Cross Country Canada is saddened to hear that Canadian skiing legend, Bjorger Pettersen, passed away on Dec. 29 at his home in Okotoks, AB.

Bjorger was instrumental in the development of the sport in our country and across the world. Bjorger was the first full time paid coach in Canada, a driving force behind the very successful TEST program that produced athletes such as Sharon and Shirley Firth, the venue coordinator/manager that developed the Canmore Nordic Centre for the 1988 Olympics and one of a handful of people that have been named as honorary life members of the FIS Cross Country Committee.

The following SkiTrax article by Peter Graves, outlines many of his accomplishments in the development of our sport. Bjorger Pettersen – A Pioneer of the Modern Era of XC Skiing

Bjorger Pettersen Canadian Ski Hall of Fame Biography

One of Bjorger's most recent involvements in our sport was the nomination of his friend and colleague Marty Hall, to the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame. He most recently introduced Marty at the induction ceremony and shared stories with many of his ski friends from across the Canadian cross country community.

Marty Hall (L) with Bjorger at Marty's Canadian Ski Hall of Fame induction ceremony

We thank Bjorger for his many contributions to the sport and send our condolences to his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Bjorger Pettersen will be held on January 5th, 2019 at 2.00 PM at the Foothills Community Centre, 204 Community Way Okotoks, Alberta