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HomeConv: 2026 Volunteer of the Year



Volunteer of the Year...


93rd Annual Far West Ski Association 
SkiCon

June 11 - 14, 2026


San Diego Marriott Mission Valley
8757 Rio San Diego Dr, San Diego, CA 92108 • 800-228-9290 
www.marriott.com/sanmv


"Peak to Pier"



Council's Volunteer of the Year Recognition


The Far West Ski Association honors top volunteers each year through the Councils’ Volunteer of the Year Program. Each council may nominate a member to be honored throughout the convention. A panel of judges scores the résumés of the nominees and conducts on-site interviews. The winning candidate is announced at the Saturday evening banquet as the FWSA Volunteer of the Year. Big White Ski Resort, our generous sponsor of this program since 2001, gives the winner a ski vacation for two at the resort.

Many may not be aware that the FWSA Councils’ Man and Woman of the Year Recognition Program started in 1982, following a competition of queens and kings that began in 1970. In 2021, the presidents of the FWSA member councils voted to change the award once more, reflecting ever-changing socio-dynamics that demanded a more gender-neutral title. As a result of this change, we’re pleased to bring you the very first “Councils’ Volunteer of the Year Recognition Program,” and its honorees!

And while we’re here to honor these exceptional volunteers, we also want to extend our extreme gratitude to Big White Ski Resort, who has been our sponsor for more than twenty years. This program would be nothing without their continued support. We look forward to sending our winning honorees to visit our friends in Canada for many years to come.



Here are your 2026 Volunteer of the Year Honorees:

Arizona Ski Council


Mike Terry
Mike's passion for Skiing has lasted 54 consecutive years so far. I enjoy supporting and organizing Club events and Ski Trips, only with passionate leadership does a Ski Club excel and provide opportunities for members to have unforgettable Experiences & Memories. 

Bay Area Snowsports Council

Claudia Fernandes
I am the current president of the Castro valley ski club for over six years. I've been in all positions of our board ski club through the years. I've instituted a yearly letter to all members for supporting local charities, new young skiers through FWSA foundation , and achieve Tahoe where we have purchased several pieces of equipment. We've focused on ski and travel as our clubs age. 


Central Council of California

 
Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs


Bob Hayes
Bob  is a lifetime skier and alpine instructor. He competed in downhill racing in his youth and more recently became involved as an instructor for disabled skiers.




 
National Brotherhood of Snowsports – Western Region



Northwest Ski Club Council


Marina Nimmo
.A dedicated ski community leader, coach, and volunteer, Marina Nimmo has become a fixture on Mount Hood through her leadership and contributions to Skiyente, PACRAT, OISRA, and FWSA. She is especially passionate about growing the racing community and mentoring the next generation of both athletes and scientists, bringing the same focus to coaching high school athletes that she does to her cardiovascular research as a PhD candidate at OHSU. Whether she's in the lab, on the mountain, or staying active through hiking, running, golf, and showing horses, Marina is driven by the goal of keeping the Northwest ski scene a vibrant, welcoming home for everyone.



Orange Council of Ski Clubs


Ann Berenson
Anne has spent 15 years on the Orange Council of Ski Clubs board. Also many years working within her own ski Club, Orange County Ski Club. Anne is now a member of Balboa Ski & Sports Club. 

San Diego Council of Ski Clubs




Sierra League & Council


Christine Kahn
As a retired Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, I have brought my administrative skills, inclusive attitude, endless ideas, energy, a positive can-do attitude and enthusiasm to my position as President of the Reno Ski and Recreation Club. As President, I have encouraged more member involvement by establishing committees, transparency and open communications. This has resulted in a more active, enthusiastic, member-involved club. 




  

 


 


Contact:
 Linda Johnston
Volunteer of the Year Program Chair
  602-790-0961










 


Book your lodging by May 21, 2026 to secure your room.

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego, CA, June 11-14, 2026