Top Rider and Local Legend
143 Days, One Love Story, and a Lifetime on Snow: Meet Hans
At 74 years old, most skiers are happy to get a few solid days in each season—but not Hans. This past winter, he skied every single day of the 2024/25 season at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. That’s 143 consecutive days on snow without missing a turn. You’ll often spot him cruising his favourite runs—Home Run, Practically Pro, and Hot Sauce.
From Switzerland to the Selkirks
Hans' journey to Revelstoke began thousands of kilometres away in the Swiss Alps. Born and raised in Switzerland, he first learned to ski at the age of four. When he wasn’t on the slopes, he was in the kitchen, completing his apprenticeship to become a chef. His early career took him from the iconic slopes of Verbier to Wengen, before he eventually made his way to British Columbia.
After spending a year at Halcyon Hot Springs searching for new opportunities, Hans came across a job posting for a chef position at a new restaurant in Revelstoke. He applied, got the job, and 47 years ago became the original chef at the Regent Hotel—one of the town’s most iconic establishments.
A Fall, a Fix, and Forever
But Revelstoke gave Hans more than just a job—it gave him a home and a love story for the ages.
While skiing the original Mount Mackenzie Ski Hill—back when it had just a single chairlift, a rope tow, and a T-bar—Hans met Catherine, a ski patroller on the hill. Catherine was the daughter of Don Sinclair, one of the co-founders of the ski hill alongside Paul Mair, who opened it in 1964.
One day, Hans took a tumble on the slopes, and Catherine was the patroller who came to patch him up. During their brief encounter, Hans invited her to his birthday party the next day. She asked, “How many people will be there?”
His response? “Two—you and me.”
The rest, as they say, is history. Hans and Catherine are still happily married today—their story forever a part of Revelstoke's history.
From first turns to lifelong love, Hans has made the mountains his home. His story is one of passion and a deep connection to both the community and the snow that brought it all together.
