Banff Alpine Racers

The Banff Quikies Ski Club was formed in 1978 to provide basic ski instruction for children in the Banff area. The Banff Alpine Racers Ski Club was formed shortly thereafter to create a competitive skiing program for graduates of the Quikies program. In 1992, the Banff Quikies Ski Club was renamed the Bow Valley Quikies Ski Club to more accurately reflect the home base of the membership. Hundreds of children have been involved over the past two decades and the program has produced a number of skiers who have been successful at national and international levels. Most importantly, the children involved in the program have made new friends, improved their skiing skills, and learned to enjoy and respect our mountain environment.

Over the last several years our club has experienced a growing membership in our Quikies program where these young skiers gain the skills to compete successfully in races and develop a life-long love of the sport of skiing. BAR membership has grown as well and we offer a full continuum of juvenile and junior programs.

The Bow Valley Quikies Ski Club and Banff Alpine Racers continue to represent the Bow Corridor as ambassadors of both tourism and sports excellence. The Bow Valley attracts skiers, both young and old, ready to learn the fundamentals. The Bow Valley also recognizes skiing as one of the Rockies ' premier industries. Ski racing success, be it past, present or future, has directly or indirectly benefited the community.

The Bow Valley Quikies and Banff Alpine Racers are both members of the Alpine Canada Alpin and Alberta Alpine Ski Association. Both clubs are registered under the Societies Act and are not-for-profit youth development organizations.

The clubs are managed by volunteer executive boards, which are elected by the membership at the clubs' Annual General Meetings each spring. The clubs employ a full time Technical Director and professional certified coaches on both a full time seasonal and part time seasonal basis.

The clubs' goal is to stay at the forefront of Canadian ski racing and to make ski racing accessible to Bow Valley skiers. This implies the delivery of sophisticated programs, which provide each of our athletes the opportunity to maximize his or her potential. The employment of high caliber coaches and the acquisition of quality training equipment are vital to the achievement of this goal.

Our financial goal is to have families pay for coaching and membership fees only. Fundraising, sponsorship, and government grants cover administration, overheads, equipment, and transportation costs.

One of the principle mandates of both clubs is to make skiing and ski racing accessible to a large number of families. The Bow Valley Quikies and Banff Alpine Racers recognize that one of the major barriers to participation in our sport is cost. The active participation of parents in various fundraising volunteer activities is therefore extremely important and greatly appreciated.

We plan to continue to improve on our standard of excellence and encourage our young athletes to be the best they can be. We also recognize that our primary purpose is to provide an environment where children make friends, learn skills and develop a love for skiing.