President's Message
Winsport in Calgary is a sport haven. ASM Division meeting delegates will see the facilities next month, and also enjoy a round on the mini-golf track
If you've ever had the pleasure of chatting with Panorama's Steve Paccagnan around this time of year, you know that his countdown to ski season is legendary. Steve doesn't just know the days; he knows the hours and minutes too! It's like he's got a ski season countdown clock embedded in his DNA. On a recent call with Paul Pinchbeck of the CSC and colleagues across the country, Steve's enthusiasm was as infectious as ever. As operators spy the last weeks of summer operations, and all look forward to the hectic fall preparations, I’m pleased to share a quick update on some of the Association’s strategic priorities initiatives ahead.
Our commitment to safety, education, and member services remains at the forefront. This fall brings a robust meeting schedule, including a new regional event in Prince George in addition to the regional meeting in Grande Prairie; a SAM Summer Ops Camp at Whistler Blackcomb; and a Lift Operations Safety Boot Camp with NSAA’s Michael Lane. These gatherings support our directive to expand education for ski industry jobs and strengthen training for staff and competitive clubs.
We would like to clarify for members that the two northern fall meetings reflect an effort to expand educational efforts in remote regions. The satellite meetings are a smaller version of the ASM and BCY division meetings, and run similar to the SSAOA meetings with attention to regional needs. Their creation is purely practical, and does not represent a new CWSAA governance structure.
CWSAA is advancing national guest safety initiatives, updating the Rental Shop Manual, and preparing an emergency checklist for operators. The Terrain Park Guide—led by Marc White—continues to progress, with industry-wide input ensuring relevance and excellence. Each will be presented at the fall meetings.
The CWSAA Competitor Pass selection process is underway, and the mountain professionals’ CISM program is being maturing. The CISM peer counselor training is again scheduled for September, and through HeliCat Canada’s leadership the CISM program is being structured as a formal not-for-profit society.
As presented at the AGM, the CWSAA Value of Resorts Economic Impact Report and annual CWSAA Financial Analysis highlight the ski industry's pivotal role in the economic landscape, contributing over $2 billion annually. The value of ski areas in Western Canada, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, Alberta, and BC, is substantial, with direct and indirect revenues significantly boosting local economies. In Alberta, the Province has prioritised efforts to attract investment in recreation infrastructure. In BC, there is also the potential to unlock an incremental $21.8 billion in build-out potential over and above the existing $37 Billion in existing infrastructure. Advocacy efforts with government partners are intensifying to support tenure renewals and facilitate future growth.
Sustainability remains a focus, with new strategies being developed alongside GreenStep and eastern Canadian associations. The tactical plan emphasizes curating and sharing best practices, with focus placed on individual delivery to ski areas.
Thank you for your engagement and dedication to the industry. We look forward to seeing you this fall.
Cheers
– Christopher Nicolson
Fall Meetings - Don't miss out. Register Now
Don’t miss these opportunities to connect with colleagues, share updates, and prepare for the season ahead. Full details can be found HERE.
Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Fall Division Meeting
September 23-24 | Winsport (Calgary, AB)
- 1.5 day meeting (full day Tuesday, Wednesday morning)
- Registration Regular Rate: $425*
Lift Safety Bootcamp
September 24 | Winsport (Calgary, AB)
- Boot Camp Regular Rate Registration: $150*
- Combo Rate (ASM Sept 23 + Boot camp Sept 24): $475*
BC-Yukon Fall Division Meeting
October 2-3 | Red Mountain (Rossland, BC)
- 1.5 day meeting (full day Thursday, Friday morning)
- Registration Regular Rate: $435*
Northern Region Meeting (Alberta)
- October 16 | Grande Prairie (Delta Hotel)
- Registration: $100*
Northern Region Meeting (BC)
Hart Highlands, Prince George BC
- October 22 - Fall Protection Course: $100*
- October 23 - BC Northern Meeting: $50*
*All registration fees are subject to GST & a credit card processing fee of 1.9%.
