Tyler Werry

On March 7, 2025, the Fernie Ski Hall of Fame celebrated its latest inductees in a sold-out evening of recognition and storytelling. The event honored five exceptional contributors to Fernie’s skiing legacy, acknowledging their passion, dedication, and impact on the local and national snowsports community. The gathering of 110 attendees, many donning their favorite ski sweaters, created an atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation for the pioneers, builders, and sport leaders who have shaped Fernie’s skiing heritage.

Mike Delich, Chair of Fernie Skiing Heritage and 2024 Canadian Ski Hall of Fame inductee, expressed his gratitude to the attendees and honorees, stating, “Fernie’s community spirit and kindness welcomed these new members and their outstanding achievements in Fernie snowsports.”

Recognizing Excellence in Skiing
The Class of 2025 honorees were inducted across three categories: Pioneer, Builder, and Sport Leader, each representing different but vital contributions to the sport.

Pioneer – Fernie Nordic Society
The Fernie Nordic Society was recognized for its role in developing and sustaining Nordic skiing in the region. Since its founding in 2006 by Barb Kosiec, the club has grown into a cornerstone of Fernie’s winter sports community, fostering competitive and recreational skiing. Current club president, Megan Lohmann, and longtime board member, Matthieu Corriveau, accepted the award, representing the ongoing efforts that have led to the club’s remarkable achievements. The Fernie Nordic Society now supports 22 athletes in regional, provincial, and national competitions, including BC Development and National Prospect Team members such as Ella Fuller and Tate Elson. Their success showcases the strength of Fernie’s Nordic program and the legacy of the club’s founders and supporters.

Builder – Dr. Rod Geddis
Dr. Rod Geddis was honored for his outstanding contributions to ski racing and youth development. Arriving in Fernie in 1979, Geddis became a driving force in the Nancy Greene Ski League and the Fernie Alpine Ski Team (FAST). His commitment helped the program grow from 30 to 120 skiers within three years, creating a strong foundation for young athletes. Over four decades, Geddis served as a race official, club president, and Technical Delegate for BC Alpine, helping to elevate ski racing standards in Fernie. He also played a key role in hosting NorAm races and BC Championships while mentoring young athletes who would go on to national and international success. In his acceptance speech, Geddis credited his fellow coaches, volunteers, and his family for their unwavering support, sharing his belief that skiing should always be fun, social, and accessible to all.

Sport Leader
This category recognized three outstanding athletes whose competitive careers brought national and international recognition to Fernie skiing.

Katie Anderson – Freeride World Champion
A world-class snowboarder, Katie Anderson began her skiing journey in Fernie before switching to snowboarding at age six. She quickly rose through the ranks, joining the BC Snowboard Team and later competing on the World Cup circuit. After transitioning to freeride competition, she became the 2023 Freeride World Tour Champion, solidifying her status as a top athlete in her discipline. Due to coaching commitments with the BC Snowboard Team in Ontario, Katie was unable to attend, but her parents, Anne Aiken and John Anderson, accepted the award on her behalf.

Tyler Werry – World Cup Ski Racer
A Canadian Alpine Ski Team member, Tyler Werry has had a stellar career spanning World Cup competitions and NorAm Championships. Having grown up skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort, Werry progressed through the Fernie Alpine Ski Team, BC Provincial Team, and National Team. Among his many accolades, he is a two-time NorAm Downhill Champion and a Canadian National Champion in Giant Slalom and Super G. His dedication extended beyond racing, as he later became a FIS-level coach, helping develop future ski champions. Dave Ellis, Director of the Canadian Ski Cross Team, and Ian Larsen, a longtime FAST coach, presented Werry’s award.

Rod Timm – Dedicated Ski Coach
With a coaching career spanning more than three decades, Rod Timm has been a pillar of youth ski development in Fernie. From 1988 to the present, he has coached generations of skiers, mentoring them with passion, patience, and technical expertise. His work has had a lasting impact, shaping the careers of competitive racers and fostering a love of skiing in young athletes. Geoff Seagram, Chief of Medical for the Calgary Olympics, and Steve Koles, a former student of Timm, spoke about the profound influence he has had on the ski community.

Kaleb Barnum

Looking to the Future
As the evening concluded, the audience turned their attention to the next generation of Fernie snowsports athletes. Rising stars such as Kaleb Barnum, Andrea Byrne, Dylan Timm, Sam Goodison, and Caoimhe Heavey were recognized for their achievements, underscoring the enduring strength of Fernie’s ski community.

With the 2027 induction ceremony set to celebrate 65 years of snowsports in Fernie, the Fernie Ski Hall of Fame continues to preserve and honor the town’s rich skiing heritage. This year’s inductees have left an indelible mark on Fernie’s slopes, inspiring future generations to embrace the spirit of skiing and the culture that makes this mountain town so special.

About the Fernie Ski Hall of Fame
Fernie’s ski heritage was first honored in 2012 during the 50th anniversary of Fernie Snow Valley, now known as Fernie Alpine Resort.

Receptions in 2012 and 2014 were held to induct and honor the Pioneers, Builders, and Sport Leaders who have shaped Fernie’s proud history of snow sports and mountain life, celebrating the town’s deep-rooted skiing heritage.

The Fernie Skiing Heritage Wall of Fame was officially opened at Slopeside Lodge in the Fernie Alpine Resort Plaza on February 10, 2023. Each inductee from past receptions is featured in the new displays, offering visitors a glimpse into Fernie’s rich skiing legacy.

Stop by during your visit to learn about the history and heritage of skiing in Fernie and explore the stories of the individuals and organizations who have worked, volunteered, organized, and competed to build a winter legacy that the entire community can be proud of.