Don Boyce: Honoured Lifetime Official

Official, teacher, volunteer and parent whose influence has reached across the province and around the world

“Watching my daughter go off a jump in downhill at 100 kph. It was frightening, but awesome!”

Not every parent would list watching their daughter take on a speed event as a highlight. But for Don Boyce, our Honoured Lifetime Official, with thousands of hours running races, volunteering in many various jobs, training new leaders, his love for alpine ski racing and his dedicated commitment to running great events, this is no surprise at all.

Drawn into the ski racing family through his two daughters, Don’s influence has reached across western Canada and into the Olympic Winter Games. From running club events for the Rabbit Hill and the K2 Western Canadian Championships, his commitment and leadership led to many key roles with the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup and a senior position with the organization of the alpine events for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Officials also learn to be resourceful. “We ran the K2 Westerns with a Race Organizing Committee of 3 people” recalled Don. “We re-set the men’s downhill at Lake Louise by GPS at 5:00 in the morning”. His ongoing commitment to the World Cup earned Don the respect of his peers, being awarded the “Sled Dog belt buckle.

Our officials community is made up of remarkable people, which Don is keen to acknowledge. “Ski racing provides an opportunity to meet the best people in the world.  Everyone I have met on the hill is so committed to working the races and putting on spectacular events.  Take advantage of every opportunity to volunteer regardless of the position assigned and you will have the most rewarding experience of your life.”

Don has always gone beyond the role of volunteer working events, sharing his experience as Officials Chair for the North Zone of Alberta and with the National Officials Committee, leading training of new volunteers. He became a resident expert in the timing world, working at many events and also leading training sessions. And he brought his unique insight to the Board of Alberta Alpine, serving as a member for six years.

His contribution as an official and volunteer has enabled Don to work with many of the influential leaders of our sport. “Dick Porteous was a mentor and a great friend.” Said Don.  “He talked me into becoming a Level 3 official and volunteering for the Lake Louise Downhill events.  Without Dick, I would not have become as involved in ski racing as I am today”. Our resident timing leader, Dave Bartle, has also been a mentor, from Timing Teams at numerous events across western Canada and to teaching courses on racing timing.

At the core, Don loves skiing. He lists his highlights as “Beating my 10 year old in a ski race by 2/100ths of a second…. the last win by Dad.” Ski racing is a family affair. For 21 years, Don and his wife Linda have been volunteering and officiating. “Now my daughters, Sam and Jessica, are working as coaches and volunteers in the sport including the past five years on the World Cup crew.” says Don. “It has been a fantastic environment to raise my girls and share my love for the sport”.

“Being involved in ski racing has been such a rewarding experience”, says Don.  “I love to work with the volunteers and share my passion for the sport.  Working with coaches at all levels to help them understand the rules so they can better represent their athletes.  Being able to learn from them on how to set courses and see the difference between the application of rules and the art of course setting.  Watching the athletes develop over the years has been one of the great rewards. Being able to put on excellent races so the athletes can have great race tracks and competitive events to test and develop their skills in the greatest reward I can have.”

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize Don Boyce, our 2017 Honoured Lifetime Official, as a dedicated teacher, mentor, timer and official who has lifted the performance of race officials throughout the province and across the country.

The Class of 2017 will be inducted at the Hotel Arts in Calgary on Wednesday, November 8^th as the feature event of the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame. This is a free event for all supporters of alpine ski racers.

Click here for your invitation and event details

John Cassels: Honoured Lifetime Builder

A leader who has transformed Canada’s marquee event into an international success story

Each year, Lake Louise welcomes the best ski racers in the world for the opening speed races of each World Cup season. Two weeks of action, featuring the top male and female athletes. Only three venues in the world that offer such an ambitious program.

For twenty-three years and counting, John Cassels has led a team of volunteers and officials that has developed and matured into one of the most respected organizers on the World Cup Tour. From 1994, as Race Chairman for the Lake Louise Winterstart, John has guided his team as the event matured and grew from two ladies races into an international spectacle that is recognized as one of the most valuable events of the race season.

