Fernie’s Mike Delich has been inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame as a builder.
“I was truly honoured to be one of seven Canadians inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame class of 2024 recently in Montreal,” Delich said.
He was born and raised in Rossland and in the early days of his career founded the Red Mountain Talent Squad.
That ski program developed countless young athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Kerrin Lee-Gartner.
He moved to Fernie in 1979 and helped grow the ski hill into the thriving tourism destination it is today.
His work went beyond the Kootenays as well. In 1988, he served as Chief of Race for the Men’s Downhill and Super G at the Calgary Olympic Games.
Over the past 25 years, Delich has officiated at World Cups, US Ski Championships, NorAms, Far-East Cups, and the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics.
He says it’s an honour to join the same hall of fame that includes three Kimberley legends.
“Fernie, Rossland and all the ski clubs in the Kootenays have such a rich skiing heritage and ski racing community. I have been a very lucky man,” he said.
“I am humbled to join three Kimberley skiers, Gary Battistella, Gerry Sorensen and Jerry Johnson as an honoured member of the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame.”
Delich was inducted in a ceremony in Montreal on Nov. 15.
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