President's Message
Two months ago in this space I shared some comments around the legacy and camaraderie of our industry. You will read below of the passing of our great industry friend Pat Boyle. Pat’s technical contributions are many as are the motivating stories around them. Though his greatest offering to our industry may be the many people he inspired, led and encouraged. For me personally, this was demonstrated only a couple months ago in a conversation with Pat relating to ropeway technician training. As always, he was passionate and seeking the broader good. As you will read below, Pat has had impacted many lives, and he is cherished and missed by many.
This summer has been important to many ski areas that have invested and expanded summer operations. Many have new lift infrastructure underway as previously cited. Others such as Canyon and Panorama have launched new aerial park and coasters attractions, and Grouse and Red Mountain have recently announced new attractions for next summer. These investments show industry confidence, as well are demonstrations of industry adaptation and future growth as year round social and economic contributors to their communities.
OITAF 2024. CWSAA’S CHRISTOPHER NICOLSON WITH HENRIK VOLPERT OF OBERSTDORF KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN, AND CHAIR OF GERMANY CABLE CAR ASSOCIATION (SKI AREA ASSOCIATION)
CWSAA and industry shares the narrative of ski industry contribution thanks to the participating ski areas in data collection. While skier visits for 23/24 have been collected, the economic impact contributions for the 22/23 has recently been finalised. The 22/23 season is significant in that it marks the first season since 2019/20 without significant health restrictions, and acts as a helpful comparison of industry performance compared to pre-pandemic years. The winter was also marked by an industry high point for skier visits. See full article in The Canada West Way HERE.
The key metrics show a substantive overall industry contribution of $2.7 Billion to western Canada equating to a GDP of $1.98 Billion. Over 22,000 employees provide for their families bringing home $1.18 Billion in wages. And to government and the services it provides, the industry generates $402 Million.
Each CWSAA member owns a piece of this contribution. As an industry, we must continue to share our story of local contributions to our communities, and also the broader scale of our sector. These narratives play a foundational role in the outreach conducted by the various CWSAA government relations committee and working groups. It is important for decisions makers in all levels of government to understand how our sector contributes to our communities from an employment and contribution perspective, which also helps them consider industry needs and impacts when making decisions.
Cheers
– Christopher
2024 CWSAA Fall Meetings
Registration for Fall meetings will begin on July 31. Draft schedules are expected to be posted early August. More information, including registration rates and event accommodations can be found HERE.
- September 24 & 25, Sunridge (Edmonton, Alberta): Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba (ASM) Division Meeting. 1.5 days - full day September 24, and morning only September 25 (ending at noon).
- October 2-4, Sun Peaks Resort (Sun Peaks, BC):
- October 2 - Bike Park Forum - 1 full day.
- October 3/4 - BC-Yukon Division Meeting - 1.5 days - October 3 full day, and morning of October 4.
- October 22, Grande Prairie, Alberta: Northern Region Fall Meeting - 1 full day.
- October 27/28, Thunderhill (Swan River Valley, Manitoba): Saskatchewan Ski Areas Operators Association (SSAOA) - arrive/social evening Oct 27, meeting Oct 28. Note this meeting is being planned by the SSAOA and is supported by CWSAA.
CWSAA Spring Conference & Trade Show Future Dates
- 2025 Spring Conference Penticton, BC - April 28 to May 1, 2025
- 2026 Spring Conference Whistler, BC - April 27 to 30, 2026
Value of Ski Areas: Economic Impact
The 2022/23 report on the ski areas economic impact has now been complete. View the report HERE.
The 2022/23 season showed substantial growth in economic contributions compared to 2021/22 and also exceeded pre-pandemic levels -- in 2022/23 season $2.73 Billion was generated by ski for local and provincial economies across Western Canada!
For more data on Tourism's impact on Canada, the first quarter tourism indicators were recently released - view HERE.
go2HR offers First Aid Consultations
As of November 1, 2024, new First Aid requirements will come into effect, and BC ski areas are encouraged to proactively prepare. A key component of these changes is the completion of a written First Aid assessment, using the newly released WorkSafeBC assessment template. This assessment is essential for determining the necessary first aid equipment, supplies, and facilities for your workplace.