When the Winterstart World Cup became an annual event under John’s watch, it was two races within one week. Today, Lake Louise is the only annual venue to run 5 races. The organization is the only non-European member of the prestigious Club 5 of World Cup Organizers. These opening races are seen as a perfect opening track for the men and considered one of the toughest ladies speed races. The first week now includes a gathering of business elites at the Bennett Jones World Cup Business Forum. And the Winterstart provides critical next generation support of athletes by providing the venue for Nor-Am races, which follow the World Cup.

John has also been an innovator that has brought an important foundation to the sport in Alberta. On his watch as member of the Board of Alberta Alpine, overseeing finance, the organization set up the Alberta Alpine Foundation, which continues to support the organization today. In 2002, he was a founding member of the Bennett Jones World Cup Business Forum, which will celebrate its 15^th year during the men’s World Cup week at Lake Louise this November.

His accounting skills laid the foundation of his ski racing journey. “I was approached by the Chairman of AASA, Jim Miles to join the Board as Finance Director in advance of the 1988 Games in Calgary”, said John. “A three year crash course in ski racing led me to the on-hill Timing Crew at Nakiska for the Alpine Events while at the same time keeping a watchful eye on the Olympic hopefuls in Alberta and the financial health of AASA.”

Twenty-three years have now been devoted to building World Cup excellence in Canada. As Race Chairman (1994 to 2011) and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Winterstart Events Ltd. (2012 to present). As a leader, John acknowledges the critical support of volunteers. “There are many. At the senior level of the Lake Louise ROC there are individuals who have committed a large part of their life to WC ski racing at Lake Louise. They are wise, effective and completely committed to their particular aspect of the Event. They know what to do and they get it done. They are in many ways inspirational and yet they seek no recognition.

By the numbers, John is proud to point out the Winterstart World Cup has impressive statistics. “The Lake Louise ROC has been responsible for successfully organizing 103 World Cup starts (69 Ladies races and 34 Men’s races). This is second only to Kitzbuhel, a remarkable achievement for a committed, talented and passionate group of volunteers, otherwise known as the Sled Dogs.”

What has motivated a lifetime of commitment to ski racing? “Canadians on the podium!’ says our Honoured Builder. “There is no greater feeling when you arrive into the finish area after the last racer has crossed the finish line to witness, cheer and celebrate a Canadian athlete stepping onto the podium. We have had some amazing athletes performing at Lake Louise over the years, Svindal, Miller, Vonn and many others, but a Canadian, Eric, Manny and who could forget Jan winning the gold medal in the DH! It makes the whole thing worth every minute of hard work on the race track from dawn to dusk and then some through the night at minus 30.”

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize John Cassels, our 2017 Honoured Lifetime Builder, as a leader and innovator in building a legacy event for ski racing in Canada, with a reputation as one of the world’s best sporting events.

The Class of 2017 will be inducted at the Hotel Arts in Calgary on Wednesday, November 8^th as the feature event of the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame. This is a free event for all supporters of alpine ski racers.

Click here for your invitation and event details

Randy Tarchuk: Honoured Lifetime Volunteer

From athlete to ski racing parent, to a volunteer that has reached Olympic heights

Canmore (AB) – Ski racing has been a life-long passion for Randy Tarchuk. His early racing days were with the Banff Ski Runners, as Randy and his two brothers raced across western Canada, supported by their mom who did alterations for Monod Sports, trading her time for ski equipment.

Friends and family set the foundation of a volunteer ethic and commitment to sport for Randy and his wife, to provide the same opportunity for their own family. “Debbie and I helped wherever needed to give our children the opportunity to enjoy and excel in the sport. It was apparent that they were not only good ski racers, but ski racing became a big part of family life and the ski racing community was a great group of people to be a part of”.

“Helping”, as every ski racing parent knows, is actually volunteering to help run races. All the roles of gatekeeping, timing, start & finish refs and the leadership roles. For Randy, this commitment to events grew from supporting events run with their children in the Banff Alpine Racers. This grew to his first national assignment as Chief of Course for the K2 Canadian Championships and then on to Chief of Course for Nor-Am, Canadian Championship and World Cup events.

