The announcement comes as three athletes from last season’s BC Ski Team continue their progression to the next level of the sport. Earlier this month, Alpine Canada Alpin named Whistler’s Hannah Jensen to the women’s development team and North Vancouver’s Dylan Stevens to the men’s ski cross team. In addition, Fernie’s Baptiste Cais will continue his athletic and academic career in the NCAA next season at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

The six-athlete training group features a mix of returning talent and emerging athletes from across the province, providing a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

“Despite it being a trying season for the team, with some focused on overcoming injury and the rest fighting to make headway at Nor-Am competition, the entire group worked relentlessly to create stable footing coming into the 26/27 season and I believe they have put themselves in a strong position to both expedite progress in the prep and perform during the comp. We are very proud of Hannah and the work she put in to be selected for CAST D, we will be cheering hard for her. We are also very excited for Steve and Baptiste to start their next chapters and wish them continued success.”

Pridy said the combination of experienced athletes, new additions and coaching continuity has created an exciting environment heading into the 2026-27 season.

“Our crew has already been working hard during the spring and it’s exciting to get everyone together this month. All of the athletes are bringing different strengths into our environment and I look forward to seeing how high of a standard they can set as we work together towards them achieving their goals” 

The coaching staff remains unchanged, with Pridy returning as head coach alongside assistant coaches Eric Schwenck and Dillon Prophet.

The team will begin its preparation with a month-long fitness and training camp in Fernie, followed by on-snow camps in Europe in August and South America in October. The focus throughout the summer and fall will be on physical preparation, technical development and building momentum toward the race season.

In addition to the athletes named to the BC Training Group, a number of FIS skiers from across the province will participate in BC Alpine’s new High Performance Project, announced earlier this week.

2026-27 BC Training Group

• Lola Gilbert, Windermere Valley Ski Club (Whistler)
• Tylee Carr, Vernon Ski Club (Vernon)
• Thea Torn, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
• Dreas Gibbons, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler)
• NEW: Elena Deda, Windermere Valley Ski Club
• NEW: Kinsley Parkhill, Whistler Mountain Ski Club

Athletes Advancing to the Next Level

• Hannah Jensen, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (Whistler) – Alpine Canada women’s development team
• Dylan Stevens, Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club (North Vancouver) – Alpine Canada men’s ski cross team
• Baptiste Cais, Fernie Alpine Ski Team (Field) – NCAA competition – UAA – University of Alaska Anchorage 

BC Ski Team Coaching Staff

• Morgan Pridy, Head Coach
• Eric Schwenck, Assistant Coach
• Dillon Prophet, Assistant Coach

The initiative will provide additional training, racing and development opportunities for the top eight men and top eight women in the BC Cup standings and represents another step forward in BC Alpine’s commitment to developing world-class athletes and supporting excellence at every stage of the performance pathway.

This program is driven by unprecedented growth in club and zone FIS programs, exceptional coaching across the province, and a deepening pool of talented athletes,” said Johnny Crichton, VP Athletics.

Building the Next Generation of BC Ski Team Athletes

The High Performance Project has been created to support the next tier of high-performance athletes in B.C. and provide a clearer pathway to provincial and national team success.

Athletes selected for the program will have opportunities to train alongside BC Ski Team coaches, gain a deeper understanding of the expectations and standards required at the provincial team level, and build stronger connections within the high-performance environment.

The initiative will also strengthen collaboration between BC Ski Team coaches and club coaches across the province, helping create a more integrated athlete development system and ensuring athletes receive consistent support as they progress through the pathway.

Program Structure

The High Performance Project will include:

• The top eight BC Cup men and top eight BC Cup women.
• Athlete selection based on BC Cup rankings:
  • Fall programs will be based on the previous season’s rankings.
  • Spring programs will be based on the final BC Cup standings from the current season.
• A fall training camp.
• One BC Ski Team-supported BC Cup race series during the season.
• A spring training camp.
• Financial support from BC Alpine to help reduce athlete costs.

The project will be organized by BC Alpine and led by BC Ski Team Head Coach Morgan Pridy.