Industry Events
Save the Date – Upcoming Industry Events
Mark your calendars for these upcoming industry events and meetings. More info on most of these events can be found HERE.
- SAM Summer Ops Camp – September 2–4 | Whistler, BC
- CWSAA Bike Park Forum – September 4–5 | Whistler, BC - Sept 4 afternoon & Sept 5 morning
- ASM Fall Division Meeting – September 23–24 | Winsport, AB - full day Sept 23 & morning of Sept 24
- Lift Safety Boot Camp - September 24 | Winsport, AB - In partnership with NSAA.
- BC-Yukon Fall Division Meeting – October 2–3 | RED Mountain, BC - full day Oct 2 & morning of Oct 3
- Northern Small Areas Meeting (Grande Prairie) – October 16 | Delta Hotels Grande Prairie Airport
Fall Protection Course – October 22 | Hart Highlands- Northern Small Areas Meeting (Prince George) – October 23 | Hart Highlands
- SSAOA Fall Meeting – October 26–27 | Table Mountain
- 2026 CWSAA Spring Conference – April 27–30 | Whistler, BC
We look forward to connecting with you this fall!
Building a Culture of Safety
Canadian Speed & Collision Safety Initiative
For the upcoming 2025/26 winter in Canada, a primary national focus will be on speed and collision safety. This campaign will launch at the CWSAA Fall Meetings and will include resources for staff engagement, guest materials, and opportunities to connect with user groups such as race, freestyle, snowboard, and school programs.
Restraint Bar NSAA campaign
CWSAA supports all safety initiatives and is keen to learn of an NSAA initiative around restraint bar utilization. CWSAA will be sharing this initiative in the fall meetings and to industry partners.
Chairlifts are among the safest modes of transportation, but incidents involving unseated passengers — though rare — have lasting impacts on those involved and the industry as a whole. In the Fall NSAA Journal, NSAA’s President & CEO Mike Reitzell notes that restraint bars add a critical layer of risk mitigation, much like helmets have done over the past two decades. The challenge today is consistency and creating a culture of restraint bar use. Read more in the NSAA Journal.
To address this, NSAA is developing a Restraint Bar Toolkit. This resource will help ski areas consider their own approach to restraint bar use, including:
- Guest education and communication
- Employee training and role modelling
- Signage and consistent messaging
- Building an expectation of use, not an exception
Importantly, the toolkit will not prescribe one solution for every region, area, or lift. Instead, it will offer adaptable resources for local conditions and operations. Learn more about the Toolkit HERE.
CWSAA will be reviewing NSAA’s program over the 2025/26 season, with the goal of launching a Canadian initiative in 2026/27. In the meantime, the NSAA materials will be available for Canadian ski areas to consider how to start shifting culture now. Think about your lifts, your guests, your signage, your education, and your employee training. What can you do to make restraint bar use the expectation, not the exception.
Alberta Government Relations Committee
Left to Right: Richard Burkley (Lake Louise), Hon Andrew Bointchenko (Min of Tourism), Kim Locke (Lake Louise), Stavros Karlos (TIAA)
In May 2025, The Honourable Andrew Bointchenko was named Minister of Tourism and Sport. CWSAA and Tourism Industry of Alberta recently met with the Minister at Lake Louise Ski Resort. The visit provided opportunity to share the importance of ski area to local communities, and highlight the current and future investment potential the ski sector represents to the Province.
Previous Tourism Minister Joseph Schow was very engaged with the ski sector and tabled Alberta’s new All Season Resort Policy. He remains connected with ski as the new Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration, and Government House Leader.
CWSAA has initiated its new Alberta Government Relations Committee. As identified at the spring conference and initial committee meeting, provincial topics around emergency preparedness (eg: training, alignment), WCB claims management, and energy (eg: seasonal load) are collective topics of interest for ski areas. Provincial channels have been identified in these areas in order to coordinate activity. On a national scale, work permits and accelerating capital investment have been placed on the radar.