“I brought my work ethic to the race course in order to ‘Get r Done’” says Randy. “In return, the race course has taught not only me, but my whole family great work ethic including how to keep committed to achieve your goals. It also has been a fun and healthy lifestyle and many of friends have come from this community.”

This incredible range of experience meant Randy was a choice candidate to help organize major international events. “My key highlights have been working Race Organizing Committee and sharing the success of the 2007 Ladies World Cup at Panorama, BC and being the Crew Chief of the best Course Crew at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics Men’s Alpine Events.”

His commitment to volunteering for major events continues. Randy, Mike Irwin and Andrew Abbott form a core crew to roll out the annual Nor-Am slaloms on Hayfever at Panorama. “I have had many mentors throughout the years that all deserve a mention and the fear is that I would miss mentioning someone. However, I would not have been able to achieve many of these goals without my sidekick & buddy, Mike Irwin.”

Why does he put so much effort and time into ski racing? “You will find that it is a small community and you will have friends wherever you go. Get out and enjoy the moments on the hill. Athletes, remember one simple thing, there are people out there that care about you and your career; you will probably never know how deep and wide that community is. Use this thought to inspire you! And remember to show your appreciation whenever you can.”

Good advice, from one of our most dedicated supporters of athletes and ski racing.

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize Randy Tarchuk, our 2017 Honoured Lifetime Volunteer, for serving as a dedicated volunteer running events at every level including the Nor-Am, World Cup and Olympic Winter Games.

The Class of 2017 will be inducted at the Hotel Arts in Calgary on Wednesday, November 8^th as the feature event of the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame. This is a free event for all supporters of alpine ski racers.

Click here for your invitation and event details

Canmore, AB (April 12, 2017) – Alberta Alpine is pleased to announce Sporting Life will be the title sponsor of the U16 Provincial race series for the next 3 years. Now known as the “Sporting Life U16 Series”, the move will see an increased level of investment by the company, in the future of aspiring young ski racers in the province. With over 20 days of competition scheduled each winter, Sporting Life’s support will provide the essential framework of this competitive race series.  Specifically designed for 14 and 15 year old skiers these races allows them the opportunity to test their skills against their peers at a provincial level each season at the Learn to Race stage and prepares them for more intensive training and competition required at the junior or FIS level.

The sponsorship also includes added support of Alberta athletes at special U16 projects throughout the year including the U16 Alberta National Championship Team and Whistler Cup Team.

April 21-23 will be this first official Sporting Life U16 Series event with the 2016/17 finals held at beautiful Sunshine Village and hosted by the Sunshine Ski Club.

Sporting Life joined as the “Official Retailer” of Alberta Alpine in the late summer of 2016 and with the opening soon thereafter of their first store outside of Ontario in October at South Centre Mall, the mutually beneficial relationship has taken off. Alberta Alpine members have quickly discovered Sporting Life is the place where customers find the best quality, brand name fashion and sports equipment that supports their active and energetic lifestyle. Furthermore Sporting Life’s commitment to offering the highest quality of racing products, ski tuning using the best in business Wintersteiger NC machine and expert boot fitting services has made them the #1 choice for anyone wishing to go fast on snow.

Thanks to Sporting Life’s expanded support, Alberta Alpine has confirmed the dates for a provincial ski testing of next year’s race products at Nakiska on April 24 and 25.

Alberta athletes ordering SL and GS skis from this unique opportunity will receive a $100 promotional gift card for each pair of skis with bindings they order through Sporting Life South centre.

This offer will be for a limited time only and is on ski/binding purchases of $800 or more on these technical skis.

You will need to order early through the Sporting Life Southcentre store or through your Race Rep via Sporting Life should any special deals exist between vendor and athlete.

Alberta Alpine President, Nigel Loring is thrilled to see the partnership grow. “Ever since Sporting Life announced it was coming to Alberta, we have seen nothing short of an exceptional value and commitment to supporting our Alberta Alpine programs, teams, their families and ski racing communities.” Loring also believes it is their people who make the biggest impact. “Everyone in the Sporting Life family has shown the highest attention to detail and quality service is at top of mind in whatever they do. Every employee from senior management to their ambassadors, to sales staff; they all really care about the relationship and really want the best for our members.”

