President's Message
April 1, 2025
At this time of year, our industry features areas that operate into the unofficial second season of spring skiing, and those that have concluded winter operations. I say “spring” with full awareness that one day may bring bluebird skies and ideal corn snow, while the next day might reward enthusiasts with fresh powder perhaps on north-facing slopes. In all cases, there’s reason to celebrate our teams and the season. Projected numbers will be determined over the coming month, but early reports point to a strong year overall. The second half in particular brought snow to many regions and helped stimulate market interest.
This month’s newsletter highlights several initiatives that CWSAA and the industry are focused on. An active industry committee is currently working on lift maintenance training, with more updates to come at the Spring Conference. The goal is to develop specific lift maintenance training opportunities for ski area staff. This effort builds on the current online Passenger Ropeways code courses delivered through Selkirk College.
Selkirk College also delivers the Ski Resort Operations and Area Management (SROAM) diploma program. Many CWSAA members serve on the SROAM Advisory Council and are pleased to see a surge in applications for the coming year. Area operators are encouraged to recommend the SROAM program to employees who have expressed interest in pursuing a career in the ski industry and could be valuable contributors moving forward. Also on the front burner for CWSAA are focused efforts to enhance business certainty through land tenure policy, and collaboration with our eastern and national peers on new initiatives around safety and responsible stewardship.
All of this builds toward the upcoming Spring Conference in Penticton at the end of April. Registration is closing soon, and CWSAA is encouraged by the strong response from both returning and first-time delegates. More specific information is being shared directly with registrants, including details on the conference app. Please watch your inbox for updates that will help you get the most out of the event.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the conference.
Cheers
– Christopher Nicolson
Industry Events
2025 CWSAA Spring Conference & Trade Show
April 28 - May 1, 2025 | Penticton, BC
✨It's not too late to Register! Last Day to register is April 18.
🔗 Learn more and Register for the conference HERE.
🔗 Learn more and Register for the conference HERE.
📅 Schedule at a Glance
- Monday April 28 - Golf Tournament 1pm tee-off (optional), Full Conference Delegate Check-in (starts at 5:00pm) & Kick Off Tasting Event (5:30 - 8:30pm)
- Tuesday April 29 - Keynote, sessions, Mentorship lunch, Trade Show evening reception
- Wednesday April 30 - sessions, Trade Show breakfast & lunch, Awards Dinner & Casino Night
- Thursday May 1 - Full day of sessions
Supporting Small Ski Areas: Donations & Volunteers Requested
CWSAA is proud to support small ski areas through various initiatives, including the Small Areas Assistance Fund. Each spring, the CWSAA Spring Conference Silent Auction raises funds for this program, directly benefiting small ski areas that are vital to our industry and local communities.
The goal this year is $24,000, and we need your help to reach it! Members are invited to pledge to donate items for the Silent Auction. We’re looking for items that will create excitement and inspire friendly bidding competition at the event. Some popular ideas include: tools, electronics, industry products/equipment, gift certificates, experiences, gift baskets etc. Please note that size-specific clothing and discount cards are not ideal for this auction. You can pledge your Silent Auction item HERE.
The Small Areas committee is also requesting volunteers to help with the auction during the conference. View the schedule and sign up to volunteer HERE.
SAM Magazine's Summer Ops Camp coming to Whistler
CWSAA is excited to work with SAM Magazine to bring their Summer Operations Camp to Whistler in September 2025.
The Summer Ops Camp will run from September 2-4, 2025, with the final day being morning only. The CWSAA Bike Park Forum will immediately follow starting the afternoon of September 4 and morning of September 5.
Learn More about the Summer Ops Camp HERE.
More details to follow on both events.
Selkirk College Programs
Recommend SROAM to promising staff
The Ski Resort Operations and Management (SROAM) program at Selkirk College continues to be an important part of developing leadership in our industry. Across western Canada, many of today’s ski area and supplier managers—including GMs—are proud to call themselves “SROAMies.”
We’re happy to share that SROAM has seen a strong uptick in registrations this winter, and it’s not too late to sign up for the fall intake. The current cohort is a tight-knit and motivated group—all are returning in August to continue their studies and move into winter work terms. Recent program highlights include the annual SROAMazing Race, which raised funds for Team Give’r, and positive feedback from ski areas hosting second-year students on their work terms—some of which you may have seen in recent social posts.
As the season wraps up, we encourage ski area leaders to recommend SROAM to seasonal staff. A mention in end-of-season staff communications or final pay letters is an easy way to support future leaders and strengthen our industry pipeline.
🔗For more information on the SROAM program and application details, please visit: selkirk.ca/ski
Selkirk College Online Ski Industry Courses
Selkirk College supports ongoing professional development across the sector through their online Lift 151, 152, and 153 Passenger Ropeway courses—over 50 industry learners participated in the winter semester. The Spring session will run from May 5 to June 24.
🔗 Learn More about the online courses & Register HERE
Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum
Call for nominations!
There are so many members who have made a lasting impact on snowsports in Canada. Nominations for the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame are open until May 15.
The Hall of Fame celebrates athletes, coaches, builders, and contributors who have achieved excellence or helped shape the growth of skiing and snowboarding in Canada.
By nominating a deserving individual, you contribute to preserving and celebrating Canada's rich snowsports heritage. For more details and to submit a nomination, visit the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame Nomination Form.
CWSAA Members are invited to post their jobs on the CWSAA Job Board.
