Ski area lore is filled with heroic deeds and achievements, and the recent weeks have added to this vault. Before, during, and after the Christmas holiday period, operators overcame all kinds of challenges. Geography generally determined the many different experiences. Appreciation goes out to the ski area teams that worked hard to create positive guest experiences on the slopes, as well as the many efforts to assist guests (and their gear) getting to and from the slopes through difficult travel conditions.
The support of our many industry suppliers has been equally critical to the start of this winter season. Kimberley’s Ted Funston cites one example with the reopening of the Northstar Quad and the rejuvenating impact it has had on the community of Kimberley as well as the ski operation. Whistler Blackcomb and ambassadors from Squamish and Lil’wat Nations celebrated the opening of multiple lifts, including the new 10-person gondola at Creekside. The team at Whispering Pines Alberta pulled double duty to open their t-bar lift in time for January’s school kids. And CWSAA wishes to welcome and congratulate Renee & Paul Warkentin on the renovation and revival in December of Holiday Mountain in La Riviere, Manitoba.
One of the challenges faced by industry is the cost and access to insurance. Past industry presentations show that insurance trends are cyclical, and due to current global forces underwriters are applying increased scrutiny to their portfolios. This impacts cost and access to insurance, and means ski areas more than ever need to understand the requirements of underwriters and anticipate their expectations. We are fortunate to have knowledgeable brokers highly dedicated to our industry. Each of them constantly pitching coverage for ski areas to underwriters and constantly working to maintain underwriter confidence.
Immediately following the early winter effort to ensure ski areas had satisfactory policy coverage to embrace ski club activity, a crisis erupted threatening the operation of a significant number of community ski areas. Due to changing underwriter risk tolerance, coverage for ski areas through many municipal policies were not renewed at the start of ski season. Through enormous effort on the part of these mostly volunteer run ski areas, each of these areas has now secured coverage. The support between these ski areas through the CWSAA working group was exemplary. In this space, I would also like to thank Cynthia Thomas for her work on the CWSAA Exclusion of Liability education program for ski areas, first introduced by Robert Kennedy, which was put into full effect through this critical period. It is a clear illustration of the continued determination that we must apply to safety and risk management practices in our operations.
One of the results from the past two years has been the increased participation to our sport, especially from new Canadian communities. While destination guest numbers are rebuilding, local skier visits surged through this period. This also means we need to heighten efforts to not only attract, but retain these new enthusiasts. While at recent visits to ski areas in Edmonton and Vancouver, I was elated to see the diversity of new participants. It was a window into the ever-evolving demography of Canada, and our future industry. In April, the Spring Conference will include illustrations of how some ski areas are successfully welcoming and retaining new participants. The discussion also sets the stage to explore how this opportunity must be leveraged to recruit new generations into our ranks and industry leadership.
In closing, CWSAA wants to express its appreciation to the many industry partners that have pledged their sponsorship early for the coming spring conference. Doppelmayr, EDGEauditor, Flaik, Kubera Payment Corp, and Leitner Poma Canada have all stepped forward as Diamond sponsors. To these five as well as all others that have committed to the conference, we greatly appreciate their contribution. The important learning and sharing at the event would not be made possible without them.
As always, the CWSAA team is here to serve. As so many of you do, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Cheers
– Christopher Nicolson
April 25-27, 2023
Whistler Conference Centre
Registration Opens next Week: January 25 at 9am Pacific / 10am Mtn Time!
Early Bird Full Conference Registration Rate is $575 until February 25.
The Draft Agenda is now posted on the Conference website.
Conference Schedule & Agenda
- The conference will take place over 3 full days (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) plus a pre-conference social on Monday.
- The draft agenda has now been published on our website HERE which includes over 45 sessions.
Thank you to the Conference Sponsors
- We are so grateful to all the Conference Sponsors. New sponsors are still being accepted, however, the early bird benefit to receive priority booth selection ended on January 13. As of January 13, 27 CWSAA members have committed to sponsorship. View all the sponsors HERE.
- If you are considering sponsoring and have not confirmed your level, be sure to do so soon. The earlier you commit the more opportunities and exposure will be available.
Accommodations
- Accommodations are selling out quickly through the Hilton & Delta Hotels. Limited options remain. Book now, they will sell out soon.
- Best Value - A 2-bedroom unit at the Delta for $299 plus taxes -- for 2 staff sharing this is unit is just $150 per person a night, or 3 staff only $100 per person per night. These suites are similar to condos with 2 separate bedrooms and 2 washrooms, with a living room (and sofabed) and full kitchen
- Learn more & book HERE.
Each year, CWSAA recognizes incredible industry leaders during our annual Spring Conference.