After only 6 months after opening their first store in Alberta, Sporting Life is poised to open its second location in Market Mall in the fall of 2017 making access to all their great lines and service that much more convenient.

Jean Paul Corbeil, Director of Marketing and Advertising says, “Alberta is a very special place when it comes to the heritage of ski racing. Since 1979 , we have been supporting grassroots initiatives to help reduce the costs of ski racing but at the same time immerse ourselves with the services we can offer to help these young athletes be the best they can be”

“Its in our DNA and its really the Sporting Life way, we are a proud Canadian retailer that lives and breathes what we sell.”

We look forward to our relationship moving forward and to be a part of something really special.”

For More Information:

Alberta Alpine is saddened to share the news that Honoured Lifelong Official, Dick Beare passed away last night at the age of 74. Dick had served as Chief of Timing for every level of our sport, from Nancy Greene Ski League to Nor-Ams to the Canada Winter Games and the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cups. His volunteer contribution to alpine ski racing went well beyond the Timing Building. Dick worked tirelessly for decades training new officials and race administrators.

Dick was inducted into the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame last November in Calgary. He will be deeply missed and always fondly remembered by all who knew him. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with Dick’s wife Myrna, daughter Marina and his entire extended family.

A Funeral Service will be held at Eden Brook Funeral Home (17th Avenue and Lower Springbank Rd SW Calgary, Alberta) on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Donations made to the Alberta ALS society in Dick’s name would be greatly appreciated by the family. Link to obituary HERE

Like many member-based organizations, Alberta Alpine sees a strong connection with athletes, parents, coaches and volunteers while they are active in the sport but what happens when they are no longer engaged? Former Alberta Ski Team and Canadian National Ski Team member Trevor White is now on the Alberta Alpine Board of Directors and recently took a closer look at that question.

We found to our surprise… that some of our past members would have loved to attend events like the Canadian Rockies Ski Hall of Fame Induction in November but didn’t know it was going on. With Trevor’s help, we have put together an open letter to our alumni which we hope can be shared wide and far. READ ALBERTA ALPINE ALUMNI COMMUNICATION HERE. In addition to reaching out to all our existing networks online and across social media, we are in need of your help to reconnect with our alpine alumni.

The process is simple. If you are an Alberta Alpine alumnus, please sign up HERE. If you know of other alumni who may be interested please share the link with them. By joining our alumni network, you will receive updates and invitations to special events as well as stay connected with the province’s ski racing community.

A volunteer leader of alpine ski racing, through an era of international celebration

 Canmore (AB) – The dream of every young athlete is to stand on the podium, watch your flag rise and celebrate with your Team, coaches and those who have supported your journey. That long pathway, which can span twenty years or more, has been guided by parents and a large number of volunteers who have tended the track, been gatekeepers, timers, officials and spent countless hours behind the scene to ensure resources were sourced, budgets set and programs set in motion.

Our Honoured Lifetime Volunteer, Jim Miles, has filled most of these roles over three decades of supporting alpine ski racing, as a member of a group of parents that started a ski club for their children at Panorama (Team Panorama) and working to the top of the volunteer pathway as Chairman of our National Governing Body: Alpine Canada.

“Like any other parent I honed my skills as a gate-keeper and then went on to do my time as a course worker,” said Jim. “My affiliation is with Team Panorama. There were two or three families who had cabins in Panorama and were looking for ski racing program for their children. There was none so we organized our own club and got under way with about six or seven kids wanting to ski race. We were fortunate to get good coaches and the club has grown now, as I understand, to one of the largest in western Canada!”

Volunteers arm the machinery of alpine ski racing; a dedicated army of individuals who roll up their sleeves and work tirelessly and too often without any recognition or reward – other than to see our athletes succeed and to enjoy the thousands of youngsters who become great skiers and exceptional citizens.

