In our life journey, we are so fortunate to meet people who bring positive change. You meet them, and your trajectory changes forever.

Al Raine was one of those special people.

Over the course of his 83 years, he was one of the founders and leaders of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. He was Canada’s first member of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine Committee and Executive Board, which shaped the foundations of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Tour. Along with his wife, Nancy, they enjoyed a loving family with sons Willy and Charlie. Their mark was and is fully evident in two communities – Whistler and Sun Peaks – both benefiting from their leadership, international contacts, visionary passion for unique destinations.

Al played a leadership role in the team who founded the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and key supporting programs for the Team and the structure of our system**. Working alongside Dave Jacobs, John Platt, Peter Webster and many others, these initiatives were well ahead of their time:

• Skiing and education: partnering with Notre Dame University College in Nelson, BC
• Summer training centre: summer ski training on the nearby Kokanee Glacier
• Extending high performance training: establishing the Griffin Summer Ski Camp for younger athletes
• International Excellence: establishing a standing Canadian Alpine Ski Team in 1964
• Athlete Pathway: cooperation with US Skiing to establish the Nor-Am Tour (then known as the Can-Am) to give young athletes in North America a world-class pathway to the World Cup
• Youth Pathway: Creation of the Nancy Greene Ski League to ski clubs across Canada for introductory programming

Al instilled into our ski racing culture a belief we could aim to be world-leading. He harnessed an extraordinary volunteer resource in our ski clubs across this wide country, to invest time and effort into the professionalization of coaching and a systemic progression from the introductory level. From the Nancy Greene Ski League which formed the base of our sport, to the Pontiac Cup and into the Can-Am the pathway became logical and the quality of events dramatically improved. He laid a firm foundation for a systemic approach to athlete development.

Not all of these remarkable innovations remain in place, but one enduring – and critical – piece does. Al wanted Canada to be a winner. To produce winners. To believe we had the capability compete with the best in the world.

I have kept a letter I received from Al, from the year before I earned my spot on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. My family was headed to Europe for a year (my father was on sabbatical). He encouraged me to use this opportunity not to focus on racing, but to “experience Europe and the vast array of options for training, languages, culture and to see how different it was from western Canada”.

I’ve reflected back so many times how profound this guidance was. To have language facility to speak with the locals; to join a local ski club and build life-long friendships, to understand how other countries frame and shape their athlete pathways. To experience the beating heart of ski racing at the core of nations who are most passionate about our sport.

When Al stepped away from his duties within the FIS, I had the good fortune to be named his successor on the FIS Alpine Executive Board. He shared with me only recently, the key reasons he wanted me to take on this position were credibility within the ski racing community and ability to speak German and French. His advice to a young, green FIS athlete, shared 15 years before, proved to be so useful.

Although Al stepped away from direct involvement with the Canadian Snowsports Association and the FIS in 1988, he remained keenly interested as both an athlete-parent and fan. Willy reached the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and was a member of the 1992 Olympic Team to Albertville. He followed Canadian performances on the World Cup closely. Sun Peaks became home to the Nancy Greene Ski League Festival, which brought together young athletes from the ski clubs across British Columbia for a multi-event season windup.

From a grateful community, we share our thanks to Al for his life-long enthusiasm for our athletes and our sport.

** authors note: A note of thanks to Canadian Alpine Ski Team alumni Mike Culver, who shared his insight about the leaders Al worked with in establishing and building Canada’s high performance alpine ski program and the Canadian Alpine Ski Team.

Posted by Sun Peaks Resort

It is with deep sorrow that Sun Peaks Resort announces the passing of Al Raine, our esteemed Mayor and a visionary leader whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping our community and advancing ski tourism in British Columbia.

Mayor Raine’s unwavering commitment to Sun Peaks and his profound passion for the ski industry have left an enduring legacy. After relocating to Sun Peaks in the mid-1990’s with his wife, Olympic gold medalist Nancy Greene Raine, he played a pivotal role in transforming the resort into a world-class destination. His leadership was key to the incorporation of Sun Peaks as a Mountain Resort Municipality in 2010, fostering a vibrant and sustainable community that reflects his vision.

Recently, Al and Nancy were honoured at the BC Sports Hall of Fame Annual Summit with lifetime leadership and achievement awards, recognizing their exceptional contributions to ski tourism in British Columbia. From their early days shaping Whistler/Blackcomb to their transformative impact on Sun Peaks Resort, Al and Nancy have left an indelible mark on the sport and the industry.

Mayor Raine’s dedication to his community and his tireless work ethic continued until his final days. His vision and leadership extended far beyond Sun Peaks, inspiring countless individuals across the ski and tourism industries.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Nancy Greene Raine, his family, and all who are mourning this loss. Al’s dedication to skiing, our community, and the people around him left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten.