Message from the President
Christopher enjoying the fresh snow at Mt Cain March 9
Recent visits to Harper Mountain, Mt Cain, Mt Washington, and Troll Mountain have reinforced the importance of ski industry to our local communities and economies.
It has been interesting to dissect the current winter. Media have relayed worst case scenarios to consumers and often reported inaccurately. Unfortunately it is the reality that media, like other businesses, are constrained by capacity and time limitations. The reporters are not snowsport participants and are unfamiliar with snow climates or the industry. However, when one digs a little deeper, I have in fact been greatly encouraged by the positive support from stakeholders such as passholders and lesson participants. Those with an actual vested interest in ski areas have been very supportive and appreciative of the great efforts operators have made this year.
The season also reinforces the need to communicate to stakeholders and officials the many examples of ski area contributions. And there is an exhaustive list of these throughout the industry including ski areas and suppliers. Last week an adaptive snowsport volunteer instructor explained to me that their ski area provided lift access, retail and F&B discounts, facilities, and other backing all to support snowsport accessibility. In partnership with local indigenous communities, many ski areas offer programs with lift access, instruction, and equipment. Virtually every ski area will offer a variety of youth and or school programs that enable children to engage in outdoor activity. These are all examples of grass roots programs that are common currency for ski areas. However, more often than not, we as an industry do not talk about them. Perhaps we are so busy with operations that it is not a priority. Or perhaps like the many responsible stewardship initiatives, we are afraid of greenwashing, or subscribe to an ‘under promise and over deliver’ philosophy.
However, one thing I have learned from speaking to champions of the industry, such as BC Tourism Minister Lana Popham, or Alberta Tourism Minister Joseph Schow, examples of contributions are of great interest locally, provincially, and beyond. Our industry was reminded through the pandemic of the importance health officials placed on outdoor recreation. As we move forward, our industry needs to celebrate its social contributions. By informing our stakeholders and communities about industry activities, it allows officials to highlight the importance of the ski areas to their community and collectively to the province and nation.
Safe outdoor recreation and the communities it serves is a great story and we need to share the story. At spring conference, CWSAA will be speaking more about this need and is simultaneously working with our eastern colleagues toward the same end. We know that all ski areas have many stories of contribution to share.
- Cheers, Christopher
2024 CWSAA Spring Conference & Trade Show
April 21-24, 2024
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta
View Conference Website
Conference Registration is Now Open
Rates increase March 22
- Full Conference Registration registration rate: $700 per person + taxes & processing fees.
- Last day before prices increase is March 21!
- The conference agenda continues to be updated and we are excited with the content that is being developed for this years conference. View the draft agenda HERE.
Small Areas Auction
Each year a silent auction is held at the Spring Conference to raise funds to provide financial support to Small Ski Areas to attend the Spring Conference and Fall Division Meeting. Please complete this Google Form to let us know if you are able to donate an item to this year's Silent Auction Fundraiser.
Learn more about the Small Areas Assistance Fund HERE
Introducing the Pheedloop Event App.
This year we have a new event App - Pheedloop. This is a Canadian App that is being used by many tourism events, including last weeks BC Tourism Industry Conference. We are currently sending invites to Exhibitors, Speakers and Sponsors to complete their profiles. Next month, delegates will receive an invite to download the app and create your profile. Please note these invites will come directly from the app using the email no-reply@pheedloop.com.
Phishing Schemes
- Some members have received phishing scheme emails claiming that our attendee lists can be purchased.
- CWSAA does not sell member information, nor has there been any data breaches. Beware of scams claiming to sell attendee lists. We don't collaborate with third-party event organizers or sell our members info. All official emails come from addresses ending in cwsaa.org or from no-reply@pheedloop.com. Stay vigilant against suspicious emails, often marked with yellow highlights.
BC Government
The All-Seasons Resort Policy, formerly the Commercial Alpine Ski Policy, was conceived by government in the 1970s as a way of leveraging BC’s natural resource assets. Since that time it has become a global model for resort development, attracted incremental investment, and allowed communities, employment and services to flourish throughout the province…especially at a time when many traditional resource-based communities have looked to tourism to diversify and sustain themselves.
This exceptional leadership has been taken up by Tourism Minister Lana Popham, who holds responsibility for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, including BC’s Mountain Resorts Branch. Minister Popham actively supports BC’s vested interest in the Province’s proven resort development strategy, and the dependence of residents and communities on this strategy. The Minister’s knowledge and engagement of the tourism and ski sector is evident in her requests for industry updates. It was only one month ago the Minister hosted a virtual roundtable with ski areas to better understand the winter season and explore what the Minister could do to support the areas. Ski and the entire tourism sector are fortunate to have such a champion.