But sometimes the outcome can be truly memorable. As Jim moved up the ranks of leadership, first as Chairman of the Alberta South Zone, then Alberta Alpine Chairman and then Alpine Canada Chairman, under his “watch” in this volunteer role, Canada’s athletes were on fire, capturing two Olympic medals, World Championship gold, multiple World Cup podiums and dominating the World Junior Championships.

“I always got a thrill out of watching Canadian Athletes succeed on the world stage,” said Jim. “Edi Podivinsky’s Bronze on the opening day of the (1994) Norway Olympics was very exciting. It has been an honour to be associated with the likes of Kerrin-Lee Gartner, Cary Mullen, Edi Podivinsky, Thomas Grandi, Melanie Turgeon and Kate Pace-Lindsay. Kerrin-Lee’s reaction to her run at Albertville in 1992 was a special moment for me.”

His legal skills were often put to good use to iron out the disputes that emerge in sport from time-to-time. His athlete-focused philosophy found resonance in finding solutions and bringing people together, to ensure they kept their focus on what was important to the sport. “I wanted people to work together for the benefit of the youngsters who wanted to ski race,” said our Honoured Inductee.

His leadership role brought Jim into close contact with many sport leaders, including two our Honoured Volunteer wanted to recognize. “Max Gartner was very important in supporting my way of thinking and I found that he and I were often on the same page with respect to the athlete development and the race programs we wanted to generate, said Jim. “I also would like to recognize Guy Christie who was the Alpine Chairman preceding me. He had a significant history with ski racing and his insight was invaluable.’

A lifetime of volunteering in ski racing and working in the ski industry can bring a perspective the ski racing family should understand. “The ski community is a strong group of people,” says Jim. “We need to continue to recognize the skills and the strengths of the parents and other volunteers. It is important that we develop and maintain our own traditions.”

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize Jim Miles, our 2016 Honoured Lifetime Volunteer, for serving in many roles including founding a ski club, gatekeeping Nancy Greene ski races to the leading Alberta Alpine and Alpine Canada as Chair, covering a span of more than thirty years.

The Class of 2016 will be inducted at the Calgary Petroleum Club on Tuesday, November 8^th as the feature event of the Alpine Insurance Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame supported by Delbrook Capital. This is a free event for all supporters of alpine ski racers

Combining a commitment to fair and accurate timing of ski racing with support of athletes and officials

Canmore (AB) – Timing and results are the lifeblood of alpine ski racing, the objective measurement of the athlete going from start to finish, challenging the slope. Dick Beare, our Honoured Lifetime Official, blended his passion for our sport and expertise with computers to modernize timing and results software, as a pioneer in the digital age.

“It was 1987, the year before the Olympics”, said Dick. “I started skiing with my daughter and we got involved with Skimeisters at Fortress Mountain. We discovered that the timing systems were not very user friendly and did not involve computers. Being a software writer seemed obvious I should get involved.”

What emerged was the timing software known as dTris, which Dick wrote and has maintained for 23 years. Alongside, he reformatted and has maintained Measures Software for results. These became the de-facto standard for many race organizers across Canada. He also set up and has maintained ACA Points, Canada’s National Points Results List, which tracks results of national athletes below the FIS level.

“The data architecture that is the foundation of the fair and smooth operation of our sport tends to be overlooked as it is not front and centre like weather, safety or track surface,” said Nigel Loring, CEO of Alberta Alpine. “But everyone knows it is essential for timing and data to be race-ready, always available and error-free. Every Race Administrator praises Dick not only for making their job easier, but also for being available 24-7 to answer questions and walk them through issues.”

Dick has served as Chief of Timing for every level of our sport, from Nancy Greene Ski League to Nor-Ams to the Canada Winter Games and the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cups. As live timing became popular, he created a program to bring immediate access to results to every parent and grandparent.

His volunteer contribution to alpine ski racing went well beyond the Timing Building. Dick has worked tirelessly for decades in training new officials and race administrators. On the snow, he has supported race organizers at every level as a Level 4 National Official and a FIS TD for Speed Skiing.

