Dear Ski Club Families,
At this point in the season, all of our programs have now experienced their first race day. For many athletes, this is an exciting milestone, the moment when training meets the challenge of the course, the clock, and the start gate nerves. First races bring a mix of emotions: anticipation, adrenaline, pride, disappointment, breakthroughs, and valuable lessons. Regardless of results, simply stepping into the start and finishing a run represents courage, growth, and progress. It’s also a natural time for families to settle into the rhythm of race season and to refocus on what matters most: effort, learning, sportsmanship, and enjoyment of the sport.

As a past athlete, FIS coach, Program Director, and now a full-time taxi-ski-sparkle parent, I’ve experienced ski racing from just about every angle. With most of our programs having completed their first competitions of the season, this is a great moment to reinforce our RISE values and reflect on how we can best support our athletes from the sidelines.One of the most powerful influences on a young athlete’s experience isn’t the course conditions, the equipment, or even the result; it’s what happens in the car ride home.
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If you’re unsure what to say after a race, here is the gold standard: “I just love watching you ski.” That single sentence communicates unconditional support, pride, and perspective. It tells your child that they are valued for who they are, not just how they placed.

If they want to talk more, you can gently prompt reflection by asking:

• What is one thing you did well today?
• What is one thing you could do a little better next time?

These questions build ownership, resilience, and growth without adding pressure.

If you capture video of their run, try allowing your athlete to review it on their own terms. Some athletes want to analyze immediately; others need time. Let them lead. When they are ready, video can be an incredibly powerful learning tool, especially when guided by their coaches.

Our goal as a club is not only to develop great skiers, but confident, resilient young people who love the sport for life. Your support plays a huge role in making that happen.

Thank you for everything you do, the early mornings, long drives, frozen fingers, and unwavering encouragement. We truly could not do this without you.

See you on the hill.
Warm regards,

Support Lake Louise Ski Clubs with our Purdy’s Easter Chocolate Fundraiser! Every purchase helps raise important funds to support our athletes, coaching, and programs whilst keeping club fees affordable.

Stock up for Easter and buy early to enjoy or share delicious chocolates with family, friends, co-workers and neighbours. Thank you for supporting our athletes and helping our ski community thrive! To make this easier to share, direct delivery is available anywhere in Canada!  We will also have a pick up at the resort in the parking lot Sunday, March 22 at the end of the day.

For a little incentive, we have 2 promo codes on the line for next season, each valued at $200 each. The first will go to the family that sells the highest dollar amount and the second will go to the family with most number of individual sales (multiple orders from one person will count as 1 sale).

This is your final way to earn Financial Volunteer Credits for the season.  You will earn 1 credit for each $200 sold. If you are unsure if you have met your financial commitment for the year you can look at our volunteer tracking sheet.

​Share your family's QR code or link from the email you received earlier today from Sarah Booker, with your friends, family, co-workers and neighbours!  Please ask they include your family name in 'Order Notes' field at checkout for any orders in our bulk delivery.

This year, the LLSCs brought Sisters in Send and Moms in Send together for one big celebration of our female ski community. Athletes, moms, and coaches from Grizzlies, Race, and Freeride all joined in, making it our most spirited and inclusive event yet.

The Grizzly Cup, held on February 7th, was a tremendous success. Despite challenging snow conditions, athletes rose to the occasion—impressing spectators and judges with bold line choices, impressive speed, strong control, and plenty of airtime. Their performances created an unforgettable day on the mountain.

This year’s overall champions, Lucy Caputa and Regan Lyon, delivered especially exciting and entertaining runs, showcasing skill, creativity, and confidence from top to bottom.

The day also brought some extra excitement with not one, but three bears competing in the event. It was fantastic to have Bear Street Outfitter’s Gordon and the Lake Louise Ski Resort’s Griff join our very own Grizz at this year’s competition. The three bears even threw down some amazing runs of their own!

A huge thank‑you goes out to our incredible volunteers, whose hard work and dedication made this event possible. We are also grateful to Bear Street Outfitters for their continued support of the Grizzly Cup, and to LD&A for generously sponsoring the club social, which was very well attended and enjoyed by all.

Drop into the Lake Louise Freeride world for one epic day— this is where the big‑mountain stoke begins.

If you’ve ever wondered what freeride skiing is all about, or you’re thinking of joining the Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club next season, this is your chance. Our Try Freeride Day gives athletes a full day on snow with our coaches, following a real training day just like our club does all winter.

We keep the cost low ($20) so anyone interested in learning about freeride, progression, or joining the club can come experience it for themselves.
*Note: This is for anyone who is NOT currently in an LLSC program*
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Who: Strong skiers age 10 and up (comfortable on all Lake Louise double blacks)
Cost: $20  (Lift Ticket NOT included)
Event Dates: March 7th or 8th
Registration Deadline: March 1st

What the Day Looks Like
⏰ Meet at 8:55 AM — ready to ski
Right in front of the Lake Louise day lodge. Then it’s a full day of skiing with our coaches until around 3:00 pm, with a break for lunch around 11:30 am. (lunch not included)

👥 Small Groups + Big Learning
We aim for a 1 coach : 6 athletes ratio (up to 8 max when appropriate), so every athlete gets personalized attention.

