Alberta Recognizes 2026 ACA Awards of Excellence Winners
Ski racing in Alberta would not be what it is today without contributions to the skiing community over the years from our coaches, volunteers, officials, and partners throughout the sport.
The Alpine Canada (ACA) Awards of Excellence are intended to celebrate and recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify and align with the values of performance and community. Each provincial sport organization challenged its members to nominate extraordinary candidates in seven categories this spring. Those recognized will also be included in the national pool for Alpine Canada’s National Awards selection which will be completed by an independent National Award Selection Committee. National awards are expected to be announced in Fall 2026.
We thank all of you who took the time to nominate these outstanding people and organizations within our community, and are proud to announce the Alberta winners of this season’s ACA Awards of Excellence:
Provincial Athlete of the Year
Awarded to one Provincial Team level athlete across all disciplines and measured by overall athletic performance, quantified by podium finishes and overall standings as well as dedication both on and off the snow. An athlete who strives to continually better performance both technically and physically, and who demonstrates a strong sense of mentorship and/or leadership. Ultimately, a Champion of the Sport.
‘He [won] the overall Men’s title and has a reputation for being an excellent teammate.’
Caleb Brooks, LLSC/AST | Voted 2026 Winner, Provincial Athlete of the Year
Coach of the Year (U14/U16/U18)
The award recognizes outstanding coaching performance by an ACA accredited male or female coach at the U14, U16 and U18 levels. This coach has demonstrated proven success with skill development and athletic progression, produces winning results, leads by example and is recognized as a role model to athletes and other coaches. Demand for the program has continued to grow year over year, and this coach illustrates the highest standards in the profession, the sport and their club program.
She ‘is a role model for athletes, coaches and parents which is a tall order. She was an alpine racer so her mindset adapts to that of the athlete in front of her. She understands their perspectives. As a coach who has moved up through the age categories, Erin understands that alpine skiing is a long game and athletes need to build their foundation to be successful. She is also the parent of four alpine skiers so she empathetically understands the concerns of her team’s parents…Her attitude is inclusive, patient and light-hearted, yet she knows what each athlete needs from her and she coaches them with honest feedback…and [team] results…speak for (themselves) – the Calgary Alpine U16 program delivers.’
Erin Fynn, CARC | Voted 2026 Winner, Coach of the Year (U14-18)
Coach of the Year (U12 & under)
The award recognizes outstanding coaching performance by an ACA accredited male or female coach, U12 and under (including NGSL entry-level). This coach has demonstrated proven success with a progression of skills acquisition fr younger athletes and consistently illustrates a passion and love for the sport. They lead by example and are recognized as a role model within the ski community, mentoring other coaches and making those around them better.
‘Well-positioned as a leader and mentor to other coaches who are developing and honing their skills, (and she) meets athletes where they’re at and shows them what is possible.’
Charlie Wright, BVQ | Voted 2026 Winner, Coach of the Year (U12 and under)
Volunteer of the Year
This award recognizes a volunteer in the sport of ski racing who has made an unwavering commitment to the sport throughout the year, demonstrating a strong passion for ski racing, ski programs and the sport in general, and who continually strives to learn more and do better in their work.
‘Highly deserving of the Volunteer of the Year Award for his exceptional contribution to ski racing. He has served every level of the sport…always bringing dedication, expertise, and care to the role. This past year, he served as Chief of Course for multiple races…[at several venues, even] where his own children were not competing, reflecting his selfless commitment to the sport as a whole. A longtime volunteer with his home club, Nakiska Alpine Ski Association, Dan has served on the board in many roles and, as president in recent years, has helped guide the club through difficult times. His passion for ski racing, commitment to learning, and willingness to support clubs across Alberta have made such a significant impact that ski racing in Alberta would not be functioning at its current high level without Dan.’
Dan Jalbert, NASA | Voted 2026 Winner, Volunteer of the Year
Official of the Year
This award recognizes an official in the sport of ski racing who has made an unwavering commitment to the sport throughout the year, demonstrating a strong passion for ski racing, ski programs and the sport in general, and who continually strives to learn more and do better in their work.
‘Dave is always on the hill working incredibly hard, supporting the ROC, volunteers and the athletes in their journey.’
