2026/27 Alberta Ski Team Announcement

Alberta Alpine is proud to announce the athletes selected to the 2026/2027 Alberta Ski Team.

Selection to the Alberta Ski Team represents one of the highest achievements within Alberta’s ski racing pathway. These athletes have demonstrated the commitment, work ethic, competitiveness, and dedication required to take the next step in their development as high-performance ski racers.

The Alberta Ski Team is Alberta Alpine’s high-performance development program, designed to prepare Alberta’s top athletes for success at the National and NorAm level, while developing the skills, habits, and values required to pursue future opportunities on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. The program provides athletes with a full-time training environment, experienced coaching, sport science support, and competitive opportunities that challenge them to continually improve.

The 2026/27 Alberta Ski Team selection process recognizes that athlete development is a journey and that success requires more than individual race results. Athletes are evaluated through a combination of objective performance measures, including World Ranking By Age (WRBA), Head-to-Head results, World Junior Ski Championship selection, and NorAm performance benchmarks. These results are considered alongside coach evaluation and review by the Alberta Alpine High Performance Committee to identify athletes who demonstrate the performance potential, commitment, and qualities required to be successful within the program.

This year’s team represents an exciting combination of experienced returning athletes and emerging talent from across Alberta. Five athletes return for their second season with the Alberta Ski Team, bringing valuable experience gained through a successful 2025/26 season, while seven athletes join the program for the first time after demonstrating the ability and commitment to compete at the next level.

The 2025/26 season was highlighted by strong performances, challenging training environments, and valuable learning experiences both at home and internationally. Alberta Ski Team athletes continued to develop the technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills required for success at the highest levels of alpine ski racing. Their progress reflects not only their individual dedication but also the strength of Alberta’s club system and the commitment of the coaches, families, officials, and volunteers who support athlete development throughout the province.

2026/27 Alberta Ski Team

Women

Athlete	Birth Year	Years on Team	Home Club
Jessica McLellan	2006	New	Banff Alpine Racers
Noemie Brooks	2008	New	Banff Alpine Racers
Sofia Stanier	2008	New	Team Panorama
Emma Suman	2008	New	Team Panorama
Loren Hannema	2008	New	Banff Alpine Racers

Men

Athlete	Birth Year	Years on Team	Home Club
William Puloski	2007	2nd Season	Team Panorama
Graeme Cliff	2007	2nd Season	Team Panorama
Gavin Johnson	2007	2nd Season	Team Panorama
Cole Merrett	2007	2nd Season	Team Panorama
Thomas Cais	2007	2nd Season	Lake Louise Ski Club
Graydyn Swanson	2008	New	Sunshine Ski Club
Eric Ward	2008	New	Team Panorama

2026/27 Coaching Staff

• Peter Rybarik 
• Kyle Buchanan 
• Phil Pike 

The Alberta Ski Team coaching staff is committed to creating an environment where athletes are challenged to reach their potential while developing the technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills required for long-term success in alpine ski racing.

The upcoming season will provide athletes with opportunities to train and compete across North America and internationally, including preparation camps and competition on the FIS and NorAm circuits. Athletes will continue to focus on developing the habits of high-performance athletes, including preparation, accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“Every year, selecting the Alberta Ski Team is an exciting opportunity to recognize athletes who have demonstrated the commitment and determination required to pursue excellence in our sport,” said Alberta Alpine Athletic Director Josh Benge. “This group represents the future of alpine ski racing in Alberta. We are excited to support their continued growth and provide them with the environment and opportunities needed to reach their goals.”

Alberta Alpine would like to recognize the important role played by our athletes’ home clubs in developing these athletes. The foundation created by club coaches, volunteers, officials, and families is essential to the success of the Alberta Ski Team and the continued strength of alpine ski racing in Alberta.

We are excited to follow this team throughout the 2026/27 season as they represent Alberta on the provincial, national, and international stage.

Congratulations to the athletes and coaches of the 2026/27 Alberta Ski Team. We wish you a successful season filled with growth, opportunity, and achievement.