The 2026 ski racing season officially launched in Alberta with a full schedule of competition and development opportunities. Events hosted at Sunridge and Nakiska brought together athletes from development through international levels, reinforcing Alberta’s strength as both a training ground and host province for alpine and ski cross racing.

Sunridge Open Ski Cross

Sunridge welcomed athletes to Edmonton for the Sunridge Open Ski Cross, offering an important early-season racing opportunity in a development-focused environment. The event saw strong participation and provided valuable race experience for athletes progressing through the ski cross pathway.

Despite typical winter conditions, the organizing committee delivered a smooth and well-run event that emphasized athlete development and accessibility. Thank you to Sunridge, along with the volunteers and officials, for their continued commitment to growing ski cross in Alberta.

Full results available here: https://albertaalpine.ca/calendar/#5967

Nakiska FIS GMC Cup

Nakiska hosted the FIS GMC Cup, welcoming alpine athletes from across the west and beyond for a high-level early-season competition. The event served as a key benchmark for FIS athletes opening their 2026 racing campaigns.

The Race Organizing Committee took on an ambitious schedule on a newly homologated variant of Whoop Up with 4 races scheduled over the 3 days of competition and were able to deliver 3 of the 4 events per gender. Thank you to NASA and the ROC for your hard work and dedication to our sport. Alberta athletes were well represented throughout the field, gaining valuable experience and early-season FIS points on home snow.

Full results available here: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=AL&eventid=59334&seasoncode=2026

Nakiska Ski Cross Nor-Am Cup

Nakiska also hosted the Ski Cross Nor-Am Cup, attracting a strong international field of North America’s top ski cross athletes. Racing on Nakiska’s world-class ski cross track delivered fast, exciting competition throughout the event.

The Nor-Am Cup highlighted Nakiska’s ability to consistently host elite-level ski cross racing and provided athletes with critical international racing experience early in the season.

Full results available here: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=FS&eventid=59451&seasoncode=2026

Ski Cross National Championships

Adding to an already impressive schedule, Nakiska served as the venue for the 2026 Ski Cross National Championships. Canada’s top ski cross athletes competed for national titles on a demanding and well-prepared course.

The championships showcased high-performance racing and further cemented Nakiska’s reputation as one of the premier ski cross venues in the country.

Full results available here: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=FS&eventid=62491&seasoncode=2026

Ski Cross Coach & Official Training

In addition to competition, Nakiska hosted Ski Cross Coach and Official training sessions alongside the racing calendar. These sessions provided valuable professional development opportunities, supporting consistency, safety, and continued growth within the ski cross community. Thank you Gord and Jenni for making it happen!

The integration of education with competition underscored the importance of building capacity alongside high-level racing.

Overall, it was an outstanding and comprehensive start to ski racing in 2026. Thank you to all host clubs, volunteers, officials, coaches, and athletes whose dedication and collaboration made these events possible and helped set a strong foundation for the season ahead.

Happy New Year from the Staff and Athletes of Alberta Alpine!

We hope you had a fun holiday season and are feeling ready to get back to racing.

As we ring in the new year, many people reflect on what they want to achieve in the months ahead. Setting goals, especially in sport, is one of the most effective ways to stay focused, motivated, and accountable.

Before heading east for their race block, we sat down with our Alberta Ski Team (AST) athletes to discuss goal setting. As athlete Caleb Brooks puts it,

“Goal setting is important. You need to be able to set long-term goals and short-term goals. The short-term goals are steps on the staircase of the ultimate goal. And goal aren’t always results. It’s important to realize that.”

Athletes often set three kinds of goals:

• Outcome goals (e.g., scoring points)
  Performance goals (e.g., hitting a personal record)
• Process goals (e.g., improving form or technique)
  

Combining all three keeps motivation high while helping athletes focus on what they can control. Most of our athletes reported preferring process goals. As Amy Attalla reflected,

“Ski racing is a sport where almost nothing is constant—snow conditions, course sets, hills, equipment, even weather can change run to run. Because so much is out of my control, I’ve found a lot of confidence and focus in committing to the process and the things I can control.”

