President's Message

CWSAA member visits: another form of adaptation is making friends while waiting for the highway to open

As we near the conclusion of the 2025–2026 winter season, yes, multiple areas continue with full winter operations or are hosting camps, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the many diverse parts of our ski industry that come together to make each year possible. Ours is an interconnected community—one that spans ski area operators, suppliers, manufacturers, insurers, technicians, sport organizations, regulators, and countless individuals working behind the scenes. Each plays a vital role in supporting safe, successful, and sustainable mountain operations across the country.

Some segments of our industry naturally maintain a higher profile.  For example, members attending Canada West events have been fortunate to benefit from the insights and expertise shared by our insurance partners, technical specialists, and major manufacturers such as Doppelmayr and Leitner‑Poma.  There are also many other suppliers whose contributions are equally critical.  Recent conversations with Julien from Canadian Wire Rope Works and Brendan from Upslope Millwright & Rigging reveal a passion, professionalism, and optimism that exists throughout our community.  Collectively, all these services are essential to the day‑to‑day success of ski area operations.

Provincial and territorial sport organisations, and instructor organisations also deserve recognition following an especially demanding season. Much like ski areas, these groups continuously adjusted event resourcing and schedules in response to changing weather.  During Canada West’s monthly calls with the PTSOs, it was clear that the ongoing rescheduling of events placed significant demands on staff, volunteers, and resources.  Adaptation is a familiar feeling to ski area operators, some of whom navigated a winter defined by constant change.  While final skier visit counts are still coming in, anecdotes and initial returns point to strong results in western Canada.  Many regions enjoyed very good snow conditions and equally impressive visitation.  Chairlift conversations at many ski areas quickly revealed that visitors from across North America had found their way to western Canada due to reliable snow conditions.

Beyond weather, the regulatory environment surrounding ski area operations continues to evolve, requiring ongoing attention and vigilance.  From safety and compliance to training and operational oversight, these demands reinforce the importance of strong communication, shared learning, and collaboration across the industry.

As we look back on the season, this newsletter offers an opportunity to acknowledge the collective effort, resilience, and commitment of CWSAA members.  CWSAA is fortunate to have great number of people that contribute to our industry.  This occurs informally and organically between all members (ski areas and suppliers) throughout the year, as well as through specific projects, fall meetings and spring conference, working groups, and the CWSAA Board.  In each case, these are volunteer hours being put forth to advance the well being of our industry and we are greatly indebted to each person.

It is always risky to mention an individual, but I think it correct to recognise our Chair – Eddie Wood.  Eddie will complete his term as CWSAA Chair this summer.  He has shown exemplary leadership and engagement.  In particular, Eddie has been hyper engaged and always available for support and guidance for CWSAA business.  Likely the biggest beneficiary of this generous time, is yours truly.  At any point in any week, I could lean on Eddie to discuss a challenge, get a judgement call, or discuss strategy and positioning.   All the while, Eddie is also leading and supporting his own team as it responds to the rigours of an operational season.  I wish to thank Eddie for his support, and thank his team at Mt. Seymour for allowing CWSAA to lean on him.  As Chair, Eddie will be presiding as emcee at the CWSAA conference in Whistler.  I encourage members to thank all our volunteers, and to make a special effort to shake Eddie’s hand at conference for his tireless contribution on behalf of our industry.

See you in Whistler.

– Christopher Nicolson