Member News | BC Alpine Ski Association
Party atmosphere at Fernie during fun & challenging Western Ski Cross event

Party atmosphere at Fernie during fun & challenging Western Ski Cross event

The Fernie Alpine Ski Team (FAST) hosted the Western Ski Cross races for U12, U14, and U16 athletes, from January 31st to February 2nd. Over 130 racers travelled from Whitewater, Golden, Kimberley, Westcastle, and Lake Louise to hone their ski cross skills and compete on an exciting track.

The event had an incredible atmosphere, with music pumping, Shirley Timm grilling hot dogs for everyone, and athletes running the track multiple times each day, which provided excellent opportunities for skill development. Races took place on both Saturday and Sunday.

The challenging course was designed and built by FAST’s seasoned coaches—Rod Timm, Ian Larsen, and Derick Berry—and featured a thrilling jump near the finish. Spectators were impressed by the athletes’ skills and how they improved over the three-day event, especially off the jump.

Photo Credit: Dan Morrison

As always in Fernie, the weather played a role in the weekend’s excitement. On Sunday, the Griz delivered 20 cm of fresh powder on the track, and it was all hands on deck to clear the course. A huge thank you to all the volunteers and athletes who helped ensure the event could run safely.

When asked about the race series, FAST President Mark Barron shared:

“My favourite part of this weekend was having a BBQ at the top of the course, music playing, and seeing the athletes support each other. We were able to host an athlete banquet, present awards, and celebrate our athletes. Thank you to RCR for allowing us to host this event at Fernie Alpine Resort.”

The FAST team thrives on the social side of racing, and this event was no exception. A well-attended banquet brought young racers together in a lively celebration. FAST also hosted a volunteer social to thank the volunteers, without whom the races wouldn’t have been possible. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers!


Cold fingers, friendly competition, tight runs and steep terrain highlights Janyk Cup and NGSL Skills in Whistler

Cold fingers, friendly competition, tight runs and steep terrain highlights Janyk Cup and NGSL Skills in Whistler

With the support of many hand warmers packs and a dedicated crew of volunteers and coaches, the 2025 Janyk Cup and Nancy Greene Ski League (NGSL) Skills Event was a big success. 

Presented by Hincks French Wealth Management at Odlum Brown, racers and coaches braved the temps which reached minus 15 during the day (-10 at the Garbo Hut). Bu the conditions were well suited for a ski racing event, which featured a glalom, giant slalom and a multi-event skills events.

The skills event feature a friendly competition with plenty of great team spirit. The first day showcased a speed trap & J-turn (where the RCMP loaned a speed gun), moguls, combi, dual slalom, start and skate for U10s, U12s and Whistler-Blackcomb’s RDP U14s. The next day had two different courses to further build skills and challenge the athletes.

Mike Janyk, a local legend and former World Cup racer, reflected on the impact his mother (Andrée) – the namesake of the event – made on the sport.

“The race is not only in honour of our family’s involvement & success in ski racing, but it is also rooted in my Mom’s absolute commitment to volunteerism and love for the sport.”

– Mike Janyk

“She was out, working every event we were in and building community along the way. So along with U12s getting to have fun ski racing, the Janyk Cup also celebrates the volunteers that make it happen. Get out, get involved and have fun in the mountains.”

Whistler Mountain Ski Club coach Emma Moore, said: “The terrain was steep and challenging and all the kids did really well. The first course was technical with tight turns, to ensure the kids could control the speed on the steep terrain…The second course was technical and faster, less icy but developed a few more ruts. Despite the super cold conditions, kids, volunteers, and spectators braved the cold to support the racers. I’m super proud of all the kids!”

The U10 group raced a two-run glalom while the U12s raced one GS race of two combined runs.

Race Organizers

NGSL Skills Event

  • Race Chair Ryan Duffy with Adam Kendall, 
  • Chief of Course Chris Kelly, Scott Herron, Jenny Horlin, Robin Courcelles, Euan Cormack,
  • Race Admin Gwen Margetson,
  • Chief of Volunteers Jennifer Heyries

Janyk Cup 

  • Race Chair Ryan Duffy
  • Chief of Course Andrew Kirker
  • Race Admin Gwen Margetson
  • Chief of Volunteers Jennifer Heyries

Clubs invited to apply for Hosting BC funding, deadline January 31st!

Clubs invited to apply for Hosting BC funding, deadline January 31st!