The smaller daily process goals also have other benefits in ownership and understanding of working towards the big picture, “With process goals, it’s easier to focus on what I can do to change things and improve.” says Thomas Cias. Gavin Johnson echoed this sentiment, saying, “In order to obtain outcome goals, you need to understand the process to achieve it.” Caleb concluded with “The process keeps things in perspective and keeps you disciplined day to day. Nothing goes according to plan [you just keep] trusting yourself and your work.”

We got into the details of the team’s current goals, with a prominent theme being activeness and movement in their skiing. Adian Kometz wants to “ski less static,” and Thomas wants to see his “hips forward through the bottom of the turn.” Gavin set a technical goal that would have tactical advantages: “Hips up in transition to allow me to commit to an earlier line with early pressure.” 

There were also some ambitious outcome goals discussed. Amy and Thomas have their eyes on the Nor’am series, with Amy wanting to score Nor’am points in slalom and Thomas looking for a couple of top 15s in speed events. Oliver Jackson, coming off a rehab year, said he “would love to get back on snow to be able to get a race in for the end of the season.” Adian seeks greater consistency in his finishes. Cole Merrett and Graeme Cliff have qualifying for the World Junior Championships in Narvik, Norway, in their sights. 

We love hearing about our athletes’ sport goals; they are much more than their ski careers. It is essential to set goals outside of sport to help athletes maintain a well-rounded life, thereby improving mental health and resilience. Our athletes do a lot off-snow, and we sought to showcase some of their goals outside skiing. 

Amy is active in her community, working with SibShops, a non-profit for the siblings of children with special needs, saying, “it keeps me rooted in my community, reminds me why connection matters, and gives me perspective outside of results and performance.” Oliver says, “this year I would love to further continue and broaden my impact with kids cancer care.” Caleb and Gavin look towards careers in Home Development and Carpentry, respectively. Cole is looking to maintain a 90% academic average while on AST. Thomas wants to keep it fast on the hill but slow down in life a little “to just enjoy the things and moments around me […] appreciate life and the privilege I have to be surrounded by so many amazing people in such amazing places.”

We asked our athletes for any final advice for the younger athletes. 

“Don’t tie your confidence or self-worth to results—tie it to how hard you work,” says Amy. 

Gavin points out that success is not a straight line: “Be patient. Success is not always linear you are going to have moments where you are succeeding and moments where you are failing.” Thomas built on this, saying, “Chasing perfection means that there will be runs or days or weeks where nothing will click but thats okay, you just can’t get frustrated or discouraged because things take time, even when you are trying your hardest.”

Oliver encourages self-discovery, “do not be afraid to branch out into completely different areas of your life that you would not have otherwise explored, it might just lead you to something you will love.” 

Graeme says, “Make [your friends] your biggest competitors, as you will all become better,” drawing on personal experience with AST. 

Adain was straight to the point, “Don’t put in half effort, win or lose, then you never have to wonder what if.”

We hope that you achieve your goals in the New Year. See you on the slopes.

This past holiday weekend was an exciting and action-packed one across the province, with four separate events hosted at Nakiska, Panorama, Lake Louise, and Rabbit Hill. Athletes ranging from U14 all the way through FIS and Nor-Am levels were on snow, showcasing the depth and strength of alpine and ski cross skiing in Alberta.

Panorama FIS GMC Cup

Team Panorama kicked off their competition season by hosting the Maclachlan FIS GMC Cup, a four-day event scheduled to include two Giant Slalom and two Slalom races. The event drew close to a full field and provided an excellent early-season racing opportunity for Alberta and BC athletes ahead of the Christmas break.

Despite challenging conditions, Team Panorama’s Race Organizing Committee (ROC) did a phenomenal job working through adversity to deliver a high-quality event. Three of the four scheduled races were successfully completed, and Alberta athletes had a standout performance, capturing 9 of the 18 senior podium positions. A strong start to the FIS season for our province. Thank you Team Panorama!!

Full results available here: FIS | Panorama (CAN) – Event Details – Alpine Skiing

Lake Louise Santa Slalom & Alberta Winter Games Qualifier

The Lake Louise Ski Club hosted the first race of the season for South Zone U14 and U16 athletes with the Santa Slalom. This event served as a “shakeout” race, allowing athletes to transition back into race mode, and will also act as the Alberta Winter Games qualifier for Zones 1, 2, and 3 this season.