BC Land Act
On February 21, Nathan Cullen, BC's Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, announced that the ‘government has decided not to proceed with proposed amendments to the Land Act.’ See link: Minister’s statement on proposed Land Act amendments
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- BC Tourism Minister Lana Popham welcomed 425 delegates to the 2024 Tourism Industry Association of BC Conference in Victoria last week. In her remarks, she encouraged the delegates to go skiing and riding and enjoy the plentiful new snow.
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- Jennifer Goad (MRB), Kate Roddick (Whistler Blackcomb), Darcy Alexander (Sun Peaks), Andy Cohen (Fernie/RCR), Eddie Wood (Mt Seymour), Christopher Nicolson (CWSAA) at the BC Legislature in Victoria.
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- MINISTER POPHAM VISITED MT SEYMOUR AS MINISTER IN THE 22/23 SEASON, AND HAS CONTINUED TO ENGAGE WITH SKI AREAS AND HOST ROUNDTABLES TO STAY WELL INFORMED AND SUPPORT THE SECTOR.
Alberta Government
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
Alberta Minister of Tourism & Sport Joseph Schow visited Nitehawk last month to learn about their Community Owned Non-profit ski area, and discuss how community ski areas like Nitehawk can play a role in achieving the Provinces Goal of growing Tourism to $20-billion dollars by 2030.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is the province’s economic immigration program to attract and retain talented workers and entrepreneurs. Operated in coordination with the federal government, it enables Alberta’s government to address challenges and gaps in the province’s labour market by nominating skilled/experienced individuals to fill job vacancies.
The Tourism and Hospitality Stream is open to individuals who have already been working for a tourism and hospitality business for at least six months and who have met criteria to establish themselves in Alberta permanently.
Learn More: Growing Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector
Alberta’s new long-term tourism strategy
Last month, the Government of Alberta announced its long-term tourism strategy, which reflects the importance of the outdoor tourism sector in Alberta's future. Thanks to all those that contributed.
Learn More: Higher Ground: A tourism sector strategy
Take the TIAA-Leger Tourism Business Conditions Survey Today
Your feedback is vital for gauging business conditions of tourism operators throughout the province, propelling tourism-related conversations within Alberta communities and informing the provincial government's decisions. Complete the survey HERE
Responsible Stewardship Showcase
Whitewater: Waste Management Program
This month we shine a spotlight on Whitewater’s Waste Management Program, a cornerstone of their sustainability efforts. Under the guidance of a seasoned Sustainability consultant, Whitewater has set its sights on reducing its environmental footprint. With a focus on achievable goals and staff engagement, the resort's Green Team has been at the forefront of implementing tangible changes.
With the consultant's guidance, Whitewater's Green Team embarked on ambitious campaigns, yielding tangible results. One standout achievement was the overhaul of their waste disposal system. By shifting the responsibility from guests to staff, Whitewater managed to slash landfill contributions by 15% despite a 10% uptick in visitors. This initiative, coupled with a composting program launched in collaboration with local farms, not only lessened their environmental footprint but also earned them top marks in external recycling audits.
Plus, they've replaced disposable dishware with recycled paper alternatives and switched from plastic to wooden cutlery, which serves a dual purpose by becoming kindling at the Glory Lodge.
Moreover, the resort is dedicated to supporting local businesses, opting for locally sourced products whenever feasible to reduce transportation emissions. Even their marketing materials have undergone an eco-friendly makeover, with resort maps printed on stone-based paper and employee pay stubs going digital.
Other recent initiatives include Whitewater's two new buildings, were constructed using the most energy-efficient methods available, meeting Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code – the highest standard in energy efficiency construction (net zero energy). Their newest snowmobile is a fully electric snowmobile, and they even offers HOV priority parking.
Learn More about how your ski area can undertake small changes that make big differences.
Selkirk College Ski Industry Courses
SROAM 2 Year Diploma: Want to take your career in the ski industry to the next level. The Ski Resort Operations and Management Diploma covers all aspects of ski resort operations, providing a unique blend of management skills and industry knowledge to prepare you for lasting leadership roles. This curriculum contains articulated business and tourism courses transferable towards any college and university in BC; as well as specific industry course content. Learn More HERE.
