Stories

In March 2018, the Arctic Winter Games transformed the South Slave into the North’s ultimate sports arena, with Fort Smith hosting Cross-Country Skiing events at the Fort Smith Ski Club. The success of this massive undertaking—bringing nine circumpolar teams to Fort Smith—rested on the shoulders of community volunteers. From the tireless Groomers who perfected trails overnight to the dedicated Club members who served as race officials and site logistics managers, the entire town mobilized. This is the story of how Fort Smith’s collective spirit provided an unforgettable stage for the Games’ enduring legacy of competition and cultural exchange!

The Fort Smith Ski Club proudly celebrates the incredible journey of Sarah Daitch, a local athlete whose career took her from our homegrown trails to the international stage. Starting as a young skier here in the Northwest Territories, Daitch developed into a national competitor, ultimately earning a spot on the Canadian National Nordic Ski Team. She competed at World Championships and World Cup events, bringing immense pride back to Fort Smith. Now a Chartered Mediator, she continues to serve the sport community as an NWT Sport Hall of Fame inductee and former Nordiq Canada Board Member!