Alpine Canada athletes, alumni, partners and supporters had a busy week kicking off 100th Anniversary Celebrations in Toronto and Montreal.   

Toronto: 

Wednesday evening, the celebration started with a gala at the historic Fairmont Royal York which was attended by 25 current Canadian Alpine Ski Team (CAST), Canadian Para Alpine Ski Team (CPAST) and Canadian Ski Cross (CSX) athletes, 25 alumni and 240 partners and supporters. 

The Toronto Gala was made even more special by the relaunch of the Nancy Green Ski League.  Nancy Greene Raine and Alpine Canada CEO Vania Grandi celebrated the program that has touched thousands of families across the country and launched the careers of many of Canada’s most successful skiers. 

“Alpine Canada is thrilled to promote and support the Nancy Greene Ski League as the pathway to introducing ski racing to youth across Canada. We look forward to seeing the next Canadian Ski Team athlete who got their start in the NGSL program.” 

Montreal:

The Montreal Gala, held on Thursday evening, was an equally exciting night, with 210 partners and supporters, 16 current athletes and 28 alumni. The event, held at the Sofitel Hotel, highlighted the passion for ski racing in Quebec.

With so many alumni in attendance it was the perfect opportunity to honour the career of Canada’s most decorated male alpine skier. Erik Guay was honoured at both the Toronto and Montreal events for his success on the international stage for over two decades, being an inspiration and role model to many athletes and fans alike from coast to coast. 

The galas were also an opportunity to recognize the Audi 2019 Canadian Ski Racing Awards presented by Helly Hansen.The annual awards recognize the best in Canadian ski racing performances and contributions throughout the past season. With some recipients present to receive their awards,  Alpine Canada recognized athletes, volunteers, ski clubs and coach’s dedication, athletic success, performance and passion for the sport of ski racing. 

Throughout the events athletes and alumni shared stories, from past and present, always coming back to the importance of mentorship in their careers. Marie-Michéle Gagnon and  Brady Leman spoke to the crowd, highlighting the value of those who came before them and how impactful the rich history of Alpine Canada is. They too hope to inspire the next generation of Canadian ski racers, igniting a passion for sport and success. 

The event was marked by a touching tribute to Mikayla Martin, a member of the Canadian Ski Cross Team, who was killed in a mountain biking accident in October. 

Centennial celebrations will continue throughout this season, and into next year.  

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community. In 2020, Alpine Canada will celebrate 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.