Two weeks ago, I had the privilege to join Kimberley Alpine Resort General Manager, Ted Funston, on a ski at Kimberley Alpine Resort.  As we hiked the access route from the village to the mid-mountain Tamarack chair, we spoke about the relationship between the ski area and community.

The narrative of ski area contributions to local communities and their importance to economic and social well-being will be very familiar to CWSAA members.  The loss of the primary lift at Kimberley Alpine Resort this past December and the commitment to maintain operations by the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) ownership illustrates this critical role and relationship in vivid colours.  A walk through Kimberley’s marvelous townsite and the commentary from store owners tells a story of economic hardship due to reduced visitors, but one of resilience due to collective RCR commitment and strong community spirit.  The heart beat is clearly palpable in all the posts tagged #mykimberley.

Through the day, Ted extended his appreciation for industry support and especially for the assets received from Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, and Castle Mountain.  This spoke of Ted’s leadership.  During any crisis, people seek reassurance and confidence.   Ted articulates this in a December 20 post to Kimberley’s Facebook page.  It demonstrated strength.  I would even suggest that Ted’s perceived role within the community shifted from operating lifts, to one of building confidence for his team and community and painting a path forward.

It is a credit to our industry that such leadership is not isolated.  Leaders such as Kevin Grogan at Vista Ridge, Kirby Brown at Sea to Sky Gondola, and Johnathan Clarkson at Nitehawk ski area have also shared their experiences with the CWSAA membership, and each stands on the broad shoulders of others.  These are dramatic events, and each underscores the value of our industry to our communities.  In more muted tones, the contribution to community occurs across the country.  Every day wages are earned, families are supported, and residents and guests spend time outdoors in healthy endeavours.  This defines the industry of which we are all a part.

I would also like to make comment on another contribution of ski areas.  Every four years, athletes from across the globe are thrust into the limelight of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.  To get there, many of the athletes and coaches from western Canada are supported by the CWSAA Competitor Pass.  The program is supported by each ski area member, and allows athletes to access every ski area in the west for training and competition.  On show for the next two weeks are incredible athletic displays and the results of extraordinary determination and talent.  Proudly, some are even immediate family of CWSAA members.  CWSAA wishes Team Canada the very best at the Games, and conveys its deep appreciation to all the ski areas for their continued support of our athletes.  Go Canada Go!

In closing, members will be aware of the new and/or anticipated health orders in many jurisdictions.  Saskatchewan and Alberta have just announced changes, and others are known to be coming.  CWSAA has been working vigorously with government officials and management to ensure ski area priorities such as lift capacity is maintained.  Clarity and interpretations of orders have already been required, and for some areas, the new announcements create significant operational decisions.  CWSAA is following up with ski areas on a jurisdictional basis as necessary.

As always, please contact CWSAA if you have any questions.

  – Christopher Nicolson