The weekend featured fantastic racing and strong participation. Saturday’s competition was briefly interrupted by an unexpected grizzly bear sighting just below the race venue, which resulted in the afternoon races being shut down as a safety precaution—certainly a uniquely Alberta moment and a reminder of the alpine environment we compete in.

Full results available here: Calendar – Alberta Alpine

Rabbit Hill Open

Conditions were challenging up north at Rabbit Hill, where extreme cold temperatures ultimately forced the cancellation of the Open race despite tireless efforts from the ROC. In order to support athlete development and ensure Alberta Winter Games qualification, a limited U14 time trial was successfully held in place of the full event.

A sincere thank you to Rabbit Hill and the entire organizing team for their dedication, flexibility, and commitment to athlete, coach, and volunteer safety while facing very difficult weather conditions.

Nakiska Ski Cross Nor-Am

Nakiska hosted the first of two local Ski Cross Nor-Am events at its renowned Ski Cross Centre. A strong field of 37 of North America’s top ski cross athletes competed on the legendary Nakiska track, delivering fast, exciting racing throughout the series.

Canada dominated the event, claiming 10 of the 12 podium positions across the competition. An outstanding result and a testament to the strength of Canadian ski cross on home snow.

Full results available here: FIS | Nakiska (CAN) – Event Details – Freestyle

Overall, it was a highly successful and memorable weekend of racing across Alberta. Thank you to all host clubs, volunteers, officials, coaches, and athletes who made these events possible and helped kick off the season with such energy and momentum.

As the year comes to a close, we want to wish you good health and happiness this holiday season. 

Please note that our office will be closed for the holidays from December 23, 2025 till January 2, 2026. We will have limited access to phone and email during this time. Our office will re-open on Monday, January 5, 2026.

For anyone immersed in ski racing in Alberta, one brand has become a familiar and trusted presence: Karbon. Whether on training lanes at Nakiska, podium photos from GMC Cup series races, or team jackets worn proudly by our Alberta Ski Team athletes, Karbon’s commitment to our community is unmistakable.

A homegrown Canadian leader in high-performance alpine apparel, Karbon has outfitted world-class winter athletes for more than two decades. Today, Alberta Alpine is proud to be one of four provincial sport organizations in Canada supported by Karbon, alongside our peers in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Their belief in our athletes, coaches, and programs has strengthened every layer of our pathway, from U12 racers to our emerging national-team prospects.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Karbon’s relationship with Alberta Alpine is grounded in the principles that define our sport: innovation, resilience, and a belief that potential has no limits. They understand what it means to train in the Rockies – the wind-scoured ridgelines, the minus-20 mornings, and the relentless pursuit of marginal gains that define competitive alpine skiing.

Their products are tested in real-world conditions and informed by decades of athlete feedback. For our athletes, it’s more than a jacket. It’s confidence. It’s mobility. It’s pride in wearing a world class product, made on home soil.

Elevating Alberta Athletes, On and Off the Mountain

Karbon supports every phase of our Alberta Alpine system:

• Alberta Ski Team athletes rely on Karbon’s race-proven gear in Nor-Am and FIS competition across North America and Europe.
• Club programs benefit from access to high-quality outerwear and racewear designed specifically for the demands of alpine training.
• Coaches and volunteers depend on Karbon’s durability in the coldest early-morning set-ups and longest days on-hill.

This is a partnership that reaches beyond performance; athletes at all levels wear Karbon with pride, knowing they are backed by a brand that truly understands their journey.

A Legacy of Excellence

Since its launch in 1997 under the leadership of Schure Sports – a family-owned Canadian company established in 1982 – Karbon has grown into one of the most trusted names in winter sport apparel. Their record speaks for itself:

• 450 World Cup medals
• 91 World Championship medals
• 24 Olympic medals

But their legacy is equally defined by the thousands of developing athletes they’ve supported, including many from Alberta who have gone on to national teams and international success.

“The partnership with Karbon is special,” notes Josh Benge, Athletic Director at Alberta Alpine. “They are more than an apparel supplier. They are a true Canadian supporter of our sport, our families, and our athlete pathway.”

Looking Ahead

Karbon’s  #NoLimits ethos aligns perfectly with the spirit of our community.  We are deeply grateful for Karbon’s ongoing partnership and excited for the seasons ahead. Their support helps ensure that every Alberta Alpine athlete from the youngest club racer to our provincial team members has the opportunity to grow, compete, and excel.

Alberta Alpine athletes put together a solid weekend across Saturday and Sunday at the FIS GMC Cup Slalom at Mt. Norquay. The event was a full field with 140 men and 100 women showing up to compete in this seasons opener. There was strong skiing from the Alberta Ski Team and Club athletes some of whom belong to the Alberta Development Group.

On the women’s side, Katie Smith and Amy Attalla were consistently competitive. Attalla opened the weekend with a top-5 on Saturday. Smith followed up with one of the best results of the weekend on Sunday, taking 4th place. Attalla added 7th place on Sunday, keeping herself well inside the lead group and showing great consistency on the challenging snow pack. 

The Development Group women also put down encouraging performances. Noemie Brooks (BAR) had a standout Sunday, finishing 5th. Sofia Stanier (Team Panorama) added a 12th-place Sunday finish, while Emma Suman (Team Panorama)  produced steady results across both days with finishes inside the top 15. Emma Fynn (BAR) , Maya McHugh (Team Panorama), Loren Hannema (BAR), and Keira Hawkins (BAR) raced both days, gaining valuable experience.

Club standouts include University of Calgary athlete Mikayla Wunch with two podiums both in third place and Banff Alpine Racers Jessica Mclellan in 6th and 7th over the weekend.  

The men’s group showed similar momentum. Caleb Brooks led the way with his third consecutive podium on Saturday and a strong 4th place on Sunday. Caleb was pleased with his results, saying, “Feels awesome to be back in the start gate, this is just the start.” We hope so too Caleb! 

Cole Merrett finished 7th and 10th over the weekend, showing great consistency. William Puloski found this pace with 9th on Sunday, while Gavin Johnson landed in 12th. Thomas Cais and Aidan Kometz skied consistently on both days, skiing into 9th and 11th on Saturday and 14th and 18th on Sunday. 

From the Development Group men, Grayden Swanson (SUNSH) punched into 12th from bib 53 and Oliver Brooks (BAR) was hot on his heels in 13th on Saturday. Dylan Giesbrecht (BAR), Joseph Macknish (Team Panorama), Olivier Brooks (BAR), Eric Ward (Team Panoarama), Eric Taylor (BAR), and Lachlan Ferguson (BAR) all completed full race runs across the weekend, gaining experience and improving their pacing.

Club standouts on the men side include University of Calgary Dinos athlete Aleksas Valadka with a 6^th and 7^th and Taras Dets with an 8^th on sunday.   

Overall, it was a productive two days for the AST, ADG, and Alberta Club athletes, with multiple top-10 results and many athletes tightening the gap to the leader as the season begins. We are looking forward to seeing you in Panorama for the next FIS GMC Cup.

Camp highlights:

3-day on-snow SX progression led by professional coaches

Focus on fundamentals, safe exposure, and transferable skills

Mock race environment on the final day

Limited capacity (first-come, first-served)

Alignment with ACA’s long-term SX development

Registration – https://snowreg.com/#!/events/aca-ski-cross-development-camp-nakiska-ski-area

SX Coach Module – Jan 2, 2025 (Link)

SX Officials Level 2 – Jan 3, 2025 (Link)

On behalf of Alberta Alpine, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your participation in The Highest Peak Fundraiser 2025. Thanks to your generous support, this year’s event was an incredible success, bringing our community together to celebrate the spirit of ski racing and support the future of our sport.

We would like to extend a special thank-you to our generous venue host, Mount Norquay, as well as to our Alberta Alpine sponsors, Buick GMC Dealers of Alberta, Karbon, Genstar, Mountain Fire Foods, InspiredGo, GearUp, and to our numerous event sponsors, and to our silent auction, balloon, and raffle contributors.

Congratulations to our Hall of Fame award winners: Barb Wood, Bill Irwin, Craig “Rooster” Rusnak, and Gene Durand. We also extend a big thank-you to our outstanding emcees, Brady Leman and Paul Stutz.

Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at future events!
 
Warm regards,

Marian Yuzda
Board Chair
Alberta Alpine Ski Association

Lake Louise, AB – When it came to supporting ski racing you simply couldn’t stop or slow down Gene Durand for almost 30 years. If something was possible, and he certainly didn’t shy away from testing the limits of that, he would insist, or just do what he felt was needed or required – often under the radar. And he kept on doing those things – as CRSRHOF member Rob Imbrogno points out, “he never stopped; when Geno signed up, it was forever.” 