Critical Incident Stress Management Mountain Community
The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a program initiated by HeliCat Canada and supported by the network of mountain professional associations including CWSAA. When occasions arise, CWSAA and associations offer tactical support to members where requested, and the CISM responders offers peer support on an individual level. These are trained volunteer peer responders that donate their time, expertise, and emotional energy.
CWSAA wishes to thank all of the CISM volunteers and HeliCat Canada. It is their direct and quiet support that makes the program so impactful. We are fortunate to have such talented and caring professionals in our industry.
🔗 General information can be found on the CISM team website: Mountain Community CISM Team.
General inquiries should be forwarded directly to the CISM team coordinators at hello@mountaincism.ca.
The CISM Team is standing by for your call should you need them. To request a dispatch, call them at (604) - 670 - 2772.
CWSAA Partners
EASY RESERVATIONS: drivingforce.ca
For Leasing enquiries CONTACT Jordan:
(306) 261-6110 or JArsenault@drivingforce.ca
April 7, 2025 In the valley below SilverStar, Big White, Apex, and Baldy ski resorts, Kalamalka, Okanagan, and Skaha Lakes will greet industry delegates attending the April spring conference.
Quality Tires at an affordable price
Good winter tires are important for everyone in the ski industry!
Learn More about Kal Tire's current promotions
HERE.
Youth Bursary Opportunity: Tidbits of Change Foundation
Applications due May 15
The Tidbits of Change Foundation is accepting applications for its annual Youth Bursary Program, supporting Canadian teens (ages 13–19) who have created a meaningful initiative, community effort, or shared adventure with a parent or mentor.
Bursaries are awarded based on the inspirational impact of the project, collaboration between youth and adult, and the awareness raised for a local or global issue. Financial need may also be considered.
The program is led by a father-daughter team with strong ties to the ski industry. This season, they visited every ski area in Alberta after skiing all lift-serviced ski areas in B.C. last year — the “SkÄdi Tour,” named after the Norse goddess of snow. Along the way, they spoke with students and families about the power of youth-led projects.
If you know a teen making a difference, encourage them to apply.
Apply by May 15 and find more information HERE.
Nominate an Outstanding Volunteer for Canada’s Volunteer Awards
There are so many individuals who dedicate countless hours to support their community ski area, club or Board. Canada’s Volunteer Awards are now open for nominations—and it’s a great opportunity to recognize someone who’s improving lives in their community.
You can nominate more than one person or group, and nominees can come from all walks of life—including not-for-profits, social enterprises, or socially responsible businesses.
Award recipients are celebrated at a national ceremony and receive a cash prize to donate to a not-for-profit organization of their choice—$10,000 for the national award and $5,000 for regional awards.
Help shine a spotlight on the people and organizations driving positive change through volunteering.
Learn more and submit your nomination by May 8 at Canada.ca/volunteer-awards.
Classifieds
Fairmont Rental and Repair Ski Shop, is currently liquidating all assets. The sale features a substantial amount of Rental equipment which includes brands from Rossignol, Salomon, Burton, Nitro and Nordica – All skis, snowboards, poles, boots, and helmets must go!
- Skis from 70cm – 184cm
- Boots from 14 – 33 mono sizes
- Snowboards from 70cm – 165cm
- Snowboard boots from kids 12 to Adult 13’s
- Poles from 70cm -140cm
- Vermont Release Calibrator machine for bindings
- Williams boot Dryers one 48 pair and one for 60 pair of boots
For further information, please contact Fairmont Rental and Repair at 250-345-6466 or 250 342-5386. Located in Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia.
Places & Faces
CWSAA ASM Director Katherine Seleski, Project Manager at Castle Mountain Resort was recently announced as a recipient of the 2025 Sammy Leadership Awards. Katherine epitomizes the description of a Sammy recipient, "The SAMMY Leadership Award honors individuals who are leading the way in the mountain resort industry through bold ideas, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to progress."
Whistler Blackcomb’s VP & COO, Belinda Trembath, known as BT, brings a dynamic energy to her leadership. Front line team members know her by name, and she is eager to take any meetings on the slopes. Blackcomb Mountain’s winter operation continues until May 19, while Whistler Mountain ends winter operations April 21 and commences Bike Park ops on May 16.
Andre Quenneville of Mt. Norquay, Charlie Locke of Lake Louise, and Ralph Scurfield of Sunshine Village (left to right) are an important part of why Alberta ski areas stimulate over $500 million in economic activity and create nearly 6000 jobs. Skiing in the Rockies continues until May 19.
Roger McCarthy (November 19, 1949 - January 4, 2025) was synonymous with excellence in ski resort management. Over his career, he played a key role in the success of several major resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb and Tremblant. Known for his forward-thinking approach, Roger prioritized guest experience and innovation, helping to elevate Canada’s ski resorts to the global stage.
Roger McCarthy’s life was celebrated with family and hundreds of friends and colleagues at two different events hosted in Whistler and Mt. Tremblant over recent weeks - a testament to his contributions to our industry. Wayne Wiltse and Steve Paccagnan were two of many industry colleagues to gather in honour of Roger at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
The World Junior Ski Cross races were held earlier this month and included six Canadians, all hailing from Western Canada. Congratulations to Euan Currie (son of Sun Peaks' Duncan and Serenity Currie) for top Canadian result making it the top 8. Euan along with his Canadian teammate Finley Cashin were also crowned with third and second places respectively in the Mens Ski Cross Nor-Am Cup 2024-25 season standings.