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Robert “Bobby” Swan has been a fixture in the Canadian and Kootenay ski scene for decades, inspiring many with his dedication to the sport. On September 20, 2025, tragedy struck when Bob lost his modest home, tools, and belongings in a devastating fire on his property near Salmo, B.C. Now, he needs our support to rebuild.
Bob was one of the original members of the Canadian National Ski Team, based at Notre Dame University in Nelson in the mid-1960s. He competed in the 1964 and 1968 Winter Olympics, representing Canada in slalom and giant slalom, and posted multiple top-ten finishes on the World Cup circuit.
His passion for skiing didn’t end with the Olympics. Bob went on to the pro circuit, where he won three U.S. Masters titles and eight Canadian Masters championships. To this day, he still trains and competes. Many locals have seen him setting up slalom gates (from hazelnut cuttings collected from his property) at Whitewater Ski Resort, or carving turns on the course he built in his own backyard.
Bob has always lived simply. For decades, he has made his home in a small, self-built cabin without electricity, skiing in the winter and gardening in the summer, selling organic produce to the community. His property has been his sanctuary. Now, after the fire, rebuilding even a modest shelter is imperative — and with your help, possible.
With volunteers expected to assist in the rebuilding, funds will be used to cover the essentials: purchasing building materials, a wood stove and firewood for heat, replacing vital tools like a chainsaw and gardening equipment, and restoring some of the personal belongings that were destroyed.
Here is the man himself in action!
UPDATE!!!
We reached our initial goal, thanks to everyone for their support. Bob has purchased a tiny home and it has been delivered to his property (New Photo!). Despite all the funds raised, Bob is still out of pocket several thousand dollars, so we will be keeping this campaign open for the time being.