To assist in this transition, our partner, go2HR, is offering personalized First Aid Consultations specifically for the tourism and hospitality sectors. These free consultations provide expert guidance to help you navigate the new requirements and create a comprehensive action plan.
The First Aid assessments must consider various operational factors, including:
- WorkSafeBC assigned hazard ratings and typical industry activities
- Number of workers on-site during different shifts
- Travel time and potential access barriers for ambulance personnel
- Previous incident and injury data
- Locations and requirements of first aid kits, supplies, and equipment
- Configuration and requirements of dressing stations and first aid rooms
- Potential need for emergency transport vehicles and overnight care
To ensure your ski area is compliant by the November deadline, schedule your First Aid Consultation with go2HR today.
Contact go2HR for your First Aid Consultation HERE.
Responsible Stewardship Showcase
In many of the past newsletters CWSAA has showcased the many stewardship initiatives at Ski Areas in western Canada. Check out these recent features:
- Mt Sima introduced their firs e-sled to their snowmobile fleet
- Whitewater's waste management program
- Mt Norquay's many initiatives including Bullfrog Power, reduced use of plastics and stewardship committee.
- Panorama Mountain Resort working to protect and preserve whitebark pine.
- Sea to Sky Gondola reducing annual emissions through electrification.
CWSAA has developed a Responsible Stewardship Playbook and Toolkit to support ski areas in their journey to increase sustainable practices. Canadian Ski Council research indicates that 70% of skiers and snowboarders are strongly or somewhat influenced by the ski areas sustainability practices. Scalable, practical, and easily implementable suggestions are presented in the document authored by GreenStep Solutions. Learn More HERE.
There are many more efforts throughout the industry to protect our natural environments and demonstrate responsible stewardship. Please contact Cynthia at marketing@cwsaa.org if you'd like to share your ski area story.
WorkSafeBC announces 2025 preliminary premiums
Thanks to the combined efforts of the ski industry focus on health and safety, many BC ski areas will see a reduction in their WorkSafeBC premiums for 2025.
The WorkSafeBC base rate for Ski Hills (CU 761038) has decreased by 2% this year (from 3.96 to 3.88) on top of the 25% drop in 2024.
Please note, despite the expected decrease in the base rate, the premiums for an individual ski area may increase due to their own experience rating.
Learn More HERE.
CWSAA Annual General Meeting
Please be advised that the CWSAA 2024 AGM will take place as follows:
- Date: Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024.
- Time: 10:00 am– 11:00 am Pacific | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Mountain
- Place: Zoom Video Conference.
A notice was sent to all members on June 21, 2024 with a link to register to attend.
View the CWSAA 2023-24 Annual Report HERE.
To view the financial report, AGM notice or 2023 AGM minutes, please login to the CWSAA website and download them HERE.
CWSAA Partners
EASY RESERVATIONS: www.drivingforce.ca
For Leasing enquiries CONTACT Jordan:
(306) 261-6110 or JArsenault@drivingforce.ca
CWSAA ‘fueling up’ at Powder King’s Café 97…some of the best meals in the north
Quality Tires at an affordable price
Learn More about Kal Tire's current promotions HERE.
CWSAA Members are invited to post their jobs on the CWSAA Job Board.
International Ropeway Congress Highlights
CWSAA members joined delegates from around the planet as they congregated in Vancouver this past June for the 2024 International Ropeway Congress. The future and opportunity for aerial transport was awe inspiring and the expertise of presenters nothing short of impressive.
- New innovation, design, and ropeway advancements from Leitner Poma and Doppelmayr
- AI integration into ropeway maintenance, operations, and increased efficiency
- Leading research on sustainable snowmaking
- Presentations on urban ropeway installations from around the globe including the proposal on Burnaby Mountain in metro Vancouver
- Tours of Grouse Mountain, Sea to Sky Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb
Plans are in the works for a future event through the North American chapter of OITAF. Details will be published once available.
Canadian Ski Hall of Fame: Community Ski Area Feature
Valley Ski Club
Valley's first ski hill was in Castor Alberta, serviced by a rope tow powered by a 1927 Chevy truck motor. In 1962 the club moved to the Battle River Valley to have a bigger hill and closer to a main highway. The ski hill is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and small winter staff.
