ev.bcalpine.com/5989/
EL Coaching Course12/12/25Cypresshttps://ev.bcalpine.com/5964/
Development Level Coaching Course Part 2 of 212/15/25Whistlerhttps://ev.bcalpine.com/6046/
Entry Level Coaching Course12/19/25Manning Parkhttps://ev.bcalpine.com/6044/
Entry Level Coaching COurse12/19/25Grouse Mountainhttps://ev.bcalpine.com/6047/
Entry Level Coaching Course12/20/25Mt. Washingtonhttps://ev.bcalpine.com/5986/
Entry Level Coaching Course12/28/25Troll Mtn.https://ev.bcalpine.com/6048/
Join the Effort to Help Bob Swan Rebuild

Join the Effort to Help Bob Swan Rebuild

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.

Here is the man himself in action!
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17JxA5dVBQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

– Dylan Henderson

BC Alpine Summit 2025: Agenda & content plans

BC Alpine Summit 2025: Agenda & content plans

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.

OFFICIALS LEVEL 3 COURSE – Thursday & Friday

Thursday Sept 25th – 11:00am to 5:00pm 

COACH MEETINGS – Friday & Saturday, Sept. 26-27

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.

MEMBER SUMMIT – Saturday, Sept. 27th 

Saturday: 12 noon to 5:00 pm

  • Strategic Plan (2023–2028) – Update on progress towards. Strategic Plan information & downloads
  • Canada West Ski Areas Association will talk about speed and collision safety.
  • Hosting Grants – We will learn how to apply better for hosting grants for our events.
  • Officials Project – We will get an update on the officials project through Alpine Canada.
  • Calendaring Workshop – Policy and philosophy behind every level of racing in BC.
  • Club and Resort Relations – Discussion, review, best practices.
  • MyHR presentation for clubs – can we provide an HR service for clubs in BC?
  • Banquet and Annual Goldies Awards night with musical entertainment.

MEMBER SUMMIT (cont’d) and AGM – Sunday, Sept. 28th:

Sunday: 8:30 am to 10:30 am (Summit continued)

  • Economic Impact Study – Presentation on the framework of a study for alpine ski racing in BC and Canada.
  • Operational Enhancement – New initiative for BC Alpine through Sport Law.
  • Safe Sport – The latest updates Safe Sport.

Sunday: 10:30 am to 11:00 am – Annual General Meeting

The full agenda will be available and posted to this page by September 15th.

In Memory of Sandy Holliday

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.

In Memoriam: Leslie Clarke

In Memoriam: Leslie Clarke

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.

Leslie Clarke at the BC Alpine Awards Banquet in 2011. Photo: Keven Dubinsky