Race Season 2025!
Our mission is to provide a fun skiing environment that allows each and every child to excel in a variety of ways, fostering connections throughout their ski journey and learning life skills, all the while improving their overall skiing ability.
Our club’s ultimate environment of fun and enjoyment involves a variety of training methods and warm ups, as well as club events throughout the season that include race course experience. Kids will have the opportunity to meet new ski buddies and potentially develop lifelong friendships while progressing their skills on the hill.
With programs that are designed to meet the needs of all age groups and further each child’s athletic progression, we also strive to have the kids develop a new maximum rating on their ‘Fun Meter’.
Schedule
SKILLS ASSESMENT
Puppies Program – Saturday Group
Basic Program – Saturday Group
Puppies Program – Sunday Group
Basic Program – Sunday Group
NO SATURDAY LESSONS
About
As a group of passionate individuals wanting to provide the best ski programs possible for young athletes, we had to ask ourselves, “What makes a ski club?”.
For us, the answer to that question was a simple observation: What makes a ski club is the people in it.
At the Black Dogs, we believe in athlete centred programs that are both driven and directed by our coaches rather than a parent-run Board of Directors. This sets us apart from most clubs in the sense that our coaches are able to coordinate training programs that are best for the development of all athletes within the program based off of coaching experience and observation on the hill. Each athlete’s needs can be tended to while still benefitting the group as a whole.
Ski racing establishes skills and lessons that transfer to many different aspects in life; our programs are formed around cultivating these skills and experiences in a way that will set athletes up for future success, even outside of ski racing, and share our passion for this amazing sport in our beautiful home of Lake Louise.
The Black Dogs started off as a vision between an assorted group of parents and individuals who were brought together by their shared passion for skiing at Lake Louise along with the desire to create a unique yet effective ski racing experience for young athletes. Since then, our club has established its exceptional atmosphere and—with our athlete’s achievements—is starting to grow a name for itself within the the ski racing community of Western Canada.
With our unparalleled athlete to coach ratio, we ensure that every child in our programming is well looked after and provided the necessary attention each day to excel in numerous ways.
We have a core group of individuals, both on the coaching side and on our Board of Directors who have been with the club since it began and whose hard work, values, and continued involvement is not only greatly appreciated and respected, but also the main reason the Black Dogs has become what it is today.
Having completed our tenth year of operation, we are very proud to have provided effective ski racing programs for children from around the Bow Valley Corridor and Calgary Area. We look forward to continuing to be a part of the communities we serve, providing a wonderful and enjoyable environment within the ski club for all participants.
Coach

Rick Bowie
President
Tony Seligman
Board Director
Paul Coatsworth
Board Director, Coach
Bayne
CoachEllie
Coach
Kazue
Coach
Olivia
Coach
Braedon
Head CoachLucy
Coach
Liam
Coach
Paul Coatsworth
Board Director, Coach
Mike Koper
Tech Advisor
Ms. Kazue Isoyama
U8 CoachA code of conduct has been developed and a coordinated team effort is required for the best possible operation of our programs.
A Code of Ethics Committee is established in order to supervise the Lake Louise Black Dogs Ski Club member’s behavior.
ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Obey the Skiers Responsibility Code at all times. When free skiing, the athlete will always be under control and at a safe speed so as to not scare or endanger other skiers. Athletes must obey all posted mountain signs and all verbal or written instructions received from the ski patrol, coaches and/or ski area employees.
-
Participate and commit fully to the training and racing plan as designed by the coaching staff (dry land, on-snow, equipment, diet, rest, etc.) giving 100% to the achievement of their personal advancement plan.
-
Communicate with the coaches on all aspects of the program and plan and respect the decisions of the coaching staff.
-
Respect, properly use and refrain from abuse of ski area and other venue equipment and facilities. Become the proud of Lake Louise Ski Area.
-
Show courteous and cooperative behavior to all coaches, gatekeepers, parents, officials, employees, and customers of all ski areas and other venues during the training and competition.