Read the Full Valley Ski Club Story
Read more stories about Canadian Community Ski Areas HERE.
Classifieds
Tawatinaw Ski Area (Alberta) has a few items available.
Free to a good home: Base Grinder with Baldor motor, model SBB-7000-1, comes with tables. See more images HERE. Call Wendy 780-307-1511
For Sale: True Manufacturing Fridge Model TAC-36-LD, like new condition, Call Wendy 780-307-1511
Places & Faces
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pat Boyle on July 5th, 2024.
Pat was born in Vancouver in 1954 to Jack and Sandy Boyle and was raised in Coquitlam, B.C., with his brother and sister.
After attending Simon Fraser University, Pat began his career in the Ski Industry as a pro patroller at Fortress Mountain in the mid-70s. It wasn't just a love for the mountain he found there but also the love of his life and his future wife, Kim Cheshire. The late 70s saw them head west to Kelowna, BC and Big White, where Pat's abilities and resourcefulness became legendary. From lift maintenance to managing the mountain at Apex Resort, Pat's expertise grew with every challenge he tackled. Pat was part of a group that lobbied to have lift mechanics recognized as Millwrights with the ability to obtain red seal certification. In 1988, fate intervened once more. Pat's talent caught the eye of Poma America while he helped build the new gondola at Whistler Mountain. This pivotal moment launched him into a role with Poma that would see him contribute to countless more lift installations across Western Canada. For better than 35 years, Pat personally directed the lift installations on behalf of Leitner Poma at Big White, Whistler, Revelstoke, Silver Star, Kicking Horse, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, Norquay, Grouse Mountain, Mt Baldy, Nakiska, to name a few. His impact on the ski industry is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire.
In 1984, Pat married his wife Kim at his parent’s home in Coquitlam during a blizzard, fitting for a couple whose lives revolved around the love of skiing and the industry's growth.
In 1989, they moved to Kelowna and purchased a beautiful family home overlooking Okanagan Lake. Their first daughter, Katherine Colleen Boyle, was born in 1990, followed by their second daughter, Elizabeth Anne Boyle, in 1993.
Pat had a larger-than-life personality. He was the go-to person who just got things done, whether it be for family, friends or colleagues. You could always rely on his optimistic attitude to find a solution, no matter how difficult the task. He was a dedicated father and husband who loved to share adventures with his daughters and wife, who he loved dearly. Pat's love for adventure was infectious, and always up for a new challenge. He was loyal, reliable, trustworthy, and a lot of fun. He was an active individual who loved not just skiing but golfing, biking, diving, and fishing as well. His buddies who enjoyed those adventures with him will miss his enduring laughter and famous barbecued oysters.
Pat leaves behind his loving family and a fantastic group of friends and acquaintances he cherished dearly. Pat will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of life will take place at Big White Ski Resort on Thursday, August 22nd at 2 pm. Please RSVP by August 10th, to deb@inter-mtn.com. More details will follow for attendees.
In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Pat Boyle can be made to the Small Ski Areas Assistance Fund through Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA). E-transfers can be sent to accounting@cwsaa.org or by contacting the CWSAA office.
Our thanks to Debbie Muirhead, Big White, Leitner Poma and many other industry colleagues and partners for their care, compassion, and friendship.
Doug Macfarlane recently announced his retirement after 36 years with Whistler Blackcomb. Doug has been an industry leader, recognized this spring with the CWSAA Jim Marshall Leadership Award. Read More.
Castle Mountain's Content & Social Media Coordinator, Lizzy Reimer, was recently recognized in SAM Magazine's 10 under 30 feature. Congratulations Lizzy on a well deserved recognition.
Russell Karp has joined Selkirk College and will be responsible for delivering the online Passenger Ropeways Programs. Russell will takeover for Bob Bell, who was instrumental in redesigning the courses and will be retiring.
Canyon Resort in Red Deer Alberta recently opened their aerial adventure park and dual zip line. These new activities complement the very successful Canyon Coaster, Summer Tubing and Patio.
CASI recently announced the restructuring of its operations team. Read More
Panorama Mountain Resort has expanded their summer operations with the new Mountain Coaster, plus an aerial course is in the final stages of completion.