Hosting grant available to all BC Clubs for events hosted between March 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026

Deadline for application is January 31

WHO CAN APPLY:
Applications can only be submitted by registered not-for-profit societies that are:
• A viaSport Designated Sport Organization (i.e., accredited, recognized, or
affiliated)
• Local Sport Organizations (LSOs) that are affiliated and in good standing of a
viaSport Designated Sport Organization
• BC municipality, regional district, other local government body, First Nations
community associations
• National Sport Organization (NSO), Federally or Provincially Registered Society
associated with an NSO or PSO

Only those sports that are designated under viaSport’s Designation Sport Program in BC
are eligible to be considered for Hosting BC funding. See Appendix 1 for eligible sports.
(Note: Applicants from Combative Sports must seek PSO approval or, where applicable,
BC Athletic Commissioner sanction prior to submission of their application)

Teck Coast Zone U14 Recap: Mt. Washington Ski Club hosts stellar weekend of racing

Teck Coast Zone U14 Recap: Mt. Washington Ski Club hosts stellar weekend of racing

This past weekend, the stunning slopes of Mount Washington Alpine Resort served as the ideal venue for the Teck Coast Zone U14 Races, hosted by the Mt. Washington Ski Club (MWSC). The event brought together 131 athletes from six clubs for an exhilarating weekend of alpine ski racing. Ideal conditions—clear blue skies, crisp temperatures, firm snow, and a meticulously prepared track—set the stage for outstanding performances.

Saturday’s GS 

The weekend kicked off with GS races that tested racers’ technical skill, stamina, and mental focus. The challenging courses demanded precision, and the athletes rose to the occasion, delivering impressive results.

Podium Results for Saturday’s GS Races

Women:

  • 1st: Amelia PARK (Grouse)
  • 2nd: Della CHILDS (Mt. Washington)
  • 3rd: Natalie USKOSKI (Grouse)

Men:

  • 1st: Jayden CAI (Cypress)
  • 2nd: Olivier COURCELLES (Whistler)
  • 3rd: Jasper DINGLE (Mt. Washington)

Sunday’s Slalom 

The excitement carried into Sunday with the Slalom (SL) races. The courses included steeps, undulations, flat sections, and consistently firm snow, pushing athletes to demonstrate their technical ability and adaptability.

Podium Results for Sunday’s Slalom Races

Women:

  • 1st: Della CHILDS (Mt. Washington)
  • 2nd: Natalie USKOSKI (Grouse)
  • 3rd: Amelia PARK (Grouse)

Men:

  • 1st: Jayden CAI (Cypress)
  • 2nd: Olivier COURCELLES (Whistler)
  • 3rd: Gabriel MORIN (Whistler)

Gratitude to sponsors, coaches, volunteers and supporters

The success of this weekend’s races would not have been possible without the generous support and hard work of so many individuals and organizations.

Special thanks to the team at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, led by Mike Manara, for providing world-class facilities and support. The preparation of Whiskey Jack, the resort’s premier race run, was picture-perfect with wall-to-wall corduroy that remained firm and fast throughout the weekend.

We would also like to thank our 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 shoutout to the MWSC coaching team—led by Sylvi Nymann, U14 Lead Coach. Sylvi was supported by Mathieu Leduc, Technical Director and Canadian National Ski Team alum, and Cassidy Markham, U14 Coach. Their dedication and expertise inspire our athletes daily.

A huge thanks to the hardworking members of the Race Organizing Committee: Mark Law, Keir Graaten, Norman Blattgerste, Stephen Childs, Kim Gerrow, and David Yule. Your dedication and effort make all the difference!

Special recognition goes to BC Alpine’s Keven Dubinsky for his guidance and support of our ROC as race preparations were undertaken. We are also incredibly grateful to Alpine Canada / BC Alpine Technical Delegate Bob Walton. His professionalism, warm demeanor, and commitment to teamwork ensured a great event.

Finally, a huge thank you to the 100+ volunteers who came together to produce a secure, fair, and thrilling race weekend. To the visiting clubs, thank you for making the adventurous journey across the Salish Sea to Vancouver Island. Your participation and enthusiasm bring energy to every event.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this great weekend of alpine racing, the Mt. Washington Ski Club eagerly looks forward to hosting the Coast Zone Finals in April. Together, we continue to nurture young athletes’ passion for alpine skiing and competition.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this event’s success. We look forward to seeing you in April—if not sooner!

Michael Dingle
Race Chair & Chief of Race

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

Fast skiing, big smiles crisp weather at the Kootenay Teck Zone opener

Fast skiing, big smiles crisp weather at the Kootenay Teck Zone opener

With near-perfect ski racing conditions and a gorgeous backdrop at Panorama Mountain Resort, the Teck season got started in the Kootenays, with U12, U14 and U16 skiers blasting through slalom, GS and Kombi events over three days.

