Strength is often measured in medals and titles, but the truest strength is forged within. Kirsty Exner, from Rossland, rose to prominence on the World Freeskiing Tour, carving fearless lines down some of the world’s toughest terrain. After leaving the tour, she focused on empowering others, founding and leading women freeride ski camps at RED Mountain Resort for over a decade.
In Kaslo, Andrea Hand has shown a similarly powerful spirit. A two-time Canadian Women’s Timbersports Champion, she embodies determination, grit, and mastery in a sport built on endurance and tradition. Beyond competition, Andrea serves as Chair of the Kaslo Logger Sports organizing committee, helping shape and elevate one of Canada’s most celebrated logger sports events. Together, their stories show that strength is more than physical power – it’s a relentless, unwavering spirit that inspires and uplifts those around them.
KIRSTY EXNER
Kirsty is a pioneer of women’s big-mountain skiing, whose career has been defined by courage, progression, and a lifelong commitment to movement in the mountains. She competed professionally on the World Freeskiing Tour from 1998 to 2002, one of the earliest international big-mountain competition circuits and a precursor to today’s Freeride World Tour, at a time when women’s participation at this level was still carving its place.
Her competitive highlights include a standout performance at the World Extreme Free-skiing Championships in Alaska, where she earned a silver medal in March 2000, finishing second overall against an elite international field. Beyond competition, Kirsty continued to push the boundaries of what was considered possible for women in steep skiing. In March 2021, she was credited as the first female skier to descend Mt. Brennan’s North Chute – a formidable 1,300-metre line pitched at 50–55 degrees, cementing her reputation as a fearless and accomplished big mountain skier.
After stepping away from competition, Kirsty turned her focus toward mentorship and community. For over a decade, she founded and led women’s freeride ski camps at RED Mountain Resort, empowering countless participants to develop confidence and skill in steep, variable alpine terrain. Her work helped shape a generation of women who learned not only how to ski challenging lines, but how to trust themselves in the mountains. For the past four years, she has coached with the local ‘Team Giver Freeride’ program for athletes aged 9–16, sharing her experience and passion for freeride with the next generation. Both of her daughters now compete on the team and are already landing on the podium themselves.
“The Kootenays have always been home. I’ve lived what feels like three different lives here in Rossland – growing up through my school years, returning as a ski bum and Freeride tour competitor, then coming back again to raise my family and build my business. No matter where I go, I keep finding my way back. The people, the mountains, the lifestyle – this place is my tribe, and it always will be”, shares Kirsty.
Kirsty’s passion for movement and performance naturally evolved into a career in physiotherapy. As a licensed physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience, and the founder of Blue Velvet Health, a multi-disciplinary clinic, in Rossland, she is known for her hands-on, functional, and holistic approach to rehabilitation. Her work emphasizes active recovery, combining detailed assessment, manual therapy, education, and tailored exercise to help clients move better, heal fully, and return to the activities that define their lives.
Through both one-on-one treatment and group movement sessions, Kirsty continues to bridge high-performance sport and everyday wellbeing. Blue Velvet Health has become a trusted hub within the Rossland community, recognized for its supportive environment and skilled practitioners. Kirsty is widely respected for her expertise, compassion, and effectiveness particularly in treating ski- and bike-related injuries that come with an active mountain lifestyle.
From pioneering steep ski descents to helping others recover, rebuild, and thrive, Kirsty’s impact is rooted in resilience, generosity, and a deep belief in the power of movement.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be part of Rossland’s community. My connection runs deep – I grew up here, have family roots here, and have been involved in so many facets of life over the years and ‘different lifetimes’. What makes Rossland special is how genuine and supportive it is. We look out for each other. We share the stoke on powder days, offer comfort in hard times, and give freely of our time and authenticity. It’s real and it’s heart-felt. We’re not just a community – we’re commUNIT!”, adds Kirsty.
ANDREA HAND
Andrea of Kaslo is a powerhouse in Canadian timber sports. A two-time Canadian Women’s Timbersports Champion, she captured back-to-back national titles at the STIHL Timbersports Canadian Championships in 2024 and 2025. At the 2025 championships in London, ON – Andrea didn’t just defend her title, she made history, smashing the women’s world record in the ‘underhand chop’ with a blistering time of 21.65 seconds, eclipsing the previous record.
Andrea’s timber sports journey began in 2017, sparked by her involvement with the legendary Kaslo Logger Sports event. By 2018, she was already stepping into competition and onto a path that would lead to national and world records.
Held every May long weekend on the shores of stunning Kootenay Lake, the Kaslo Logger Sports competition is a cornerstone of Kaslo’s May Days celebration. For two adrenaline-filled days, elite athletes from across Canada, the United States, and beyond converge to test their strength, speed, and precision in dozens of saw- and axe-based events, from the springboard chop and axe throwing to log rolling and tree climbing.
Andrea Hand isn’t just a champion in the arena; she’s a driving force behind it. As Chair of the Kaslo Logger Sports organizing committee, she has played a pivotal leadership role in shaping and elevating one of Canada’s most celebrated logger sports competitions.
Beyond competing at the highest levels of the sport, Andrea works tirelessly behind the scenes coordinating volunteers, building sponsor relationships, and guiding the long-term vision of the event. Her leadership was especially significant in 2024, when Kaslo Logger Sports celebrated its 50th anniversary milestone.
Through her dedication and vision, Andrea has helped preserve a proud logging tradition while strengthening its future – ensuring the event continues to thrive as a premier showcase of skill, community, and Canadian heritage.
“I was born and raised in Kaslo, and while I did leave for seven years the pull to return was always there. Ultimately, my decision to move back was rooted in wanting to raise my children surrounded by family support, strong community connections, and a lifestyle grounded in nature. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to pursue both personal and professional pathways within the community. I am a founding board member of the Kaslo Community Fitness Co-op, Chair of Kaslo Logger Sports, and I work as a paramedic with BC Ambulance Service, serving both Kaslo and Nelson.
What’s kept me here is the people, the sense of purpose, and the opportunity to give back to a place that has given me so much”, shares Andrea.
Cover photo courtesy of Andrea Hand/Kaslo Logger Sports, photo by Louis Bockner.