Upcoming Opportunities

1. Fall 2026 Training Camp – Panorama: The first camp will take place at Panorama in Fall 2026. Invitations and additional details will be distributed in late summer.
2. Winter 2026-27 BC Cup Event: Athletes in the program will come together at a designated BC Cup race during the winter season. Further information will be released in Fall 2026.
3. Spring 2027 Training Camp – Sun Peaks Mega Camp: The program will conclude with participation in the Sun Peaks Mega Camp in Spring 2027. Additional details will be shared in early Spring 2027.

Looking Ahead

British Columbia continues to experience remarkable growth at the FIS level, with participation numbers at an all-time high and athletes delivering increasingly strong performances on the provincial and national stage.

As the competitive landscape continues to evolve, BC Alpine is adapting its approach to provide additional support for the province’s highest-performing athletes. By creating more opportunities for training, mentorship and integration with the BC Ski Team, the organization aims to help more athletes successfully progress through the pathway, reach the national team level and ultimately compete on the world stage.

Any specific questions on the program can be directed to Johnny Crichton, BC Alpine VP @ johnnyc@bcalpine.com

SAIP Changes

The SAIP (Sport Accident Insurance Program) is the same as last year with options listed at https://bcalpine.com/programFees/#_saip. Please remember that all FIS registered athletes must have a SAIP insurance selected in order to registered on the FIS database.
Information about the SAIP coverage and claims process are posted in the BC Alpine SAIP Information folder.

FIS Paperwork

We are continuing using the feature on BC Alpine’s Members Site to manage all FIS paperwork. This can be found and uploaded via the BC Alpine Members page at https://bcalpine.com/memberUpdate/. FIS members need to get their yearly medical completed, so please be sure to book with your doctor soon if you have not already done so.
Note: A link to this page is sent to registered members provided that their email address is valid. Thank you to all of the members who I’ve seen already getting their forms uploaded!

Out of Country FIS Racers

ACA will continue supporting Out of Country / International FIS Athletes this season. They charge a service fee of $153.75 in order to process these out of country athletes. This applies to Canadian FIS licensed athletes who are participating in an international program outside of Canada and electing to start in FIS competitions as well as Canadian FIS Licensed Masters athletes who are participating in an international FIS race outside of Canada. This fee allows ACA to appropriately service CAN FIS licensed athletes participating in programs and/or Masters races outside of Canada, additional time and resources are required to ensure that their program(s) can be supported in the manner to which is expected. Contact KevenD@bcalpine.com via email to verify you are correctly listed if you believe this applies to you. This fee is included in the “SAIP Exclusion” option found in the SAIP Insurance selection when clubs register FIS racers.

CWSAA All Areas Pass – Important Deadline: August 6th

Alpine and Ski Cross athletes in FIS programs born between 2007 and 2011 are on the qualification for this season. Deadline for selection is August 6th* so any athlete or FIS traveling coach wanting to qualify for an All Areas Pass must be registered with BC Alpine and then the club registrar needs to submit those requesting passes via the “All Area Passes” registration form found in the BC Alpine Club Admin Login by that date.
_{* Note: CWSAA published deadline is Aug 7th, but BC Alpine needs one day to complete all application data and submit.}

Cost of the pass this season is $845.25 for athletes and $1690.50 for coaches.

In order to qualify all applicants must both be registered as well as complete the appropriate CWSAA Waiver found on the link below. Failure to do either of these steps by the deadline may result in ineligibility.

Pass availability is limited. Refer to the CWSAA website for the terms and conditions of the Competitor Pass.

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance and the Sport Accident Insurance Policy (SAIP) purchased for the 2025/2026 season will expire on July 1, 2026. As a result, insurance must be renewed for anyone participating in summer programs on or before this date.

To support a smooth transition, BC Alpine will open early registration for the 2026/2027 season starting June 15, 2026. Clubs offering summer programs are required to complete registrations for both coaches and participants prior to the start of their programs.

Increased Membership Fees

For the 2026/27 season, BC Alpine and Alpine Canada have introduced increases to membership fees, as outlined below.

Please note that FIS and SAIP registration fees have not yet been confirmed. This page will be updated once that information becomes available.

