Mike Delich

Born and raised in Rossland, B.C., Mike Delich moved to Fernie in 1979. He is an entrepreneur with a long and distinguished career in the ski industry. As a valued leader of ski club development, he founded the Red Mountain Talent Squad, a ski program that provided a foundation for many young athletes who became Canadian and World Cup champions, including Olympic gold medalist Kerrin Lee-Gartner. Delich also established structured coaching programs at Fernie and a vibrant Nancy Greene League, always involving parents in various volunteer roles. He also made significant contributions to the tourism industry and was a founding director of Tourism Fernie.

One of Delich’s notable achievements was being appointed Chief of Race for the Men’s Downhill and Super G at the Calgary Olympic Games in 1988. In this role, he led and coordinated over 400 volunteers, managing effective relationships with FIS, media, and the Calgary Olympic Organizers. Following this experience, Delich became a FIS Technical Delegate, a role he served with distinction for a quarter-century. As a TD, he officiated at World Cups, US Ski Championships, NorAms and Far-East Cups in Asia. Additionally, he was named by FIS as a Jury Member for the Alpine ski events at the 2006 Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.

Mike Delich’s contributions to skiing in Canada span over four decades including the time he spent serving on the Board of Alpine Canada. His commitment and leadership as a competitor, coach, father, and an accomplished businessman, have had a profound impact on the skiing community in Canada. Although retired from active officiating, Delich remains an honoured FIS Technical Delegate Emeritus. Skiing is still a big part of his life, and he continues to enjoy an active lifestyle in Fernie.