Home »
Fernie Skiing Heritage adds to Wall of Fame
Fernie Skiing Heritage is pleased to announce the induction of five new honourees onto the Fernie Ski Wall of Fame.
Located in the Cornerstone Lodge at Fernie Alpine Resort, the Wall of Fame recognizes pioneers, builders, and sport leaders who have made significant contributions to Fernie’s rich snowsports heritage.
Class of 2025: Pioneer – Fernie Nordic Society
The Fernie Nordic Society was founded in 2006 by dedicated volunteers and community partners who established its constitution and guiding principles. Their mission was to promote Nordic skiing, collaborate with local stakeholders and to encourage healthy active lifestyles within the community.
From its early days, the society focused on developing guidelines of supported skiing and snowshoeing opportunities for all ages. The first official day of cross-country skiing took place on December 16, 2006, on the Fernie Golf Course and the club grew to 220 members in its inaugural season of operation
Its first equipment purchase was a Ginzu roller and groomer compactor operated by a single person snow machine.
The organization was benefitted by guidance of Olympic Gold Medallist Beckie Scott, who supported early visioning and engagement.
By 2019 – 2020 membership had grown to 985 peaking at 1337 that same year. The Society has continually expanded its trail infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, new trails, and the clubhouse at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre. The club engaged expert trail designer (and World Masters Champion) Reidar Zapf-Gilje in the design of the trail network for the Nordic Centre.
The society regularly hosts regional and local competitions for athletes and members and facilitates youth, teen and Masters lessons and programming, as well as a competitive race team.
In 2025 two athletes earned gold medals at the Canadian Nordic championships and in 2026, two youth athletes competed in the World Junior Nordic Championships in Norway. Today, the thriving organization remains committed to its founding principles.
The 2025 individual inductees are:
Katie Anderson, whose Snowsports journey began with school programs in Jaffray, went on to compete internationally and captured the World Freeride Title in 2023.
Dr. Rod Geddis, a long-time Fernie physician, dedicated more than three decades to supporting ski racing as a team doctor, ski club president, and BC Technical Delegate race official.
Rod Timm, head coach of the Fernie Alpine Ski Team and former Canadian Ski Coach of the Year, led the development of national-level athletes while making a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of young skiers.
Tyler Werry, a former Canadian Ski Team member, NORAM Downhill Champion, and World Cup racer, is recognized for his success as both an athlete and coach, including being named BC Coach of the Year.
A big thank you to Lorretta and Ryley Johnson with Kootenay Signs, Char Hornquist with Fernie Printing, Karen and Kim Oakden, Tara Higgins with HH Gallery and Andy Cohen with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Photos Courtesy of Fernie Skiing Heritage
Submitted