SAIP Fees

SAIP fees and options will remain the same as last season and are available to view at https://bcalpine.com/programFees/

DISCLAIMER: You can not purchase a FIS card or membership directly from BC Alpine.
In order to be a member, you must register through one of our member clubs. A full list of current clubs and their contact information can be found at https://bcalpine.com/contact/

Athletes were treated to excellent spring conditions, with sunshine, snowfall, and crisp temperatures throughout the camp. Salt was only required on one day, while training lanes on OSV, Chute, and the Rollers provided ideal terrain for a packed on-snow schedule.

Girls Fast Forward: Next Gen Rising

The Girls Fast Forward camp welcomed 46 skiers and featured an all-star coaching staff led by Sam Fournier, Cassidy Gray, Kiki Alexander, Britt Richardson, Amelia Smart, Eleri Smart, Sam Mulligan, and strength and conditioning coach Elias Jonsson.

Across three days, athletes trained giant slalom, slalom, speed fundamentals, and dual slalom, while many younger skiers were introduced to speed events in a safe and fun environment — one of the major highlights of the camp.

Off the hill, participants took part in athlete pathway roundtables, video analysis sessions focused on super-G, GS, and SL, fitness circuits, silly warm-ups, and a retro-themed dual slalom day that brought plenty of energy and laughs.

A standout theme throughout the camp was the connection between coaches and athletes, with CAST racers and guest coaches fully engaged in mentoring the next generation. Campers benefited from constant feedback, strong communication, and the opportunity to build lasting friendships within the GFF community.

BCBC: A Strong Debut

The first-ever B.C. Boys Camp brought together 11 U16 athletes from across the province for three productive days of training and mentorship.

The camp featured an elite coaching group of Broderick Thompson, Sam Mulligan, and Elias Jonsson. Athletes trained giant slalom and speed fundamentals before closing out camp with a Denim Day slalom and dual event.

Beyond the skiing, campers took part in video technical analysis, fitness sessions, and athlete pathway discussions. Thompson shared insights from the highest levels of speed skiing, while Mulligan and Jonsson brought valuable perspectives from elite racing and coaching environments.

The successful launch of the B.C. Boys Camp marked an exciting new addition to spring development programming in British Columbia, closing the season on a strong note at Sun Peaks

The MEGA Cup FIS races were equally successful, attracting a deep field of competitors from across Canada and the United States. Blessed with sunny skies, firm overnight freezes, and outstanding track preparation, athletes enjoyed four days of fair, world-class racing with minimal need for salt despite warm daytime temperatures.

Across two giant slalom races and two slalom races, organizers loaded the lifts at 6 a.m. each morning and completed racing by noon — an impressive operational achievement with fields reaching as many as 240 racers. The efficient schedule and exceptional surface conditions helped many athletes post career-best FIS points to close the season.

The BC Ski Team delivered several standout performances. Fourth-year BCST racer Dylan Stevens  opened the series with victory in the first giant slalom after starting 29th in a field of 122 racers, then added a fifth-place finish the following day. Teammate Baptiste Cais earned two slalom podium finishes, placing second and third across the two-race series.

On the women’s side, Hannah Jensen capped a strong season with a win in the second giant slalom, while also finishing fourth and sixth in slalom competition. Lola Gilbert added a bronze medal in giant slalom and delivered consistent results throughout the week. See the full results below.

“MEGA Camp and the Mega Cup once again demonstrated what is possible when clubs, coaches, volunteers, officials, and resorts come together with a shared commitment to athlete development,” said Anders Hestdalen. “Sun Peaks provided an exceptional stage for competition, and it was fantastic to see so many athletes finish the season performing at a high level.”

A major contributor to the event’s success was the dedicated organizing committee and volunteer team. BC Alpine extends sincere thanks to Wade Rettie (ROC Chair), Jeff Robinson and Graham Cope (Chiefs of Race), Scott Karpiak (Chief of Course), Keven Dubinsky (Chief of Timing), Phyllis Kennedy (Race Administrator), Carmen Kirshenblatt (Technical Delegate), and Gabrielle Fox (Volunteer Coordinator), whose leadership and commitment helped deliver four exceptional days of racing.