Dick notes he has gained many friends through his three decades of dedication to ski racing. He worked alongside retired Canadian FIS TD Commissioner Ted Savage in delivering the results from the World Cups at Lake Louise. He built a fast friendship with National Official Dave Bartle on many races deep in the Canadian Athlete system. And Dick worked closely with respected Race Administrator Phyllis Kennedy (2015 Honoured Official) for the past 20 years.

“Each race is a new experience,” says our 2016 Honoured Official. “I have learnt something new at each race I have been involved in. Life long learning, always something new to learn, don’t assume you know it all. Listen to others and most importantly enjoy what you do. If you don’t enjoy what you do then what’s the point in doing it!”

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize Dick Beare, our 2016 Honoured Lifetime Official, for three decades of supporting alpine ski racing and speed skiing. The Class of 2016 will be inducted at the Calgary Petroleum Club on Tuesday, November 8^th as the feature event of the Alpine Insurance Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame supported by Delbrook Capital. This is a free event for all supporters of alpine ski racers.

Ski resort leadership, race chair, official, volunteer and parent

– a lifetime passion for ski racing

Canmore (AB) – From the shores of the Zürichsee, the nearby Swiss Alps hover above Switzerland’s largest city. From his hometown, the mountains ignited a passion for skiing in a young Fred Bosinger. “But I was a city kid, so ski racing was more a dream than a reality.” says our 2016 Honoured Sport Builder.

It was skiing that brought Fred and Margaret to Canada in 1971, first to Quebec and then to Rossland, BC where the young Bosinger’s (Anna, Pete and Rob) were drawn to the Red Mountain Racers and the historic legacy of the famous club. “There was just no way the resort manager’s kids were not going to be involved with ski racing!”

Hosting the Canadian Championships in 1972 at Red Mountain drew Fred and Margaret into the organizational world of the sport. “It was the first taste of what was involved in the holding of major events, especially the construction of the downhill track on Granite Mountain, requiring all the resources that the resort and the racing club could muster, including the secretarial skills of my wife Margaret. I probably should call my time at Red Mountain my ski racing apprenticeship.”

With a move into the senior management team at Sunshine Village, Fred was also able to bring his race experience to lead the World Cup races staged at the Alberta resort in 1985 and 1986, where he served as Chief or Race. These events were key in building the volunteer base needed to prepare for the hosting of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games.

Not satisfied to limit his contribution to ski racing as a race organizer, Fred took on another leadership role as a regional Technical Delegate. “Being a regional TD gave me the opportunity to help in the grassroots events, in many ways some of my most rewarding moments.” He also became a familiar face in the start hut at Canada’s World Cup races in Lake Louise, serving as Start Referee for more than a decade. So when the Olympics returned to Canada in 2010, the experience and passion ignited from 1988 positioned Fred as the ideal man at the start for the alpine events in Whistler.

Before retiring from the ski industry, Fred helped establish a new annual fun spring event built around the dual slalom format for athletes from U14 to the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. After a family tragedy, with the untimely passing of son Rob in 2005 to cardiac arrhythmia, the event was re-named the Rob Bosinger Memorial Race Weekend, or the “Bozo Cup” (Rob’s nickname as a popular member of Canada’s World Cup team and coach). It’s a family event with the entire Bosinger Family and ski racing community gathering to support a fun weekend which generates funding and awareness to the Canadian Sudden Adult Death Syndrome Foundation (www.bozocup.com) and a scholarship in Rob’s name, awarded to the top male and female U16 athlete in Alberta. This race has also given a number of Canada’s top current athletes experience with the dual slalom start gates and format, providing a foundation for Canada’s success in the new “Nations Team Event” at the world level.

The passion and life-long commitment to ski racing by Fred and Margaret have influenced the entire Bosinger family. Anna, Rob and Peter raced with Red Mountain and the Sunshine Ski Club. Rob and Pete graduated to the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, with Pete representing Canada at the 1988 Games in Calgary and Rob being named to three Canadian World Championship teams. Both moved into the coaching ranks and Pete was Manager of the Alpine skiing events for the 2010 Games and is currently the Executive Director of the Banff Alpine Racers.

