Thank you to everyone who joined us at Grand Gardens North on Sunday, March 29, 2026, to celebrate the incredible members, friends, and families who make up our ski community at our annual awards banquet. The evening was about more than just awards, it was a chance to gather together, share a meal, reconnect with friends and make new ones, and celebrate another fantastic season.
It is important for us to recognize and thank our landowners and community partners who support our programs and allow access to the beautiful trail network we enjoy year-round. Thank you Kinsmen Club of Sault Ste. Marie, Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Infrastructure Ontario, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Bible Fellowship, and the private landowners. Thank you to the Sault Cycling Club and the Voyageur Trail Association for working with the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club to steward the land.
We extend a heartfelt appreciation to the Hiawatha Highlands staff for their ongoing dedication to trail maintenance and grooming, indoor services, and lesson and event hosting, all of which support a safe and enjoyable season for everyone who visits the area.
Our Club is made possible by countless volunteers who generously give their time, energy, and money to support our operations. From board members, coaches, and program leaders to administrators, race volunteers, wax technicians, fundraising organizers, bbq crew and crossing guards, every role plays an important part in making our season successful. Your dedication keeps your Club thriving.
Shout out to everyone who supported this year’s online silent auction, which featured a new format that allowed guests to browse, bid, and pay directly from their phones. We are grateful to the many private donors and local businesses who contributed items, and to the bidders whose participation helps support our youth programs:
Algoma Bicycle Co.
Duke of Windsor Sport Shop
Sandro’s Family Restaurant
Steelton Xpress Lube
Linda Hadley-Piscopo & Eric Piscopo
Anna Reich
Melissa Dias & the Euale Family
The Magill Family
The Johnston Family
The Coutu Family
The Swiderski Family
Jenna de Beer
Jodie Stewart
The Broad Family
The Tchir Family
Laura Sanderson
Kim Chapman
The Xu Family
The MacDougall Family
The Simpson Family
The Dunne Family
The Gordon Family
The Towle Family
We unite through a shared appreciation for community, the outdoors, friendship, and cross-country skiing. Thank you for helping make our Club such a welcoming and vibrant place for skiers of all ages.
Congratulations to the 2026 Award Recipients!
Major Club Awards
President’s Award – Sarah Butler
Janet Rodger-Anderson Award – Gary Hogan
Kevin Allan Riutta Award – Paul de Beer & Jamie Broad
Joie de Ski – Tanner Ableson & Sara Berkenbosch
Ski Team Awards
Golden Ski Award – Isla Coutu & Jasper Tchir
Coach’s Award – Jacob Reed & Kate de Beer
Teammate Award – Kayla Dunne, Jenna de Beer & Emma Malone
Technique Award – Theo Swiderski & Myka Broad
Racing Rabbit Awards
Smoooth Like Buttah Award – Tarmo Aho & Isaac Coutu
Graduating Racing Rabbit Teapot Award – Clem Leach
Graduating Awards
Most Promising Graduating Bunnyrabbits – Liefe Bokhout-Laviolette & Jack Paranuik
Most Promising Graduating Jackrabbits – Lucy Lidstone & Owen Teresinski
Joie de Ski Award Recipients: Lincoln Dewar, Kai Coulter, Thomas Paranuik, Millie Porco, Mason McFadden, Isabelle Baillargeon-Smith, August Leach, Sophia Bright, Claire Hopper, Isla Sinclair, Lucy Simpson, Bennett Simpson, Jasper Johnston, Declan McLarty, Nylah Williams, Victoria Pavelich, Stella Pavelich, Sawyer Johnston, Rhiannon Barbeau, Brandon Tomasone, Annette Nenonen, Christian Miller, Megan Deresti
TeamSnap Recognition: Isabelle Poirier, Maddison Kahtava, Oakley Berkenbosch, Leo Rebellato, Ari St. Jules, Henri Poirier, Catherine Poirier, James G Ward, Annika Wiebe, Kahlan Pick, Silas St. Jules, Maya D., Bennett Simpson, Elodie Kahtava, Jasper Johnston, Benjamin Wiebe, Nylah Williams, Kohen Paat, Isaac Coutu, Hadley Jones, Sawyer Johnston, Emma Phaneuf, Zack Dunne, Emma Malone
We look forward to next season!