Racing opened April 8–9 with U16 super-G under clear blue skies and firm, high-quality surfaces. Athletes, coaches, and supporters then gathered for Opening Ceremonies on April 9th, with a vibrant parade through Whistler Village, where the signature red Whistler Cup jackets were on full display.

Giant slalom and slalom racing followed April 10–11 in continued bluebird conditions, showcasing exceptional performance across all categories. A brief morning shower on April 12 gave way to improving skies and softer spring conditions, adding a final-day challenge that tested adaptability and skill.

Beyond the individual results, the Dual Relay team events from April 10–12 stood out as a defining feature of the week. With randomly selected international teams, athletes connected across countries and cultures, building friendships that extend well beyond the race course.

The week concluded with a celebratory banquet and awards presentation at the Whistler Conference Centre. Hosted by Rob Boyd, the evening featured awards presented by event sponsor O2E Brands, along with prizes from Atomic. The celebration included strong community representation, with World Cup alumni, Jack Crompton (Mayor of Whistler), Belinda Trembath (Whistler Blackcomb COO), and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police—who added a unique touch by issuing “speeding tickets” for top super-G performances.

Reflecting on the event, Whistler Cup Co-Chairs Rob Boyd and Graham Ross highlighted both the quality of racing and the strength of the volunteer effort, noting the global camaraderie built throughout the week. Duncan Reid, Chair of Whistler Mountain Ski Club, emphasized the spirit of the athletes and the exceptional community support required to deliver an event of this scale.

Organizing Committee:

With leadership from Carmen Kirshenblatt and Colin Pitt-Taylor (Technical Delegates), the event was delivered by a highly coordinated team including Jason Shorter, Josh Douglas, and Jeff Parkhill (Chiefs of Race); Rob Cook, Ryan Duffy, and Josh Sarkis (Chiefs of Course); Mike Berton (Chief of Equipment); Darren Chalmers and Eric Limoges (Chiefs of Slip); Diane Katrusiak, Michelle Douglas, and Dan Hincks (Start Referees); Brigitte Schonner, Kelsey McDermott, and Andrew Kirker (Starters); John Irish, Nicole Stefenelli, Laura Harley, and Duncan Reid (Finish Referees); Henry Voss, Amie Chu, and Bronwyn Damm (Chiefs of Timing); Mirna Kokot and Euan Cormack (Chiefs of Gates); and Jennifer Heyries and Marie-Eve Therrien (Chiefs of Volunteers), supported by an outstanding volunteer team.

BC Alpine wishes to extend a sincere thank you to all volunteers, coaches, families, and partners, including title sponsor O2E Brands, Whistler Blackcomb, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the many sponsors who continue to support this internationally recognized event.

All of the event photos, including on- and off-hill, can be found HERE.

After a long season, the Finals arrived with classic spring conditions—bluebird skies, warm sunshine, and fast, consistent snow at Cypress Mountain. From first inspection to final racer, the energy on the hill was high, with athletes, coaches, and volunteers embracing a true celebration of Coast Zone racing (and staying well-equipped with sunscreen and hydration along the way).

Racing took place on Lower Fork–Panorama, where U12 and U14 athletes tackled a full weekend of slalom competition. As with the best development events, the focus extended well beyond results. Athletes were challenged to adapt, reset between runs, and push their limits in a supportive, team-first environment. It’s at this stage where confidence grows, resilience takes shape, and a deeper understanding of racing begins to emerge.

Across the weekend, 120 Top-10 awards were presented, highlighting both strong performances and the inclusive spirit of the event. Just as important were the moments between runs—teammates cheering in the finish, athletes rebounding from tough sections, and shared excitement across clubs. It’s these moments that define the experience and build the foundation for future success.

A big thank you to Thomas Cheng for the incredible photography this season. Check out these beauties!

Behind the scenes, more than 100 volunteers ensured the event ran seamlessly, from course prep and timing to gates and hospitality. Their collective effort created a safe, high-quality race environment and once again demonstrated the strength of the Coast Zone community.

