Global Ski Patrol Leaders Gather at Big White for Milestone 25th FIPS World Congress
Running March 27 to April 3 and hosted by the Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP), the congress is the premier international forum for advancing mountain safety, bringing together frontline experts from North America, Europe and South America to share tactics, test techniques and set new benchmarks for ski patrol operations worldwide.
"It is a tremendous honour to welcome the world's top ski patrol delegates back to Big White," said Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White Ski Resort. "This congress is a testament to our commitment to mountain safety and the incredible work of ski patrollers worldwide. To have that happening here speaks to the strength of Big White, our team and our community."
Throughout the week, delegates are taking part in high-impact on-snow training and workshops led by seven FIPS special interest groups: Avalanche, Medical, People with Disabilities, FIS Liaison, Risk Management, Rescue Dog and Technology. Sessions cover avalanche and snow immersion rescue, emergency medical response, adaptive snowsports, rescue dog operations and emerging safety technologies.
"Big White Ski Resort also offers tremendous opportunities to enjoy the social interaction of patrollers and great skiing in western Canada," said FIPS president Marie Nordgren. "FIPS wishes to thank the Canadian Ski Patrol for hosting this World Congress and Big White Ski Resort for providing such a wonderful venue for hosting meetings and the wide variety of terrain for on snow sessions. Ski patrol organizations around the world will benefit from the information sharing and practical learning at this congress."
As a founding member of FIPS, the Canadian Ski Patrol is proud to mark the milestone 25th congress on home soil. "The snow conditions have been excellent for our on-snow professional development sessions. The hospitality and service provided by Big White has been outstanding and allowed us to focus on the sharing of skills and knowledge, which will benefit skiers and snowboarders around the world in creating a safe environment for them," said Mike Palamarek, board chair of the CSP. "What's learned on this mountain this week will make ski areas safer globally."
Big White's terrain has served as a live training ground for advanced real-world scenarios, reinforcing the resort's standing as a leader in mountain safety and operations. The congress has also delivered a welcome boost to the local tourism economy — and winter has played its part. Temperatures held below freezing throughout the week, with steady snowfall providing ideal conditions for hands-on training in true Okanagan alpine conditions.
About Fédération Internationale des Patrouilles de Ski (FIPS): Fédération Internationale des Patrouilles de Ski (FIPS) is the international organization representing ski patrol and associated ski safety organizations with membership from throughout the world. These organizations comprise ski patrollers, physicians, lawyers, engineers, technicians, ski equipment manufacturers, snow sport instructors, ski area managers, police officers, ambulance officers, and a broad range of volunteers and professionals involved in the multi-disciplinary activities of ski patrolling. For more information about FIPS, visit: fips-skipatrol.org.
About the Canadian Ski Patrol: The Canadian Ski Patrol (Patrouille Canadienne de Ski) is one of the founding members of FIPS and Canada's national ski patrol organization, dedicated to promoting safety and providing emergency care at ski areas across the country. For more information about Canadian Ski Patrol, visit: skipatrol.ca.
About Big White Ski Resort: Founded in 1963, Big White Ski Resort is a Canadian family-owned and operated destination known for its reliable snow, ski-in, ski-out village and wide range of winter amenities. The resort spans more than 2,834 acres of skiable terrain and is home to Canada’s second-largest lift system, including the largest night-skiing area in Western Canada. The 2025/26 season runs through Monday, April 6, 2026. Learn more at bigwhite.com.