Dave Howard, LLSC | Voted 2026 Winner, Official of the Year
Ski Club of the Year
The ski racing Club of the Year is awarded to the Alberta Alpine member club that has distinguished itself in providing exceptional ski racing programming, supporting the development of athletic success, and high membership engagement.
Calgary Alpine builds athletes through an incredible coaching program to succeed at U16, FIS and beyond. This can be easily seen in the club’s U16 results in 2026, which included winning half of the podiums at the U16 Western Nationals. …Through no fault of their own, Calgary Alpine is unable to [offer] a FIS team…[though] a lot of their athletes do continue to FIS at various clubs in the area. Their alumni have found success at every level, including Britt Richardson on the National Team, Rebecca Pelkey on the National Development team, and multiple alumni being invited to join the Alberta Ski Team next season. This is a club with incredible spirit, and…an engaged and committed community.
Calgary Alpine Racing Club (CARC) | Voted 2026 Winner, Ski Club of the Year
Ski Resort of the Year
The Ski Resort of the Year is awarded to an Albertan ski area which has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Canadian ski racing, through support of local, provincial or national ski racing programs, including training, competition and related activities.
Lake Louise is nominated for the Ski Resort of the Year for its profound dedication to the progression of Canadian ski racing. By consistently providing world-class training environments and hosting high-calibre competitions, the resort serves as a cornerstone for local, provincial, and national programs.
The resort officially opened the Juniper race venue last season, successfully hosting… a total of six Alberta Alpine events, beginning in December and concluding at the end of April. These included the Santa Slalom, FIS Slalom Extravaganza, U14 Speed Camp and Super-G, Doug Meyers Invitational, and the Speed Sisters Camp.
Each of these events required significant operational commitment, including multiple run closures over consecutive days. Lake Louise Ski Resort consistently and generously accommodated these requests, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting ski racing at all levels…also provided consistent access to terrain for daily training and club-led programming ([and this] strong partnership has been instrumental in creating a high-performance environment while also supporting grassroots and development programming.
The resort was also highly engaged in event preparation, allocating grooming and cat time to support course builds, including the construction of starts, jumps, and a mini ski cross track…Through their partnership, flexibility, and investment of resources, Lake Louise Ski Resort played a critical role in ensuring a strong and successful race season for Alberta Alpine.
Lake Louise Ski Resort | Voted 2026 Winner, Ski Resort of the Year
Nancy Green Builder Award
Awarded annually, this award is intended to recognize an individual’s lifetime contributions to Canadian Ski Racing. Nominations may be submitted by all stakeholders within the Canadian ski racing system.
He has exemplified a lifelong commitment to ski racing and skiing excellence in Canada. A former alpine racer himself, Level 4 coach (and) parent of 3 Sunshine athletes – all three of whom made the Alberta Alpine Ski Team (Molly, Liam and Ben Wallace) and one of whom, Liam Wallace, is currently on the Canadian National Ski Team.
Scott [has repeatedly] demonstrated his unwavering commitment to building ski racing excellence. Over the course of his career in commercial banking…[he contributed] 10 + years of volunteer service to the Clubs including as President of Speedsters. Post retirement, he continued as a volunteer for the Clubs while being a ski instructor at Banff Sunshine Village. In 2021 he became our U14 Head Coach, and in 2023 he took on the Executive Director role for the two Sunshine clubs, managing the coaching staff, budgets, races, equipment, relations with the mountain and more; he brought his business background together with his coaching expertise to drive professionalism, career development, efficiency, respect and the joy of ski racing to all aspects of his work. For clarity, following a banking career, taking these positions is purely for the love of ski racing and his desire to see the ski racing community thrive. He is a believer in the integration of alpine ski coaching and instruction, with a deep appreciation of the fundamentals of skiing and ski racing. Taking a break from active service to our clubs to go watch Liam race on the World Cup circuit next year, (Scott) is still planning to be actively engaged with the Sunshine clubs for years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend Scott Wallace for the Nancy Greene Builder Award for his lifetime contributions to Canadian Ski Racing.
Scott Wallace, Sunshine Ski Clubs | 2026 Nominee, Nancy Green Builder Award