Thanks for all your advise. I made it out, albeit delayed, which resulted in me missing my connection. However, the ground staff went out of their way to put me on another connection and I ended up on the direct flight to NY, which was really nice.

Unfortunately AC lost my ski bag even though I rechecked it with my other bag in YVR post US customs... and they are still looking for it...

Have you made good experience with AC finding luggage? I'd be very annoyed if they really lost it for good...