Skip to main content
Add Me To Your Mailing List
HomeConv: 2025 Volunteer of the Year



Volunteer of the Year...


92nd Annual Far West Ski Association Convention

June 12 - 15, 2025


Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs
1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 • 833-372-3940
https://rivierapalmsprings.com/


"Changes in Latitude"



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 2025 Volunteer of the Year Honorees:

Arizona Ski Council


Craig Caples
Skier Craig, as he’s known, is currently and has been president of the Las Vegas Ski & Sports Club for several years, and a member since 1965. He received his Skier Craig alias when broadcasting ski reports over the radio for 13 years. He has promoted skiing over radio, as a videographer, in schools, as a PSIA certified instructor and through ski club activities throughout his life.

Bay Area Snowsports Council

Debbie Kelsey
Debbie Kelsey is a big reason Inskiers thrives as a snowsports and social club. She rocks it both on and off the slopes and race course, with a friendly smile and welcoming conversation for everyone.


Central Council of California

 
Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs


Tamara Loveland
Skiing has been Tamara’s passion since she first got on skis at the age of 5. In her 30’s, she joined the National Ski Patrol and patrolled Bear Mountain and Mt. Waterman for 8 years. After her kids grew up, she found the Wailers, and joined the board after her first year, becoming the Social Director. “It’s been a lot of work but also a ton of fun getting to know and spend time with this great group of people.”




 
National Brotherhood of Snowsports – Western Region


Debi Dohm
Debi has been a member of NBS since 1993. She is active on the NBS West-ern Region Board of Directors as well as the NBS National Board of Directors. She has been NBS Summit Chair three years consecutively, and Chair of the Western Region NBS Winter Carnival/Urban WinterFest for over 13 years. She has been on the NBS Site Section Chair/Committee for over 5 years.

Northwest Ski Club Council


Sue Rimkeit
Sue is the current vice president of Northwest Ski Club Council. She is actively engaged in numerous ski clubs, and goes above and beyond to support everyone, securing top-notch speakers, arranging meeting locations and ensuring every need is met with enthusiasm and efficiency. Her commitment strengthens all organizations she participates in.



Orange Council of Ski Clubs


Barbara Razo
Barbara has volunteered with FWSA for over 30 years, serving in various roles including National Ski Patrol Liaison, Silent Auction/Trade Show Chair, Far West Ski Foundation Secretary and Orange Council Huntington Beach Ski Club Rep. She has been with the National Ski Patrol for over 25 years and is currently the NSP Southern California Region Director.

San Diego Council of Ski Clubs

Tom Bundgard

Tom is a member of the San Diego Ski Club, where he is the current president, and he is also president of San Diego Council of Ski Clubs. He’s a past trustee of Far West Ski Association and volunteers with the San Diego Track Club and at running events.


Sierra League & Council


Monica Palmer
Monica belongs to the Reno Ski & Recreation Club in Reno, Nevada, where she’s been a member since 2005. She has served as Trip Chair, VP of Public Relations, President and Past President, and is currently focusing on her current job as Safety Administrator. She’s learned much while researching safety information on various topics. Monica also serves as FWSA’s Safety Chair.




  

 


 


Contact:
 Sheri Parshall
Volunteer of the Year Program Chair
  503-706-0522










 


Online Registration is now OPEN.

Book your lodging by May 19, 2025 to secure your room.

We look forward to seeing you in Palm Springs, CA, June 12-15, 2025