Annie Donovan - a tribute from friends and colleagues within BASI

Many of you will have heard of Annie’s tragic death and been most saddened by that news. A few of Annie’s friends and colleagues within BASI got together to ask if a tribute could be made through BASI channels to honour Annie and express the sadness felt by so many.

Annie’s husband, Pete Donovan, has been consulted and has welcomed this response. As a result, a number of individual tributes have been gathered together and the BASI Office has based a final version on these.

What follows firstly is a snapshot of some key sentiments from a variety of friends and colleagues.

“When Annie Donavon tragically passed away in May, a huge light went out. Annie was a role model to so many of us who could only dream of living the life she embraced. Season upon season of juggling family and professional work, as one of the most admired and dynamic ski instructors anyone could have been blessed to have. I will never forget those precious moments of following her tracks through the off-piste powder, feeling invincible. She always gave her best, was a positive role model, and made you believe that you could get better, whatever your limitations, perceived or otherwise. Annie, if I can continue to keep your light shining on through the encouragement you have given to me over the years, the ski community will be all the better for it. You will always be my ski goddess.”  -  Anita Grey

“I was deeply shocked and saddened by Annie’s passing. Annie had so much to give, she was part of our team at Freedom2ski and for many years worked with our kids group lessons and private ski lessons. She was so amazing teaching the kids & families would request her each year. I’ll miss your big laugh, your energy, your love of the mountains & enthusiasm for adventures with the kids who were lucky enough to get you as their instructor. You will be sorely missed Annie.”  - Pete Hughes – Freedom2ski

“I shall always remember her natural enthusiasm and love of the mountains (whatever the conditions) and her love of teaching was evident. She made time for everyone and was always interested to hear their news. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her in Morzine and Avoriaz.” -  Ian McKellar

“I got to know Annie this year through her enthusiastic and positive presence on a Nordic level 1 course and her key role in getting Nordic taster sessions to a wider audience in the French Alps. I will remember her for her kindness, humour and passion for all things skiing.” - Tania Noakes, Nordic Trainer

“Many of us in the Porte du Soleil have known Annie for 20 years. We met when she joined Ian Mckellar and myself working for BASS Avoriaz. Since then she worked with Freedom 2 Ski, Inspired to Ski, Mountain Tracks and with private clients.  She had huge amount of energy and enthusiasm for teaching with a real passion for the mountains and would regularly organise ski touring trips.” - Dave Peek, Fluid Lines.

“I first came in contact with Annie after the January 2021 Nordic Level 1 course held in Chamonix. Annie was clearly developing an enthusiasm for Nordic and as a result we discussed the possibility of working together to put on Nordic taster sessions in and around Morzine. Annie got on and networked tirelessly and enthusiastically to bring together several very successful Nordic taster sessions with instruction provided by Tania Noakes. In all nearly 50 people participated. Meanwhile I was in Derbyshire, landlocked in the UK with limited access to sun and skiing!. But my spirits were very much lifted when I saw the photos and video clips of people really enjoying these taster sessions, having fun on skis and developing the range of techniques in question. I continue to very much appreciate the drive, energy and passion which Annie brought to this project. That for me will be a lasting memory.”  - John Mordue, Nordic Director

“Annie was someone I have known through skiing for a long, long time , always caring always with an energy and love for the mountains, a kind lady, a good friend , a motivator. And then this last winter it was you there behind me motivating me to get the nordic course through to run for us, and we did it!  The last time I saw you, Annie, last winter we had a lovely and unexpected walk in the snow above my house. We chatted and chatted and threw ideas around about doing more together on our skis. We talked about our friends and our children and we wondered at the beauty all around us. Annie had just had her first vaccine . We ate her home-made flapjacks with a cup of tea sitting on my balcony and then she drove back over to Morzine. Annie you are missed, you were so loved by so many people. I hope your spirit is flying high.” – Helen Trayfoot