Funding Opportunities for Ski Areas and Communities
A number of funding programs are currently available that may be of interest to ski areas and industry partners. Below are a few highlights, with links for full program details and application information.
Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) – BC
- 2025–26 intake is now open applications accepted online until October 31, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)
- Funding decisions to be announced in Spring 2026
- In past years, several projects at ski areas have been funded thru this grant.
- Learn more: REDIP Program Details
Community Facility Enhancement Program – Small (Alberta)
- Application deadline: September 15, 2025
- Provides up to $125,000 for non-profits to upgrade, expand, or purchase community facilities (including sport-related)
- Learn more: CFEP Small
Canada–Alberta Productivity Grant
- Applications open in September 2025
- Provides up to $100,000 per organization for training supports; up to $5,000 per employee
- Learn more: Canada–Alberta Productivity Grant
- A similar grant is available in BC - BC Employer Training Grant
- Offers similar training supports in British Columbia, though criteria differ from Alberta’s program
- Learn more: BC Employer Training Grant
Tidbits of Change Bursary
- Provides post-secondary bursaries for Canadian youth who have created or developed meaningful initiatives, community efforts, or shared adventures with a parent or mentor
- Tidbits of Change is a familiar face in our industry: they visited all BC ski areas in 2023/24, all Alberta ski areas in 2024/25, and will visit the Yukon in 2025/26
- Learn more and read about recent recipients: Tidbits of Change Bursary Winners
These are just a small selection of what is currently on offer. To explore additional opportunities, please see the full grant spreadsheet.
Selkirk College Ski Industry Programs
Selkirk College continues to play a central role in developing talent for the ski industry through its full-time Ski Resort Operations and Management (SROAM) program and flexible online course offerings.
Online Ski Industry Courses
Selkirk’s online ski industry courses provide a flexible learning option for ski industry staff.
Lift 150 – Train the Trainer (Ongoing Intake)
Designed for experienced lift operations personnel, Lift 150 – Train the Trainer supports in-house leadership in lift operations training. The course is offered through ongoing intake and can be started at any time between August and March. This is a great resource for staff leading training programs at their ski areas, and a regulatory requirement in some jurisdictions.
🔗 Learn more about Lift 150 – Train the Trainer
The following Passenger Ropeways courses run from September 2 to December 8, 2025, with final exams held December 9–11:
- Lift 151 – Surface Passenger Ropeways and Passenger Conveyors
- Lift 152 – Aerial Fixed Grip Passenger Ropeways
- Lift 153 – Aerial Detachable Grip Passenger Ropeways
These micro-credential courses offer practical training that supports on-the-job learning.
🔗 View Lift 151-153 course details and register
Small Ski Area Scholarships
Selkirk College offers scholarships to employees of small ski areas (under 20,000 annual visits). Up to five small ski area employees can receive a 50% discount on Lift 151 or 152 tuition.
Heat Stress on the Slopes? It’s Real.
When most people think of ski hills, they picture cold, crisp air — not heat stress. But in summer operations, from lift maintenance to trail shaping, guiding tours, or slope work, the combination of sun, altitude, and physical effort can quickly push the body past its limits.
The signs often start small: dizziness, nausea, headaches, or muscle cramps. These aren’t just “being tired” — they can be the first indicators of heat-related illnesses that, if ignored, can escalate into heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
The good news? Prevention is simple. Start hydrating before you feel thirsty. Take regular breaks in the shade. Wear breathable layers — long sleeves can actually help keep you cooler — and keep an eye on your teammates. Speaking up early can make all the difference.
To help teams prepare, go2HR has created a 3-minute Safety Talk: Understanding Heat Stress in Tourism & Hospitality. It’s a quick, practical tool to spot early symptoms, build prevention habits, and respond quickly when someone’s at risk.
Watch now HERE and keep your crew safe under the summer sun.
CWSAA Members are invited to post their jobs on the CWSAA Job Board.