Nominations for the following 2023 CWSAA Awards must be submitted by February 7, 2023 to marketing@cwsaa.org. Download the Awards nominations packages HERE (CWSAA website login required)
- Jim Marshall Leadership Award
- Lars Fossberg Excellence Award
- Rod Chisholm Operations & Maintenance Award
- CWSAA Peak Performance Award
Please note, the Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a recipient identified by the Board of Directors. It may or may not be presented annually.
More information on the CWSAA Awards can be found HERE. The 2023 recipients will be honored at the 2023 CWSAA Spring Conference in Whistler.
As ski areas and businesses build their long-range plans, responsible stewardship practices have become increasingly important. Prior to COVID the CWSAA Board identified the need to build a toolkit to support ski areas sustainability practices. Over the past year a CWSAA working group was developed and a survey to ski areas help shape the outcomes.
In the Fall, a playbook was introduced to help members integrate responsible stewardship practices and become more sustainable. CWSAA members will be able to use the tools to create a quantifiable and measurable action plan that aligns with the responsible use and protection of natural environments.
This Winter, a workshop series has been developed. Participants will learn about sustainability, develop a sustainability action plan with goals and targets, and learn how to share a sustainability story with credibility. Please see the information below on the workshops and playbook.
Register for the Workshops Now!
During this series of three online workshops, participants will learn about sustainability, develop a sustainability action plan with goals and targets, and learn how to share a sustainability story with credibility.
There is no cost for CWSAA members to participate! Advance registration is required.
Workshop 1: Building a common language & measuring your baseline
February 1: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm Pacific Time
More Info HERE * Please note, some pre-work is recommended. Therefore register early to maximize your benefits from this workshop.
Workshop 2: Creating your sustainability vision, goals and action plan
March 8: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm Pacific Time
More Info HERE
Workshop 3: Action planning continued + telling your sustainability story
March 15: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm Pacific Time
More Info HERE
Register Now!
Advance registration is required. Note, a CWSAA website login is required to access the registration pages.
REGISTER HERE
Ski areas are reminded of the following important courses available online through Selkirk College.
Ski Resort Risk Management: Registration for the Winter 2023 Risk Management Course is open now. The 2023 course starts January 23, and runs until April 17. Register HERE.
Passenger Ropeways Mechanics: The Lift 151, Lift 152 and Lift 153 are all online self-directed programs. The Winter intake for Lift 151, 152 & 153 is now underway, but it is not to late start. The winter courses run until April 17, 2023. Learn More & Register HERE
Train the Trainer - LIFT 150: Ski Lift Operations Train-the-Trainer is designed to help ski lift supervisors or managers, develop a comprehensive program for training ski lift operators. This program is an online self-directed program, and has a continuous intake until March 1. Participants can start anytime and have 3 weeks to complete the content, and the exam. More information can be found HERE.
Learn More about what the SROAM students have been up to this year in their monthly newsletter: SROAM January 2023 Newsletter
CWSAA welcomes the new BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, the Honorable Lana Popham. On December 7, Premier Eby announced the new cabinet, which included Minister Popham's appointment to tourism after five years spent as BC's agricultural minister. Minister Popham has a special place in her heart for ski areas in BC, as a former ski racer.
In an interview with Pique News Magazine, Minister Popham noted, “I was a carded racer, so I did the circuit around B.C.,” said the NDP minister. “Ski hills have a huge place in my heart and I can’t wait to get out and do a tour of them again—maybe not racing this time.”
Congratulations to our colleagues at HeliCat Canada for its launch of Sightline 2030. A new and impressive strategic vision was launched on January 11th and can be viewed HERE.
The hustle and bustle of holiday season has passed, and the best of the ski season is before us. There’s no better time than now to participate in the Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass to reach new families considering a trip to their local ski area.
Introductory programs help create brand loyalty among participants. A beginner skier or boarder who has a positive experience during an introductory program is more than likely to return in the future and tell their friends and family.
Contact Michele at mmcgann@skicanada.org to sign up your ski area.
CWSAA and go2HR have compiled a valuable library of safety and HR resources for the ski industry. SafetyTalks are a great resource for ski areas to use in pre-shift meetings.
Ski Areas may want to share this video with their staff on reducing snow sports injuries.
Find more Ski Area SafetyTalk resources HERE
Last February, Wayne Wiltse was in a life-changing car accident that has left him a paraplegic. He spent several months in hospital, followed by an equally lengthy rehab process at GF Strong. Wayne and Annette, who had been living in Vancouver to support Wayne’s recovery, are now home.
To make Wayne’s return to Pemberton possible, the Wiltse home had to undergo extensive renovations, from pouring a new wheelchair-friendly driveway to reconfiguring the ground floor. A new, adapted Sprinter van that Wayne will be able to drive is expected to arrive by spring.