Leading the delivery was Mark Schwenk (Technical Delegate), alongside Kim Mohr (Chief of Race), Perveen Biln (Start Referee), Jocelyn Ramsey (Finish Referee), Vlada Novak (Chief of Gates), Kaveh Afshari (Chief of Timing), Teresa Skelton (Chief of Manual Timing), Ian Campbell (Chief of Course), Josh Good (Chief of Slip), Andrea Tegzes and Andrea Vigna (Race Secretaries), Raul Anguita (Program Director), Tanya Cornelia and Kristina Herder (Chiefs of Volunteers), Eric Roberts (Chief of Hospitality), and Helene Tremblay (Sponsors/Awards/Media).

With strong racing, exceptional conditions, and a full community effort, the 2026 Coast Zone Finals at Cypress were a fitting cap to the season.

– A special thanks to Helene Tremblay for contributions to this story.

More than 150 skiers from Vernon, Apex, Big White, Sun Peaks, and Revelstoke came ready to finish the season strong. Saturday’s GS for the U14 and U16’s delivered speed and intensity, while Sunday’s slalom brought full spring energy. Despite the warmth, the surface held firm thanks to a dedicated course crew that refused to let the conditions win.

The U12 skiers kept the momentum high with two GS runs on Saturday and two SL runs on Sunday (junior and paneled), showcasing strong progression and confidence heading into next season.

This event was a true zone effort, with volunteers from across clubs stepping in at every level – from course prep to timing to finish line energy.

A sincere thank you to all volunteers, coaches, families, and partners, including SilverStar Mountain Resort and Teck, for making this weekend – and the entire season – a success.

Photos: Eva Manuchova

Organizing Committee:
Led by Hugh MacNaught (Technical Delegate), Kim Shippam (Chief of Race), and Carol Main (Race Chair), with key support from Luke Hornhardt (Chief of Course), Rob Skringer (Chief of Timing), Marty Steele (Chief of Gates), Alison Uesson (Race Administration), Allison Goff (Volunteer Coordinator), and Rodger Poole (VSC Program Director), the event was delivered through a strong, collaborative effort across the zone.

Earlier this season, the decision was made in early February to relocate the U14 Provincials from Mt. Washington to Apex. With typically a year of planning required for an event of this scale, the Apex organizing committee and supporting clubs rose to the challenge—delivering a high-quality championship event on a condensed timeline.

Friday kicked off with Team Duals, featuring 28 teams made up of 8–9 athletes from mixed clubs, each led by an assigned coach. Despite above-zero temperatures, rain, and slushy conditions, racers put down strong single runs in a spirited and collaborative format. Off the hill, athletes took part in a scavenger hunt around Apex Village, followed by a well-earned BBQ lunch hosted by The Edge Bistro – bringing athletes and coaches together in a fun, team-focused environment.

Overnight, temperatures dropped, transforming the track and setting up ideal race conditions for the remainder of the weekend.

Saturday featured boy’s slalom on Okanagan and girl’s giant slalom on Old Mill (Dual ROC). Under bluebird skies and below-zero temperatures, athletes were met with firm, consistent surfaces – conditions that allowed for confident skiing and high-level performance across the field.

Sunday delivered more of the same, with boy’s GS on Old Mill and girl’s slalom on Okanagan. The GS track in particular stood out, offering a surface that would rival top-level race venues—one that any World Cup athlete would have appreciated.

This event would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of volunteers. With limited lead time, clubs from across the province stepped up in force. A special thank you goes to volunteers from Sun Peaks and Mt. Washington who arrived early on Thursday to assist with venue setup, alongside the many hands who supported throughout the weekend to ensure smooth and safe racing.

Leading the race organizing effort was Michael Johncox (Race Chair), supported by Wally James (Chief of Timing), David Warriner (Chief of Race, Men), Jeff Ellis (Chief of Race, Women), Todd Ring (Chief of Course, Men), Martin Parilak (Chief of Course, Women), Sonja Childs (Chief of Gates, Women), Mark Leng (Chief of Gates, Men), Jenafor Lansel (Race Administrator), and Dave Gill (Chief of Volunteers).

From a rapid turnaround in planning to exceptional race execution, the 2026 U14 Provincials at Apex showcased the strength, collaboration, and resilience of the BC Alpine community.