-
Refrain from the use of profane language or directing profane language toward anyone at anytime. Behave in the manner that brings credit to yourself, the team and program. Athletes shall be known as the best on and off the hill.
-
Endeavor to maintain a clean and neat appearance at all times so as to promote yourself, the team, and the community. Wear team uniforms and insignia with pride whenever directed by the coaching staff.
-
Show respect for others by always storing skis and other gear in appropriate place.
-
Understand and accept that any damage caused, directly or indirectly, is the athlete’s responsibility as is reimbursement of property owners, hotel or motel operators, ski areas, or ski clubs for any loss(es) incurred.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Respect all the decisions made by the Lake Louise Black Dogs Ski Club’ staff relevant to your child’s ski development program.
-
Respect and honor any and all other policies which may be developed and communicated by the Bod or coaching staff.
-
Communicate in a respectful manner with the program director and coaches as needed on all aspects of the program(s).
-
In the case of a program or coaching concerns, communicate first to the program director(s) who will guide the resolution process. Parents will refrain from taking program/coaching concerns directly to the coach or interrupting the training plan.
-
Commit to the specified fundraising activities that form the part of the overall program. Handle any and all financial obligations to the club, association and the ski community in timely and complete matter.
-
Communicate to coaches or program directors on any personal needs or changes happening in the athlete’s personal life that may affect the performance and behavior.
COACH RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Set the example and behave in accordance with the athlete’s code of conduct (above) as well as the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation and Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance code of ethics and principles.
-
Represent the best interest of all athletes.
-
Coach the athletes in a logical sequence and use all development tools available, respecting the Club program.
-
Commit 100% to the program and personal achievement of all athletes.
-
Communicate with athletes on any and all aspects of their personal goals.
-
Communicate with parents on appropriate aspects of the team and individual athlete programs.
SKI CLUB ADMINISTRATION RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Employ a capable and respected team of professional coaches to direct all programs.
-
Conduct the affairs of the club(s) in an ethical and financially responsible manner.
-
Promote and develop the program philosophy for the benefit of all athletes.
-
Ensure that the program(s) is/are well defined and understood by all parties and is available in a written outline form.
Athletes, parents, coaches and the ski club administration must all agree to the above responsibilities and understand that the Lake Louise Black Dogs Ski Club and member clubs Board of Directors have developed this code of conduct to promote and protect the teams, ski areas, and the community.
All parties agree that any infringement of the above Code of Conduct responsibilities is the grounds for disciplinary action in the form of a punishment period or dismissal for the remainder of the season.
by Peter Lepinski
Do not get fully dressed in your ski suit prior to coming to the hill. You may end up sweating and once outside you will chill off quickly. Be prepared to get fully dressed just prior to going on the hill. Your coaches will provide you with ample time.
Bring extra clean dry socks and change into a pair just as you are ready to put your boots on. That way you do not have a moist pair on your feet. Use the socks you are removing or have a small towel to dry your feet before putting the new socks on.
Each night ensure you remove your boot liners and dry them out thoroughly over a heat register.
Each night ensure you dry out your gloves thoroughly over a heat register. Mittens are much warmer than gloves and are recommended on the colder days.
Pack an extra sweat shirt or sweater in the event you may need to add on a layer.
Make sure you have a good helmet to keep your head warm, as you lose heat quickly through your head.
Ensure you have a good pair of goggles to protect your eyes if snow is falling.
Make sure you hydrate at each break. Dehydrating will cause you to loose body heat more rapidly than normal, causing discomfort faster.
Bring snacks to have during breaks so your body has a source of fuel and energy. Cold weather taps energy more rapidly than in warm weather.
Lastly, do not hesitate to approach your coach and advise them of your situation if you are feeling cold or need a break. If you are focusing on how cold or hurt you are, you are not able to effectively learn and participate.
The coaches are here to help you achieve and succeed.
With temperature at -25C and below the training will be cancelled.

Programs
An introductory program designed for children 3 and 4 years old
First time
on the snow!