Gene’s legacy began in 1981 when his sons, Jeff and Cam, started racing with the Lake Louise Ski Club. Volunteering was a natural fit for Gene and before long he was on the LLSC board of directors and became passionate in supporting races of the highest quality. Jeff remembers his dad rarely speaking about his volunteer activities, supporting Jeff’s racing pursuits from the “background”, not wanting the focus to be on him. Jeff recalls face planting in soft snow while racing in -28c temperatures at a Lake Louise Nor-Am Downhill. Shaken up and very cold, he slipped down the side and into Coach’s Corner where Gene was stationed, who wrapped his long coat around Jeff and provided encouraging words. Gene was always there supporting, literally from the sidelines.

Jeff had a terrible crash in 2001 at a World Cup downhill on the Hahnenkamm which Gene and his wife Cynthia were watching from the finish. It was tough to see his son hurt which drove Gene to try to make the safest and fairest tracks that he could. By focusing on what he could control, like making sure the slip-skirts were buttoned up nice and tight, or the B-nets had the correct spacing and lean, or come race-day making sure the ruts were kept to a minimum, it took his mind off any worries he may have had. It became his passion to help make things better and his contributions grew to all levels of racing, from local club races, western regional races, Nor-Am’s, World Cups and the Vancouver Olympics .

His peers, including Imbrogno, fellow Hall of Famer and leader of the Net Monkeys Randy Pruden and Bruce Hampstead, all characterized Gene: “Heart of Gold”, “didn’t put up with crap”, “brilliant”, “generous”, “gentleman”, “the Guy Who Made Shit Happen”, “relentless”, “all business”, “passionate”, “enabling”, “story-teller”, “debonaire”, “simple guy”, and an “overgrown imp”. They and many miss his loud, warm, and back-slapping greetings – he was an imposing individual, but physical size was only a part of that. He made everyone feel very special.

At the Nor-Am level especially, Gene felt that “Lake Louise is a tough race for their first and often only downhill of the year, but we’re going to make it safe!” Gene became a true “student of safety – the crashes, injuries, physics, and the nuts and bolts” to help make things better through his own actions at his level. He became “intensely interested in understanding the whys and how of things resulting in incidents, calling me right to the time of his passing.” Pruden also credits Gene for keeping him in his role for many years past when he considered moving on. “He was my champion, helped me achieve the best I could do, and he outright sold me to stay by making me believe that I was meant to do this, that they needed me, and in Gene-fashion, said that I couldn’t go!” Very important, given Randy’s huge impact at Lake Louise.

Gene had a deep rooted love for the Lake. He was happiest wearing his crampons, shovelling out the endless snow at the bottom of the big pitch on the Lake Louise Fall Away, something that continued years beyond when he was just not physically capable anymore. His work ethic was infectious and spurred on many younger Sled Dogs and course workers to try to keep up to his endless energy – he led by example but also knew how to turn the screws even harder with his quick and sharp wit. Nobody wanted to receive too much of that!

He was a crew-chief most years at the Lake but when needed, he stepped up to be the Chief of Race for the ’95 Women’s World Cup event when Bruce Hampstead had to pull out 90 days before the event – no problem for the incredibly competent Gene, though! In his later years there, he ran a crew that supported the start area – largely female, Gene was in his glory, empowering, teaching, and leading his “Angels” to take on tasks around the mountain that had been intimidating to them, before their main event started. World cup crew member, Joan Maguire, describes him as a good friend, mentor, forever loyal, and generous to a fault.  “And how could you ever forget that laugh of his? We had so much fun on course, whether we were digging to China or on our knees tying cookies. He was always smiling or laughing.” He really could do it all.

Gene had an eye for knowing what needed to be done, but he had a real knack for looking after the hardest workers who made the World Cups happen. He hosted countless dinners at the Station Restaurant and at Laggan’s Bakery and always was concerned that these crews, particularly the Net Monkeys, weren’t getting enough calories in the many weeks leading up to the races. When he wasn’t hosting, he was providing large discounts for them or helped to supplement food at the organized events – his volunteer lunches from Laggan’s were the stuff of legend. Pruden recalls that Gene’s dryland training was in large part carrying bags of cookies way up the downhill track before the snow came to where the Net Monkey’s were installing the large and complex ‘A’ safety net systems. Either that, or surreptitiously providing updates to Calgary-based Chief of Race Darrell MacLachlan!