The Canadian Ski Council launches 25-26 programs
The Canadian Ski Council (CSC), along with the consumer-facing GoSkiingGoSnowboarding website and new skier programs, is moving into the season with exciting momentum.
The primary fundraising product, the Canadian Lift Pass, launched successfully this summer, and there’s still time for partners to get involved. Meanwhile, the newly rebranded SnowStart Kidz Pass (formerly the SnowPass) had its official August launch and is already seeing strong uptake with families. Watch your inbox for more details on Never Ever Days, the popular learn-to-ski and snowboard initiative, which is poised for success this season.
Beyond program growth, the CSC continues to advance government relations initiatives and expand research offerings to deliver deeper insights for the industry. You can read more about these efforts and other FY25 highlights by downloading the CSC's annual report – CLICK HERE.
New Ice Grip Symbol – Kal Tire & Nokian Lead the Way
New Ice Grip Winter Tire Symbol
CWSAA is proud to partner with Kal Tire, who together with Nokian Tyres is helping introduce the new Ice Grip symbol to Canada. This new international standard identifies winter tires with proven, superior braking performance on ice. While the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certifies traction on snow, the Ice Grip symbol confirms exceptional grip on icy surfaces.
Nokian was one of the first to earn the designation, with models like the Hakkapeliitta R5 and Hakkapeliitta 10 now available at Kal Tire.
Why it matters for ski industry staff
- Safer travel on icy highways and mountain roads common to ski areas.
- Look for both symbols (Ice Grip + 3PMSF) for all-around winter performance.
- Plan ahead for fleets to ensure vehicles are ready before peak season.
CWSAA encourages members to stay aware of new standards like the Ice Grip symbol that support safe winter operations.
🔗Read More about the new Ice Grip symbol HERE.
🔗Find deals on winter tires, including Kal Tire's price match guarantee HERE. Book your tire changeover by September 30 for the best savings.
CWSAA Partners
EASY RESERVATIONS: drivingforce.ca
For Leasing enquiries CONTACT Jordan:
(306) 261-6110 or JArsenault@drivingforce.ca
Driving Force has locations across western Canada to serve the ski industry.
Driving Force safety and reliability allowed CWSAA to visit summer operations at Sunshine Village. The gondola allows locals and international visitors alike to access the splendors of the Canadian Rockies.
Quality Tires at an affordable price
Good tires are important for everyone in the ski industry!
Learn More about Kal Tire's current promotions
HERE.
100% Price Match Guarantee
Kal Tire matches any eligible competitor’s quote for the purchase of four eligible passenger or light truck tires. Learn More.
Places & Faces
Earlier this month Whistler hosted Crankworks: (left to right) Rob McSkimming, Wendy Robinson, Elli Petersilie, Omer Dagan. In September 2026, Whistler Blackcomb will host the Union Cycliste International Mountain Bike World Series, the most prestigiuos biking competition in the world. Read More.
Congratulations to Robert Kennedy, Dana Romanick (right), Carol Metzner (left), and Ruena Batallones as they announce the launch of Kennedy Romanick LLP. Dana is based in Nelson, and Robert, Carol, and Ruena are based in Vancouver. The legal guidance of Robert and his team have been critical to western Canada ski areas for many decades and multiple generations of leaders. View the announcement HERE.
Colby Lehman, Director of Ski Hill and Park Operations, at Winsport in Calgary, gave CWSAA us preview tour of the ASM Fall meeting venue. The Winsport team has put together a great menu of field sessions including lift evacuations, maintenance shop sessions and viewing the new daylodge and its accessibility features. Plus a social event at their mini golf.
Jason Tamagi of Sunshine Village has an incredible mandate. He is charged with promoting alpine experiences on the peaks that straddle the continental divide through the summer and winter. In summer months, not only does the gondola give access to the alpine hiking trails and spectacular vistas, but delivers guests to the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, a unique and splendid lodge nestled within the surrounding peaks.