[See photos and results below]

With temps reaching nearly -20C over the weekend and very little snow fall the Old Timer run again did its part to give the racers a good ride. With over 60 volunteers (!) and two ROC’s, the courses held up well.

Racers fought through cold fingers and toes, with U12 starting with slalom, with both genders running at the same time. The first run used the random bib order, and then best of four continuous runs. The U12s then raced on day two on a GS course.

The U14 and U16 skiers ran two GS races back-to-back on the first day and slalom the next.

Another highlight of the event was when the Windermere Valley Ski Club hosted the traditional athlete and coach dinner …  a huge thank you goes to the Food and Beverage team at Panorama Mountain Resort for a super yummy dinner!

On the final day of racing, the U12 completed a best of two-run Kombi course and the U14 & U16s completed their third slalom of the weekend. 

The WVSC and BC Alpine thank all of the incredible volunteers, as well as the Panorama Mountain Resort staff!

Race Organizing Committee

  • Jim Brewington – Race Chair
  • Marina Perry – Chief of Volunteers
  • Judy Dickson – Chief of Race Administration
  • Craig Rusnak – Chief of Course
  • Brian Larkin – Chief of Course
  • Gary Foster – Chief of Race
  • Mike McDowell – Chief of Timing
  • Daryn Van Stone – Chief of Race
  • Katie Comb/Brianne Leeman – Race Admin
Teck Open @ Apex: Racers shine through, random start numbers and all

Teck Open @ Apex: Racers shine through, random start numbers and all

Another massively successful race series in Apex in the books. The four-day technical (GS and slalom) series last weekend had the weather and visibility mostly on its side, while racers age 15 to 18 raced against the clock and each other on both the legendary Old Mill Run and Okanagan Runs at Apex Mountain Resort.

One of the highlights of the event was the continuation of the Random Start Order, a relatively new approach to seeding races which is being tested across Canada. The seeding method includes a randomized approach to bib numbers – as opposed to the traditional method where athletes start based on their national points ranking.

“It’s been hugely successful so far,” said Johnny Crichton, BC Alpine VP. “It’s making the races more exciting and more importantly it replicates race environments that they will encounter as they transition into FIS-level competitions. It gives all athletes a fairer chance at better course conditions.”

Crichton mentioned the recent World Cup top 10 finish by BC Ski Team alumni Brodie Seger at Beaver Creek last month, when he started with bib 49 to finish 10th … and Cameron Alexander in 2023 when he started 63rd and finished 7th at Val Gardena, Italy, on one of the toughest World Cup super-G tracks.

“The system we used in the past has favoured early developers and top performers by allowing them to start on a fresh, well-groomed course, which typically offers better conditions,” Crichton said. “As the race progresses, the course deteriorates, and with limited maintenance after the initial group, it becomes harder, and potentially less safe, for later starters to secure a fair chance at a top 30 result.”

As for the actual racing, Tylee Carr of the Okanagan Ski Team (OST), won both slalom races and finished in second in the first girl’s GS. Upstart U16 racer Elana Deda, of the Windermere Valley Ski Club, had a phenomenal race series, winning both GS races and finishing second in the first slalom.

On the boy’s side, Rowan Smith – also of the OST – won both GS races and finished second behind teammate Takoka Ito in the first slalom race. U16 skier Aksel Larsen, of Grouse-Tyee claimed a slalom win and finished second in the second GS race.

[Link to the full results below]

In the season’s overall standings – which ranks the skier’s best 4 points total with maximum of 3 points from any single discipline – shows clubs from across the province challenging for the lead. Currently Elana Deda leads the girl’s standings, ahed of Valerie Chan, of Grouse-Tyee, and Maggie Cormack, of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club.

On the boy’s side, Hunter Kay, of the Big White Racers, leads the standings, ahead of Aksel Larsen who sits in second, and Bodie Ottem of Sun Peaks Alpine Club in third.

The volunteer crew worked tirelessly to once again deliver a fantastic ski racing series, with the leadership of the Race Organizing Committee:

  • Chief of Race: Jeff Ellis (SL)
  • Chief of Race: David Warriner (GS)
  • Chief of Gates: Michael Johncox 
  • Chief of Course: Martin Parilak and Tom Evans
  • Chief of Timing: Wally James 
  • Race Administrator: Jenafor Lansel
  • Chief of Volunteers: Dave Gill 

The Apex Ski Club, along with BC Alpine, thanks the Apex Mountain Resort for continuing to be an incredible partner of ski racing in the Okanagan and the province.