A fundraiser will be held on January 31, which will include a silent auction. You can support Wayne in the following ways:
- Cash donations: Rod and Lori Rohda have generously agreed to match any new cash donations up to $15,000 for the Wiltse Family. Donations can be made through the Go Fund Me page HERE.
- Silent Auction: The silent auction will be online from January 24 to January 31. The auction will be available HERE starting on January 24.
- Attend the fundraiser on January 31: If you would like to purchase tickets to attend the fundraiser on January 31 at Dusty's in Whistler, tickets can be purchased HERE.
CWSAA Members are invited to post their jobs on the CWSAA Job Board.
CWSAA Partners
DRIVING FORCE provides leasing and rental vehicle options.
DRIVING FORCE provides leasing and rental vehicle options.
DRIVING FORCE is trusted by CWSAA for reliable vehicle solutions.
EASY RESERVATIONS: www.drivingforce.ca
CONTACT: 780-483-9559 or edmgdsreservations@drivingforce.ca
Staff Offer from Kal Tire: Download the Coupon
Thanks to the partnership with Kal Tire, all ski area staff and associate members of CWSAA are eligible to receive $100 off at Kal Tire. Please feel free to circulate this offer with your staff.
To redeem, click on the image to the left, and print the voucher or present on your mobile device in-store at Kal Tire.
Take a peek behind the scenes at some of the new and exciting initiatives from go2HR. Dedicated to supporting the Tourism & Hospitality industry, a key economic driver in all of our communities, go2HR has some new initiatives and ongoing campaigns to share.
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)- go2HR has created an EDI framework to help employers create more inclusive workplaces, including a resource hub (in development). These help employers begin the EDI journey at a point they find most appropriate based on their business needs.
- Mental Health & Wellness- Through their ongoing partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division, go2HR offers a 3-level training program, a resource hub and two workplace learning coaches who can help employers identify and implement programs to address mental health in their businesses.
- Human Resources Advisory Services- go2HR offers HR consultants located in the six tourism regions of the province. Based in Vancouver, Kelowna, Williams Lake, Nanaimo, Invermere and Prince George, they can support CWSAA members with all things related to HR, including recruitment/retention, onboarding, HR audit, interpreting employment regulations and more.
- Safer Spaces- Creating workplaces that are respectful and free from harassment (including sexual harassment) is critical to maintaining the attractiveness of our industry to job seekers. The Safer Spaces initiative offers two training programs targeting employers (launched last year) and workers (scheduled for launch in the Spring this year). go2HR also offers other related resources to help employers implement policies and procedures in the workplace.
On December 23, 2022, Whistler Blackcomb opened the new Doppelmayr Creekside Gondola (Sq̓útsa ti Tsaw̓ewéca “by the creek” - Lil̓wat7úl Ucwalmícwts; Facing South - Ch’it ta Swá7elt “beside the creek” - Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim). The new Creekside Gondola increases total capacity per cabin from six to 10 people. The event was commemorated by a traditional welcome from cultural ambassadors of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), and the Lílwat Nation. Read More.
In December, Whistler Blackcomb also opened the new Big Red Chair – Kwemkwim K’aýk (Squamish language) and Tseqwtsíqwa Q̓ilq̓ (Líl̓wat language). The new Red chair is a six seat high-speed Doppelmayr quad.
Congratulations to the Kimberley Alpine Resort and Leitner Poma teams for the re-opening of the NorthStar Express. The lift re-opened on December 18 along with the start to the season at Kimberley.
A great article about GM Ted Funston and the Kimberley community that came together over the past year, can be found HERE.
Penny Lindballe (left), CWSAA Board of Directors, and her husband Ross of Valley Ski Club are accredited ski cross officials. Both were invited as officials to the FISU World University Games at Lake Placid New York which are being held from January 12-22.
CSIA’s Managing Director Perry Schmunk and CSIA BC Region’s Pat Bell were on the slopes together at Sun Peaks this week. Perry’s leadership has advanced and grown the national organization since assuming the role four years ago. Pat is a well known friend to the entire ski industry as a former BC Tourism Minister, owner of Northern Lights Winery in Prince George, and staunch advocate for snowsports throughout the province.
Tim Hendrickson, Steve Lawlor, and Brian Leighton of MountainGuard provided a full day incident investigation workshop at Mt. Seymour for several ski areas all around BC’s south coast. Mt Seymour’s James Hawes made arrangements for four on-snow incident scenarios in addition to in-class presentations for the 35 ski area personnel attending.
Congratulations to the new ownership team at Holiday Mountain Resort (Manitoba). Renee & Paul Warkentin and the Holiday Mountain team opened for the season on December 26.
Check out this video of the ski area on opening day!