The crews and volunteers were important to Gene, but the athletes even more so. Everything he did in ski racing ultimately, was to make things better for them. He served his ski club, on the Alberta Alpine Board of Directors, for World Cup both for Alberta Alpine and Winterstart Events, and in many other roles in the community – all to fulfil that goal. As generous as he was with his time and support from his Lake Louise businesses, the provision of his legal skills and professional time to these organizations and events was beyond impactful, bottomless, and of course in Gene’s style, unheralded. Much in our sport today is owed to this generosity.

For the athletes, especially at the Nor-Am level direct support came too in the form of highly discounted meals and store discounts – real stuff. One of Gene’s greater legacies for them and World Cup racers, however, was his intense interest in and passion for safety on the hill. His support for the athletes was unwavering. His advice to racers would be “to thank at least two volunteers everyday you race, act with integrity, work hard, and have fun”. 

With the help of Gene’s beloved wife Cynthia and son Jeff, last season the Lake Louise Ski Club recognized Gene for his decades of support by naming an in-house race “the Volly Race”. Gene had opposed the honour in his name while he was alive and refused to consider several awards including this very induction into the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame. “Thanks, but F-you, fellas. I can’t get rewarded for something that has given me so much joy and fulfillment. That just doesn’t seem right. Over my dead body!”

We’re sorry that it had to come to that, Gene, but your contributions to alpine ski racing are so important to others, that your selfless acts need to be noted. We are less without you, but know your spirit lives on at Fall Away, probably chuckling how the new folks still can’t keep up with you.

It is a great honour to induct Gene Durand, our Honoured Official, into the 2024 Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame.

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame event is a legacy event with the goal to support future champions in the province, with all proceeds invested into Alberta Ski Racing programs.

WHERE: Mount Norquay Main Lodge (Upstairs)

WHEN: Friday November 21, 2025

TIME: 6:30pm

REGISTRATION INCLUDES: Cocktail Hour, Appetizers, Entertainment, Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame Awards Presentation.

TICKETS ARE LIMITED: All proceeds to support the 2025-2026 Alberta Ski Team

Ski racers thrive on speed—but part of being an athlete is knowing where and when to use it. On the race course, speed belongs. On public runs, especially in congested areas, it can put others at risk. Younger skiers look up to racers – –  and coaches and patrol are watching. Remind your athlete that skiing in control and respecting the Alpine Responsibility Code protects their season, their reputation, and everyone on the hill.

Ski areas across Canada are rolling out a new national initiative focused on speed and collision safety. The goal is to reduce injuries and strengthen the culture of safety on our slopes. For ski racers, this message is especially important—your skills make you stand out, but they also put you in the spotlight as role models.

Speed belongs on the race course

On the race course is where athletes are meant to push their limits. But to access those courses, racers travel on public runs shared with beginners, families, and young kids learning to ski. What feels slow to a racer can be overwhelming—and dangerous—for others. Being able to adjust your speed and skiing style in these areas is a mark of a true athlete.

Positive ambassadors for the sport

Younger kids often look up to racers as examples of what they aspire to be. How you conduct yourself on the mountain—whether showing patience in lift lines, skiing in control through merge zones, or respecting others on the trail—shapes how others see the sport. Coaches and ski patrol across the country are also paying close attention to speed. A pass pulled or, worse, a preventable injury could cut a season short.

How you conduct yourself on the slopes – whether showing patience in lift lines, skiing in control through merge zones, or respecting others on the trail – helps shape how others see the sport and the community around it.

Reinforcing the Alpine Responsibility Code

The Alpine Responsibility Code (ARC) applies to every skier, no matter how experienced. For racers, key reminders include:

• Always stay in control.
• People ahead of you have the right of way.
• Stop only where you are visible from above and not obstructing a trail.

Respecting these principles keeps everyone safe and demonstrates leadership beyond competition.

