About Us

In 1978 Mike and Bonnie Wiegele formed the Banff Quikies Ski Club to offer basic ski instruction for children in the Banff area.  Shortly after, the Banff Alpine Racers (BAR) Ski Club was formed to allow graduates of the Quikies program to begin competitive racing in the Bow Valley and provide a pathway to Canadian Ski Team.  Over the past four decades thousands of children have called BAR home including current Canadian National Alpine Ski Team members, Erik Read and Jeffrey Read.  Past Alumni include recently retired Trevor Philp, Olympic Bronze medalist Jan Hudec, Thomas Grandi and Paul Stutz - recently inducted into the Bow Valley Sports Hall of Fame. 

With great sadness Mike Wiegele passed away in August 2021 at the age of 82.  Mike has received many awards over the years including, The Bravery Award from the Governor-General of Canada; The Marshall Award for Excellence from Canada West Ski Areas Association for outstanding contribution to the betterment of the ski industry; the Honour Roll of Canadian Skiing for outstanding contributions to the growth and development of skiing in Canada; Hall of Fame from the Canadian Ski Instructor Alliance; Banff Sports Hall of Fame; Austria’s prestigious Goldenes Verdienstzeichen Gold Medal. In 2019, Thompson Rivers University awarded Mike an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. 

Mike’s passion and love for skiing have changed the lives of many Canadians over the years, and we will continue to uplift his legacy through our shared passion for our sport, ski racing 

BAR/BVQ Mission Statement

“To foster a passion for ski racing and the mountains by providing opportunities
for members to develop life skills, community spirit and friendship while in
pursuit of personal and athletic excellence.”

BAR/BVQ membership begins at five years of age, offering a development pathway for athletes into their late teens.  Programming begins with one full day a week, increasing days on snow with families interest and commitment. 

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 Executive Director - Pete Bosinger and BVQ Manager - Claire Horton, along with professional certified coaches on both a full time and seasonal basis.  The employment of high caliber coaches and the acquisition of equipment are vital to remain at the forefront of Canadian Ski Racing.  In addition volunteers contribute significantly to race hosting and fundraising activities, thus building a stronger BAR community, nurturing individual success for all  members.