December 21, 2017 Newsletter
May this festive season sparkle & shine with loads of snow! Merry Christmas from the Canada West team.
Spring Conference 2018
The CWSAA Spring conference is where many suppliers of industry generate revenue. In addition to meeting buyers at the trade show, suppliers can get their brand and messages in front of decision makers. Sponsorships help elevate the expertise of the industry, by supporting important training and development sessions at the conference.
Sponsors are provided with choice of trade show booth locations, and new promotional opportunities at the conference.
The CWSAA Spring conference is coming up in just over 4 months. Here are some important dates to make note of:
- January 8 – Nominations deadline for CWSAA Awards
- January 12 – Sponsorship applications due for priority trade show bookings
- January 15 – Small Areas Assistance application letters due
- January 23 – Early bird conference registration opens!
Check out more about the 50th CWSAA Conference Here.
Safety on the Slopes
Safety on the slopes for all users is the top priority ski areas and CWSAA.
At the Fall Canada West meetings, the NSAA #RideAnotherDay initiative was presented to ski areas. The video conveys a human and emotional message and can be an effective tool to reinforce safety messages to user groups.
Here are some of the examples of how ski areas have integrated #RideAnotherDay into their safety and risk management planning:
- Post link on website
- Include video in season pass holder communications
- Show at staff orientation and training sessions
- Share with local user groups like competitive clubs
- Include as part of group orientations
Some ski areas have also referred to the #RideAnotherDay program in media interviews as an example of the many industry actions to promote safety.
View the #RideAnotherDay materials HERE.
New video encouraging Schools to participate in ski trips
Over the past few months, the Canadian Ski Council and CWSAA worked together to create a video for school officials that helps articulate and redefine the benefits of Snowsports in schools. The message is intended for teachers, principals, school board, government and other influencers and decision makers. The video may be used as a tool when introducing the opportunity to participate in school ski trips, especially if the value of Snowsports is being questioned.
Through teacher interviews, the video highlights how Snowsports advances the physical and mental development of youth in a controlled environment. Why school ski trips align with curriculum, promote physical activity and learning, and develop lifelong skills.
We hope that you’ll find it an effective tool to motivate incremental school visits in your jurisdiction. Watch it HERE! Please feel free to share the link, or if you’d like a copy to download, please contact Cynthia at [email protected]
Ski School
To create incremental skiers and riders, the industry must first increase its capacity of instructors.
This is a shared responsibility that includes multiple players. For this reason, CWSAA applauds the CSIA and the recently launched apprentice instructor program. As described in the previous newsletter it provides increased course frequency, with less cost and time commitment. Furthermore, it provides ski area the ability to customize course content.
CWSAA wishes to recognize the CSIA for this direction, and CWSAA Snowsports Committee, chaired by Josh Foster, for its impact and contribution to this file. CWSAA welcomes any feedback on this new program and can action it forward as needed.
Never Ever Days is now live! Participants can now sign up on the new and improved Nevereverdays.com website. Currently 82 ski areas will be participating. Over 600 lessons have been sold for the season, and the site just launched 2.5 days ago! If you’d like to join this program to increase participation in snowsports, it’s not too late to join in.
Last weekend Big White held Western Canada’s first NED event of the season. During the 2 day event, they had 92 participants taught by 18 instructors! Big White will be hosting a second NED event Feb 3-4! Click Here for more information on Big White’s program.
Alberta Bill 30
Bill 30 has now been passed through the legislature. It includes the following:
- Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), which provides no-fault benefits and supports a safe return to work for injured workers. This comes into effect on Jan 1, 2018
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, which sets the minimum standards for workplace health and safety and outlines the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees. This comes into effect on June 1, 2018
Website Maintenance
Please note our website cwsaa.org will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on December 27, and may be down until December 29.
CWSAA will be available during that time. Please feel free to give the office a call at 778-484-5535!
Air Service Development
Canada has a new low cost air carrier connecting east and west. FLAIR Airlines began service this week from Ontario (Toronto / Hamilton) to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Kelowna, Abbotsford, and Vancouver. Increased air service benefits the ski industry through competition, frequency, route options, and service alternatives. See more.
Air Canada’s Rouge Airlines also announced seasonal new routes from to the east starting in summer 2018.
Exclusion of Liability Signage
The updated signage has now arrived, and will be phased in over the next year. Limited quantities are currently available for ski areas to order. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or to request signage.
National Ski Area Research Program
The National Ski Area Research Program / Consumer Profile and Satisfaction Survey is underway!
If you would like to know what motivates your guests, and what they think about your area, please contact the CSC at [email protected] to get involved.
The entire ski industry was saddened with the news of the passing of Fred Bosinger last week. Fred was a mentor to many and a significant influencer on the ski industry and racing community.
A service will be held January 15, 2018 at 4pm at Mt. Norquay.
Read more about Fred’s contribution to the ski industry in the Canada West Way.
Skiing at Mt Seymour started around 1936. Helen, Dennis, Eddie & Alex (pictured left) carry on this legacy. Owner Eddie Wood Jr serves as a Director on the CWSAA Board.
Mac Whillans, Terrain Park Supervisor at Cypress Mountain shares Boyne Resorts new Park Etiquette and Education Program (PEEPS). Take a look at MyPeepsPass.com.
Upcoming Events
- April 18-20, 2018 – Mountain Planet International Mountain Development Fair, Grenoble France
- April 24-26, 2018 – CWSAA 50th Spring Conference & Trade Show, Lake Louise AB
- April 24 – 26, 2018 – PNSAA, Bend OR
- April 30, 2018 – HeliCat Canada Spring Meeting, Penticton BC
- May 3-6, 2018 – NSAA National Convention, Florida
- May 7 -10 , 2018 – RMLA, Grand Junction CO
- Oct 28-29, 2018 – SSAOA, Springhill Winter Park MB