Passenger Ropeways Mechanics: The Lift 151, Lift 152 and Lift 153 are all self directed. The Winter programs is well underway and runs until April 10, 2024. The Spring Program runs May 1 to June 17. Learn More & Register HERE
Upcoming Industry Events
- Mountain Biking BC, MTB Symposium: May 1-3
- HeliCat Canada Spring Meeting: May 6-7
- OSRA Spring Conference: May 13-15
- NSAA National Convention: May 21-24
- OITAF: June 17-20
- NSAA Downhill Bike Park Summit: June 24-26
See more industry event HERE.
Plus mark your calendars, the 2025 CWSAA Spring Conference will be in Penticton BC, April 28 - May 1, 2025!
Membership Dues
Reminder: In February, CWSAA members were sent an invoice for their 2024/25 CWSAA Annual Membership via email. If you did not receive your invoice or have a change in accounting contacts, please reach out to Stephanie Avery at stephanie@cwsaa.org
Thank you to all members that have already submitted payment. We value your partnership and thank all members for their continued support and involvement in industry initiatives. Please note, that it is a requirement for all members to be in current standing to attend the CWSAA conference (April) and participate in the AGM (Summer).
Visitation Reporting
At the end of each winter season, CWSAA collects ski area visits from all ski areas in Western Canada. New this year, CWSAA will be collecting summer visitation information from the 2023 summer season. This information is very important for the industry's advocacy's efforts in defining our overall economic impact. Individual ski area information collected through this report is kept strictly confidential. Only aggregated information by province is published.
An email was sent to ski area GMs this week requesting completion of the report once operations are completed for the 2023/24 season. If you have any questions, or did not receive this report, please contact Cynthia Thomas at marketing@cwsaa.org.
CWSAA and go2HR have compiled a valuable library of safety and HR resources for the ski industry. Some may be used for on-boarding, others are good for pre-shift huddles.
Find the resources HERE
Welcome New Members
CWSAA would like to extend a big welcome to the following new members this year.
- The Lawnmower Hospital - specializes in slope mowing equipment, including rough cut tow behind mowers.
- Upslope Millwright and Rigging LTD. - ropeway maintenance, such as bullwheel bearings and tower assembly rebuilds as well as line work and station service.
- Softac Systems Ltd - designs and manufactures drive and safety systems for passenger ropeways.
- CMLS National advisory - financial advisors in real estate.
- Sockeye Modular Installations - remote modular accommodations and offices.
We'd also like to welcome back Inntopia and Steep Management LLC.
Register to participate in OITAF 2024 in Vancouver
Once in a Career Opportunity
For many, participating in the International Organization for Transportation by Rope (OITAF) Congress in Vancouver BC will be the only time in their career they will do so. OITAF is comprised of lift manufacturers, engineers, and other leaders within the global ropeway eco-system. The Congress this June in Vancouver is the first and only time it has been hosted in Canada. The one other time it was hosted in North America was in the previous millennium. It is an exceptionally unique opportunity for industry with most content delivered in English.
The Agenda has now been published HERE (scroll down to "Programm of the Congress" for the detailed program).
This year also includes two presentations from Europe on snowmaking research that will be very helpful to industry.
Register HERE
CWSAA Partners
EASY RESERVATIONS: www.drivingforce.ca
For Leasing enquiries CONTACT Jordan:
(306) 261-6110 or JArsenault@drivingforce.ca
CWSAA's Driving Force vehicle easily navigated the heavy snowfall to Mt Washington's maintenance shop.
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.
Places & Faces
Kieren, Darren, and Eric (l to r) all engage in operational duties at Mt Cain on Vancouver Island. The non-profit ski area is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and operates 2 Tbars, 1 handle tow, rental shop, and lounge. There are seasonal RVs near the base lodge, and approximately 50 cabins within the regional park.
BC Tourism Industry Conference: Michael Ballingall (Big White) introduces as panel from Destination BC that has strong roots and support for the ski industry including Maya Lange, Karla Grenon and Mika Ryan.
School groups allow small ski areas to open during the week, provide accessibly to snow sports for youth and develop the love of skiing and snowboarding from a young age. Photo: school group skiing at Misery Mountain, Alberta last week.
Mike Manara, Tina Pringle, Jen Crabtree, Dean Prentice (photo l to r) of Mount Washington are grinning after a big dump of snow last week. Last week, Mt Washington celebrated its length of service recognition including Dave Paige with 45 years of service.
Harper Mountain owner operators, Lisa and Norm Daburger, are familiar faces at CWSAA events. Norm’s parents founded the ski area. Norm and Lisa's children Max and Ryan are intimately involved with operations and represent the 3rd generation of family operators. (pictured Norm and Max)