Fred has always been supportive both in actions and spirit to the athletes, coaches and volunteers that form the bedrock of our sport. From his early years he singled out (former BC Alpine Chair) Jim Haight, who “showed me the ropes at the start of my racing involvement”. While in ski resort management, Fred worked closely with Jimmie Spencer (retired President of the Canada West Ski Areas Association), “I saw him as a mentor, exemplary leader and a strong supporter of ski racing in Western Canada” as they worked together to establish and manage the CWSAA Racer Pass that enabled top athletes in BC and Alberta to train and race cost-effectively while working towards the Canadian Olympic Team. It should be no surprise he graciously acknowledges those who he worked alongside over five decades, but reserves the highest praise for his partner in life: “last but not least my dear wife Margaret who in her own right was an acclaimed Race Secretary and who has put up with me for over 50 years!”

Fred Bosinger has important insight to every ski racer and ski racing family: “Skiing and ski racing are great sports and activities,” says our Honoured Builder. “So to the young ski racers I say make sure you don’t ever forget the fun factor, because when you are finished ski racing you want to enjoy the sport for many years to come.”

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize Fred Bosinger, our 2016 Honoured Lifetime Builder for nearly fifty years of dedication as an industry partner of ski racing, event organizer, official, volunteer and a parent who supported the passion of thousands of aspiring young ski racers across western Canada.

The Class of 2016 will be inducted at the Calgary Petroleum Club on Tuesday, November 8th as the feature event of the Alpine Insurance Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame supported by Delbrook Capital. This is a free event for all supporters of alpine ski racers.

Dedicating over five decades to ski racing as an athlete, coach, mentor, official and volunteer

Canmore (AB) – Like so many of her generation, Canadian ski icon Nancy Greene was the early inspiration for Vanita Haining to become a ski racer. Spurred on by her father, Robert, along with siblings and cousins and under the guidance of the coaches of the Calgary Skimeisters, she began a decade-long journey that took her from the slopes of the Canadian Rockies right to the World Cup.

“After watching my cousins race at Lake Louise, my sister pestered my dad so we could do the same thing” reminisced our Honoured Athlete Alumni. “We were permitted to enter a race at Westcastle (now Castle Mountain Resort) as a trial. I remember getting lost several times on the way down and finished last a couple of minutes behind everyone else.”

With coaches Ken Marchand (2014 Honoured Coach, Leader & Sport Builder), Ed Novotni, Bob & Ron Pearce and Leo Berchtold, the Haining sisters were introduced to rigorous dryland programs and on-snow training both in and out of the gates. “In those days the Skimeisters club skied out of Norquay. We spent a lot of time on the old chair skiing the Lone pine, the Bowl, and the North American with gate training on the rope tow beside the ski jump. We were lucky to be able to watch the 1972 World Cup GS and Slalom.”

Vanita progressed quickly, becoming a member of the Alberta Ski Team in 1972. Team coach Ottmar Setzer instilled a discipline in his charges that brought rapid progress. “There were lots of stories we circulated about Ottmar because he as so tough. Needless to say you did not whine, ever.”

She was named to the Canadian Team in 1974, with her focus on the Can-Am (now Nor-Am Tour) and World Cup starts in Canada, the US and Europe. “My last two years of competition were the most fruitful: in 1977 I was 4th overall Can-Am series with several top 3 results including 2nd in slalom in Sun Valley Idaho, 3rd in downhill at Red Mountain and I won the Canadian Dual Slalom Championship. In 1978 was Canadian Slalom Champion (Shell Cup at Marmot Basin) and retired at the end of that season (age 22) to pursue a university education.”

Moving immediately into the coaching ranks, Vanita brought her ski racing experience back to the Skimeisters while completing her BA (Economics) at the University of Calgary and following graduation with the Big White Ski Team. During her school years, she extended her coaching role to teaching and examining new coaches through the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation.

The influence of the 1988 Olympics then drew our Honoured Athlete Alumni into her third career in ski racing: as an official. “I was recruited in the season following the ’88 Games by Gottfried Mueller, who was looking for TD candidates. I advanced my officials training and was very active volunteering and officiating from then until 2011.” At the time, Vanita was one of the few female Technical Delegates. “I found that the experience gave me opportunities for learning that my career (my paying job) did not provide. I also enjoyed conducting many officials training courses, which gave me the opportunity to meet just about everyone involved in the sport in Alberta.”

