The Soul Of Our Sport: volunteers, officials and race crew

Throughout November and early December, an army of volunteers, officials, ski resort staff, race crew and race administrators have been working tirelessly, relentlessly to deliver another world-class venue, event and opportunity to our athletes in Lake Louise.

No other ski resort in the world runs two World Cup events and a Nor-Am: this year 12 race starts for the best in the world and the next generation of champions.

Six WC races, 6 Nor-Am races.

This dedicated crew do this because they take great pride in their work, in what they are able to accomplish each year and in the opportunity they provide to our athletes and inspiration to younger generations.

Over 22 continuous years, the Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup has become the most successful World Cup venue for Canadian Alpine Ski Team athletes – thanks to the Nor-Am and the opportunity to share their base experience in the big leagues.

This dedicated army does it with little fanfare or recognition – and too often without thanks.

So in a very modest way, here is a representation of some of the faces and tasks these heroes of ski racing.Thank you, from everyone in our alpine ski racing community, for what you do every year.

Note: Lake Louise has been hosting World Cup races since 1980, and annually since 1991. The Olympic downhill was developed for ski racing in 1962, as part of the Banff/Calgary bids for the Olympic Winter Games of 1964, 1968 and 1972.

The 1980 World Cup at Lake Louise was the 1st downhill ever staged in Canada. Over fourty years, the Winterstart World Cup races have built a volunteer ethic that powers sport events in western Canada.