Course Details
Finish Date
Days
Time
Location
FAQS
How many days of instruction
Program Fee
Registration Fee
ACA Insurance
Jacket Purchase
$120.00
$165.00
Nancy GREENE PROGRAM
AGES 5-13
Course Details
Finish Date
Days
Time
5 hours on snow
Location
FAQS
How many days of instruction
2-5 races
Program Fee
Registration Fee
ACA Insurance
Jacket Purchase
$120.00
$165.00
AGES 8-12
Course Details
Finish Date
Time
5 hours on snow
Location
FAQS
How many days of instruction
- Advanced U10: 52 Days at Lake Louise
- Advanced U12: 70 Days at Lake Louise
3+
4:1
Note that alpine skiing is known as a “late specialization sport”. Therefore, ALL programs will enjoy a balanced mix of skill development, supervised technical free skiing and an introduction to self-esteem and confidence building through friendly competitions, drill courses and professional coaching.
Athletes will be placed by ability first. Pre puberty, growth and maturation differences recognize that size and birthdate are often considered before grouping by age only.
Program Fee
Advanced U10
$3,000.00
Registration Fee
Jacket Purchase
$150.00
$165.00
AGES 12-13
A 70 days advanced program designed for 12-13 years old athletes
Course Details
Finish Date
Time
Location
FAQS
How many days of instruction
3+
6:1
Add On
-
COP Training (second mid week training day) 13 week day. Cost $900.00
-
November camp. Cost $TBA
-
December camp. Cost $TBA
-
Whistler Cup race (cost TBA)
Program Fee
70 Days Program
Registration Fee
Jacket Purchase
$150.00
$165.00
AGES 14-15
A around 90 days advanced program designed for 14-15 years old athletes
Course Details
Finish Date
Time
Location
FAQS
How many days of instruction
Recommended passes: LLSA and COP.
Add On
- November camp. Cost TBA
- Nakiska camp. Cost TBA
Program Fee
Registration Fee
Jacket Purchase
$150.00
$165.00
Snow Stars Level 3+
AGES 16+
This program is designed for athletes aged 16 and above who are looking to continue ski racing into U19 or beyond. Each athlete’s commitment to the program will be dependant on personal schedule (balancing education, social life, sport, etc.) and aspirations, but our goal as a club is to provide each individual with high quality coaching as well as training and race opportunities to achieve whatever goals they are striving towards. At the Black Dogs, we want to develop skiers for life. Whether your athlete wants to continue on to the Provincial and National teams, pursue NCAA, or even continue the sport until going to other paths in life, we work to develop strong skiers who are determined to build and improve their skills as confident skiers anywhere on the mountain.
Course Details
Finish Date
Time
Location
FAQS
How many days of instruction
4 to 6 race week ends
Recommended passes
LLSA and COP
4+
4:1
Program Fee
*This is the base cost of our FIS program. Additional camps and races can be discussed with parents and athletes depending on each’s individual budget.
All FIS athletes must purchase a FIS Card to compete as well as a Canada West All Area pass for training and races outside of Lake Louise. We strongly recommend the VIP extension to the Lake Louise Season Pass as well, as athletes can get a greater amount of runs in each training day—especially on busy days at the hill. The club will guide you in acquiring these when you register for our FIS program.
Advanced (FIS)
$9740.00
Registration Fee
Jacket Purchase
$150.00
$165.00
Add On
- November camp. Cost TBA
- December camp. Cost TBA
Canada Alpine Insurance + FIS Card
AGES 10+
This is a 18 day program for skiers aged 10 years and older. Our program is designed for athletes that are already at an advanced level and are looking to improve their skills in a variety of ways skiing on off-piste terrain.
The goal of the program is to connect local athletes with other athletes in their peer group to allow them to learn how to navigate the mountains in a safe and fun environment. The coaching ratio will be only 7 athletes per coach! Our primary goals are to instill good decision making when skiing off-piste, including terrain selection, and the ability to adapt to an ever changing mountain environment.
Course Details
Finish Date
Days
Time
+5 hours on snow
Location
FAQS
How many days of instruction
18 days
LLSA
8:1
Program Fee
Registration Fee
Jacket Fee
$150.00
$165.00