⛰️ Where We Ski
You’ll spend most of your day on the backside of Lake Louise working on freeride‑oriented ski technique and learning how to approach features appropriate for your ability — from tiny drops to bigger, more advanced lines.
We usually also spend a bit of time in the terrain park.

❓ Q&A With Our Head Coach at 3:00 PM
Parents and athletes can ask anything about the club, training, competitions, or next steps.

Prerequisites

• Must be 10 yo or older
• Must be able to ski everywhere on the mountain with confidence, including double black runs (e.g., ER3, Big 7).
• Have a valid Lake Louise Lift ticket for the day, or Season pass.

• Must be open, supportive, inclusive, and excited to have fun and make new friends!

 
Mandatory Equipment
Helmet, back protector, and normal‑sized ski poles.
 
Why Join the Try Freeride Day?
Because there’s no better way to see what freeride at Lake Louise is all about.
You’ll ski real freeride terrain, meet our coaches, get a feel for the vibe, and discover why our athletes love this club.
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Whether you’re just curious or already thinking about joining the club next season — this is the perfect first step.
 
Spots Are Limited — Sign Up Now!
Come experience what freeride at Lake Louise is about!

About Our Freeride Club
We are part of the Lake Louise Ski Clubs and proud supporters of the RISE values: Respect, Inclusion, Support, Effort.

The Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club focuses on building a strong, positive community where athletes feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow — as skiers and as a person. Through skiing we help develop lifelong skills on and off the snow.

Competition Pathway
We are a competitive club, and our training prepares athletes for IFSA Junior Series freeride competitions. Competing is encouraged but never mandatory.
We have coaches at most IFSA competitions in Western Canada supporting athletes throughout the competition weekend including high‑quality video review of athletes’ runs.
 
The Coaching Team
Our staff is a mix of:

• High‑level technical coaches (CSIA Level 4, CSIA/BASI 3, Freestyle Canada Supercoach)
• High‑level athletes and ex‑athletes who have competed at the top of the Junior circuit (NorAm, World Junior Championships)

Each group stays with the same two‑coach team (one technical, one high‑performing (ex)athlete) throughout the season.
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What We Offer Throughout the Year
On top of on-snow freeride training every weekend, our athletes have access to:

• Terrain park training at WinSport
• Airbag training at WinSport
• Trampoline, water ramp, airbag, and dryland programs (Summer and Autumn)
• Strength & conditioning programs most of the year

 
If you have more questions about the Club, you can meet our coaches at the end of the Try Freeride Day to ask questions or reach out to our Head Coach ([email protected])
 
We’d love to see you on snow and show you what freeride at Lake Louise is all about. See you out there!

We’re thrilled to invite all athletes, parents, and siblings to the LLSC Year-End Banquet—a night of celebration, fun, and recognition for our incredible athletes! This year, we’re adding a stylish twist—come dressed in your best black and white attire. Whether you go sleek and sophisticated or bold and dramatic, let’s make the night a monochrome masterpiece!

Event details:
📍 Location: Coast Hotel - 511 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore
📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM 

The evening will feature: 
✨ Fun activities for the kids
🍹 Cocktails & a buffet dinner
 🎥 Exciting videos starring our athletes
🏆 Awards ceremony to honor achievements
👕 Black & White Dress Challenge — Go classic, funky, elegant, or sporty… just make it monochrome and make it fun!

Tickets & Pricing:
🎿 LLSC Athletes & Siblings (Under 12): $37
 🎿 LLSC Athletes (12 & Older): $45
👨‍👩‍👧 Parents & Siblings (Over 12): $65
👶 Children (2 & Under): Free (Ticket required)
🍸Bar will be available for alcoholic beverages (cash or credit)

Get your tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/2026-year-end-awards-banquet  
Tickets are available until April 10

Accommodations:
🏠The Coast is offering discounted room rates for our group. Reservations may be made using the following link: https://book.passkey.com/go/LakeLouiseSki2026  
Please note that, in order to secure the lowest possible rate, the first night of each reservation is pre-paid and non-refundable. Any additional nights remain subject to a 48-hour cancellation policy.

A few housekeeping items to keep in mind:
🧒👀 Parents, please keep an eye on your little legends—our coaches will be officially off-duty and busy being fabulous guests at the Banquet! 

Ⓟ For Hotel Guests staying overnight, there is a self-parking fee $10 per day per vehicle (first come first served). For any event attendees not staying overnight at the Coast Hotel parking is available at an hourly charge by use of the Indigo Neo App. 
 
We can’t wait to welcome you in stunning black and white as we close out a fantastic season. Here’s to a night full of memories, moments, and timeless black‑and‑white brilliance!