A shared national effort

This season, ski areas are putting speed and collision safety front and centre. By skiing with awareness and leading by example, racers can help ensure the slopes are safe and welcoming for all—while keeping their focus where speed truly belongs: on the race course.

Alberta Alpine and the Selection Committee of the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame are pleased to announce the Class of 2024 – dedicated leaders with an extraordinary commitment to the development of alpine ski racing in Canada.

Bill Irwin – Honoured Alberta & Canadian Team alumni – Bill Irwin carved his own pathway in ski racing, reaching the World Cup and representing Canada in Europe. Along with his partner Kelly Kryczka, the Irwin’s raised four children, all engaged in high performance sport (three in alpine ski racing, one in syncro swimming). From the 1980’s, over nearly four decades Bill could be found working with race organizers at every level, including the 1988 Olympic Winter Games Organizing Committee, World Cup at Lake Louise Nor-Am’s, ensuring safety was in-place, race quality and surfaces to proper standards and filling leadership roles from Race Chair to course worker.

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame event is a legacy event with the goal to support future champions in the province, with all proceeds invested into Alberta Ski Racing programs.

WHERE: Mount Norquay Main Lodge (Upstairs)

WHEN: Friday November 21, 2025

TIME: 6:30pm

REGISTRATION INCLUDES: Cocktail Hour, Appetizers, Entertainment, Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame Awards Presentation.

TICKETS ARE LIMITED: All proceeds to support the 2025-2026 Alberta Ski Team

Alpine ski racing is a sport defined by speed, precision, and skill—but like any high-performance activity, it carries some risk. High-speed crashes are a part of the sport, but can cause serious trauma to the body. One lesser-known but increasingly recognized risk is the potential for cuts or lacerations caused by contact with the sharp edge of a ski during a fall. FIS is making moves to address this.

Lacerations have been researched to be the third most common ski injury; these injuries have prompted greater awareness in recent years, with cases like Bode Miller and Aksel Svindal. In some cases, long extended recovery periods and time away from sport are needed. Similar incidents have been documented in other sports like ice hockey and speed skating, where sharp equipment can pose a risk during collisions or falls. In those sports, the introduction of cut-resistant protective gear—such as neck guards, gloves, and specialized clothing—has helped reduce injury rates and improve athlete safety.

Ski racing is now moving in the same direction. The International Ski Federation (FIS) currently strongly recommends the use of cut-resistant undergarments for all disciplines at all levels, Alberta Alpine agrees and aligns with the FIS recommendations. Beginning in the 2025/2026 season, these protective garments will become mandatory at the highest-level race categories, which include Level 0: World Cup, World Championships, Olympics, and Level 1: FIS Continental Cups, Universiade and FIS World Junior Championships.

The required equipment includes cut-resistant pants that meet a minimum 3-star protection rating based on the FIS-DITF standard, covering the area from the hip (iliac crest) to the top of the ski boot. These garments must be worn in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

For the people who really want to get into technical detail, what does that 3-star protection rating really mean? In the testing process, garments are subjected to a sharpened ski edge, attempting to cut the garment at 0, 45, and 90 degrees for 200mm. For a 1-star rating, the garment would be able to withstand a ski cut with 100 Newtons of force, a 2-star rating with 200N, and a 3-star rating with 300N, up to a 5-star rating with 500N. Basically, the higher the rating, the greater the cutting force the garment will resist; however, the fabric required to create that cut rating will be stiffer.

FIS has also announced that it will be making airbag back protectors mandatory in World Cup and Continental Cup speed events. These smart devices have been tested and validated to ensure they deploy during a crash, protecting the torso and reducing injury risk. This has been pioneered by MotoGP, where airbags have been under development for a long time and successfully transferred to alpine skiing.

These changes reflect a broader effort to align ski racing with best practices in athlete safety. As the sport evolves, so too does the equipment designed to protect its participants. Encouraging the use of modern, cut-resistant materials and technology-backed airbags is a proactive step toward reducing risk and keeping athletes on snow, doing what they love.

https://www.fis-ski.com/alpine-skiing/news/2024-25/fis-alpine-meeting-focus-on-athlete-safety-and-season-outlook

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35354392/             
(Caution graphic images of ski lacerations)

International Rules of Competition (ICR)

SPECIFICATIONS FOR COMPETITION  EQUIPMENT