She extended her love for ski racing to both children, with daughter Suzanne and son Sean racing for Calgary Alpine (CARC). Sean followed in the footsteps of his mom, reaching the Alberta Ski Team and subsequently racing for the University of Alaska Seawolves achieving NCAA all-American status in 2012, 2015 and 2016.

Professionally, Vanita is a Human Resources specialist working for Total Energy. It comes as no surprise she willingly shares the personal influence of her sport. “Ski racing provided me with an outlet and a place where I could thrive. In this environment I learned how to be disciplined, how to apply myself (how to set goals and work towards them), work ethic and how to focus. It was a great place and way to grow up. And with only 3 athletes on the podium vs. 60+ athletes in the race, ski racing has got to be about more than just winning.”

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize Vanita Haining, our 2016 Honoured Alberta and Canadian Ski Team alumni for more than 50 years of dedication as an athlete, coach, mentor, official and volunteer.

The Class of 2016 will be inducted Tuesday, November 8th between 4:30 to 8:00 pm at the Calgary Petroleum Club. This is a free event for all supporters of alpine ski racers.

Saturday, September 24^th marked Alberta Alpine’s Annual General Meeting at RedTail Landing in Nisku, AB. The attending members received presentations from the Chair, the President, Athletics Director, the North and South Zone Chairs, the Association’s auditor and the nomination committee.

After 3 years as chair of the board, Bob Leitch stepped down from his position and will serve as past chair for the next year. He thanked the board for their support through these past years as they looked and found resolutions to hard situations and stated it was “an honor to work alongside dedicated people.”  Leitch also thanked everyone personally for their time and contribution to the sport. “This is an awesome team and it is a pleasure working with you. Most importantly thank you to the volunteers who enable AA to support alpine skiing and its athletes in the province.”

Three members retired from the board this AGM. Gilbert Wall, Janet Russell and Mitch Soetaert all had served faithfully for many years on the board. Bob Leitch recognized each of them for their outstanding service and presented them with an Alberta Alpine engraved silver belt buckle as a customary token of the Association’s appreciation.

At the recommendation of the nominating committee, five new board member were elected by acclimation. Terry Mix, Todd Rutter, David Chen, Trevor White and Greg Sylvestre will join Gregg Ferguson, Doug Airey, Howie Cook and Scott Wallace on the board, with Robb Beeman as the new chair, Joanne Gray as vice-chair and Bob Leitch as past chair.

To learn more and review the 2016 AGM presentations on our website, follow the ‘About’ tab and look under ‘Board of Directors’.

Next year’s AGM is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30^th, 2017

Canmore, AB (September 21, 2016) – The Alberta Alpine Ski Association is excited to announce their Alpine Insurance Alberta Ski Team for the 2016-17 season. After a successful summer training camp in Saas Fee, all athletes previously selected to the 2016 Alberta Ski Team Selection Group have now been officially named to the team. Thirteen athletes will make up the 2016-17 Alpine Insurance Alberta Ski Team as they look forward to a successful season. The team departs for another three week training camp in Saas Fee October 2, and on their return will head to Nakiska for the fall training block to kick off the season.

• Collin Taylor – 1995 – Banff Alpine Racers
• Ben Legree – 1996 – Banff Alpine Racers
• Mike Soetaert – 1996 – Snow Valley Racing Association
• Keegan Sharp – 1997 – Team Panorama
• Carson Cook- 1998 – Snow Valley Racing Association
• Marcus Holm – 1998 – Banff Alpine Racers
• Sam Wall – 1998 – Banff Alpine Racers
• Ryan Webster – 1998 – Banff Alpine Racers
• Kelvin Cochrane – 1999 – Banff Alpine Racers
• Liam Wallace – 1999 – Sunshine Alpine Racers

• Georgia Burgess – 1997 – Banff Alpine Racers
• Meg Cumming – 1997 – Banff Alpine Racers
• Zoe Belczyk – 1998 – Sunshine Alpine Racers