Featured Image James Crawford/GEPA Pictures
When a small gathering of ski enthusiasts first came together at the historic Gayety Theatre in Collingwood, Ontario to watch vintage ski films, no one imagined it would evolve into one of Ontario’s most impactful grassroots fundraisers for alpine racing. Five years later, Path to the Podium has become more than a celebration of ski culture. It is a movement to sustain the next generation of Canadian ski racers.
“It started because I wanted to see these old films again,” laughs Nick Hamilton, co-founder of the event. “We’d show them, have a chat afterward, and it just grew from there. Then Angus and Ken came along and said, ‘Why don’t we make this something bigger?’”
From Film Nights to Fundraising
Those film nights planted the seed for what would become Path to the Podium, an annual event that merges storytelling, community, and philanthropy to directly support Ontario-based athletes chasing their World Cup dreams.
“It’s really evolved,” says Ken Read, a former Canadian downhill star and longtime advocate for athlete development. “Originally, the film nights were about reflection, looking back at our sport’s history. Now, Path to the Podium carries that same spirit, but the focus is very much on raising money and awareness for the athletes who need it most.”
Every year, the committee, which also includes Angus Crawford (father of Candace and James Crawford) and a small but dedicated volunteer team, works closely with coaches to identify program shortfalls and allocate funds where they will have the most tangible impact.
“The first year, we raised about $100,000,” says Crawford. “That money allowed the men’s team to keep athletes like Jeff and Cam in Europe for an extra training block instead of sending them home. A week later, they were both top 10 in a World Cup. That’s what those dollars do. They create opportunity.”
Expanding the Base: Bringing in Alpine Ontario
This year marks an exciting step forward as Path to the Podium officially partners with Alpine Ontario. The goal is to broaden the base, engage families, and ensure long-term sustainability.
“You can only go back to the same people so many times,” says Crawford. “Bringing in Alpine Ontario connects us with the parents of development and provincial team athletes, people who are directly invested in the sport’s future.”
Read adds that sustainability is key. “Our parents did this 40 years ago. They rolled up their sleeves to raise the money that sent Canadian athletes to the Olympics. What we’re doing now is no different. It’s about making sure that tradition continues.”
The addition of Alpine Ontario has already sparked new energy, with experienced fundraisers like Judy Black and Kathryn Champion helping to grow community involvement and increase donations of all sizes. “Whether it’s $50 or $5,000, it all adds up,” says Hamilton. “And we’re seeing people step up because they feel part of something bigger.”
A Broader Mission: Awareness, Storytelling, and Impact
While the event raises critical funds, the organizers agree that Path to the Podium is also about something deeper. It connects people emotionally to the athletes’ journeys.
“Donors want transparency,” says Hamilton. “They want to see where their money goes and know it’s making a difference. That’s why we share stories, how a few extra dollars led to another coach on the hill or an athlete staying in Europe for a key race block. It makes it real.”
This year’s event will feature a heartfelt video message from Ontario’s own Ali Nullmeyer, highlighting her path from the grassroots club level to the World Cup circuit. It is a reminder that behind every success is a network of support.
“If you don’t tell the story, people won’t get excited,” says Crawford. “We’re not just asking for money. We’re inviting people to invest in the future of Canadian ski racing.”
Funding Gaps and the Fight to Stay Competitive
Despite Canada’s world-class talent, funding challenges remain a constant reality. As Read points out, the lack of significant funding increase in the past 15 years has left sport organizations across the country struggling.
“It’s not unique to skiing. It’s all of Canadian sport,” says Read. “Government funding has been flat for years, and with inflation and costs rising, it’s made things really difficult. So it comes back to the community to fill those gaps.” The Canadian government just released their new budget and there will be no new sports funding.
Since the inception of Path to the Podium, Canada has celebrated a World Championship medal, an Olympic medal, and a victory at Kitzbühel. This kind of community-driven support truly moves the needle on the world stage.
Crawford agrees that storytelling and visibility are key. “For too long, we didn’t tell the story. Alpine Canada is getting better at that now, but you have to show people why it matters. That’s what motivates them to give.”
Why It Matters: Investing in the Future
When asked why people should care, why they should donate, attend, or get involved, the answer from all three founders comes easily.
“It’s about the future of our sport,” says Hamilton. “We’ve been among the best in the world before, and we can be again. Every dollar helps keep that dream alive for the next generation.”
Read adds, “Winning builds success within a community. It inspires pride, belief, and more participation. That’s why we do this. It’s not just about the podium. It’s about what winning does for all of us.”
And while Canadians are often humble in their pursuit of excellence, Read believes that embracing the Own the Podium mentality is part of what makes events like this so important.
“Canadians sometimes wrestle with the idea of celebrating winning,” he says. “But when a Canadian wins the toughest downhill in the world, the whole country feels it. That’s the power of sport. It connects us. That’s what we’re investing in.”
Looking Ahead
Now entering its fifth year, Path to the Podium continues to grow, one story, one ticket, and one donation at a time.
“At the end of the day,” says Hamilton, “this event feels like the right thing to do every year. It’s our pre-season celebration, our chance to gather around the proverbial campfire, share stories, and make sure Canadian ski racing keeps moving forward.”
For a small event born from old ski films, Path to the Podium has become a vital part of Canada’s alpine community, a reminder that every athlete’s journey to the top starts with a community willing to help them climb.
About the Author: Katie Twible
