Message from the President
Following the recent CWSAA Spring Conference in Jasper, I am reminded of the legacy of camaraderie and service that defines our industry. It is encapsulated in the phrase "The Canada West Way,” which I first heard from past chair Doug Forseth. Its spirit was on vivid display at our conference and is a testament to our industry pioneers, and our present and upcoming leaders that emphasize the mandate of service in our industry work. Interestingly, our guest Katie Brinton, Senior Editor, of Ski Area Management magazine referenced this strong vibe multiple times as she met with delegates through the conference.
For some, particularly first-time attendees and those who come alone, the conference of hundreds of colleagues can feel intimidating. Yet, it is precisely this connection and knowledge exchange that repeatedly proves to be of significant value to members. Each year special initiatives are introduced to make conference feel welcoming. This year, a mentorship networking session was introduced by the new CWSAA Young Professionals working group that enhanced networking and introduced newer leaders to industry veterans. Survey results and feedback indicated a very positive response.
On the planning side, CWSAA has already competed its third scheduled debrief session aimed at continual conference improvement. We are immensely grateful for the detailed feedback provided by our delegates through surveys and direct input. These insights are crucial and have already guided CWSAA in the agenda and development of the 2025 Spring Conference in Penticton. The next steps involve assembling the topic working groups to develop the content…a task for which many members have already volunteered…thank you.
Looking forward and beyond event planning, emergency preparedness is a key focus. Wildfire is already touching some of our communities, and it is on the minds of many. On an on-going basis, CWSAA engages with officials to help align efforts to be ready to harness resources when needed. This effort has increased as more ski areas engage in summer operations in addition to their annual maintenance projects.
Lastly, in the newsletter below, you will see a link to the annual CWSAA member survey. The input from the survey serves as the foundation for CWSAA Board deliberations on the organisation’s strategic direction. The surveys also helps prioritise many ideas, such as those generated at spring conference, and ensures CWSAA efforts are focused on the priorities of its membership.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or the CWSAA for any support.
- Cheers, Christopher
2024 CWSAA Spring Conference & Trade Show
We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent 2024 Spring Conference & Trade Show held at the scenic Jasper Park Lodge. This year's event was a resounding success, drawing over 450 attendees who participated in a dynamic array of sessions and activities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the 102 panelists and speakers who delivered insightful presentations across 52 sessions. Their dedication to providing valuable content significantly enriched the experience for all attendees. The conference spanned three days, packed with learning and networking opportunities that were both engaging and informative.
The Trade Show featured 50 Exhibitors whose displays of products and services highlight the cutting-edge advancements within our sector and create a hub of inspiration for ski areas.
A big thank you to the teams at Marmot Basin and Jasper SkyTram. Their hospitality and the stunning backdrop they provided for in field sessions was truly a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Additionally, through the generosity of so many attendees, nearly $38,000 was raised for the Small Areas Assistance Fund!
Below are some highlights, and check out the full photo gallery HERE. To download conference presentations, please login to our website and visit the download page HERE.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that the next CWSAA Spring Conference will take place from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Planning is already underway! If you would like to present or have a suggestion on for a conference topic, please complete the Session Proposal form by June 30 HERE.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the 2024 CWSAA Spring Conference.
2024 CWSAA Awards
During the conference, a very special night celebrated some of the amazing and dedicated members of our industry. Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the CWSAA Awards:
- CWSAA 2024 Peak Performance Recipients:
- Zoe Sloan of Edmonton Ski Club
- Charles Albrow of Sun Peaks Resort
- Anna Boyd of Whistler Blackcomb
- Shannon Johnston of Asessippi Resort
- Dean Roberts, 2024 Rod Chisholm Operations & Maintenance Award
- Anders Svenson, 2024 Lars Fossberg Excellence Award
- Charlie Locke, 2024 Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award
- Doug MacFarlane, 2024 Jim Marshall Leadership Award
CWSAA was also pleased to recognize Bob Bell for his significant and long-time support to CWSAA. Bob received a well deserved standing ovation by the delegates.
View the news release and watch the videos HERE.
Peak Performance Presentation, Left To Right: Jason Paterson (CWSAA Chair), Kate Roddick (CWSAA Director), Charles Albrow, Zoe Sloan, Anna Boyd, Shannon Johnston, Katherine Seleski (CWSAA Director)
Dean Roberts, 2024 Rod Chisholm Operations & Maintenance Award
Anders Svenson, 2024 Lars Fossberg Excellence Award
Doug MacFarlane, 2024 Jim Marshall Leadership Award
Charlie Locke, 2024 Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award
Bob Bell was recognized for his support to CWSAA!
Membership Survey
We deeply value your membership and the input you provide on industry priorities. Each year, we gather feedback from our members to understand the services you receive, the key issues affecting your business, and to identify future opportunities.
The annual membership survey, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete, is now open. Your unique insights are crucial in shaping CWSAA’s strategic directives and guiding our Board of Directors and Staff.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey by May 31 HERE. Your feedback is invaluable and directly impacts our efforts to support your business and address emerging industry issues.
New & Improved SnowPass
Sign up for your ski area to participate in the 2024/25 SnowPass Program!
The SnowPass is being re-launched this year with many updates. Children is grades 1 through 6 will have access to three complimentary lift tickets at all the participating ski areas for one season. Ultimately there is no change for the ski areas - Only a fixed number of units will be made available for sale.
- 1 year pass: The pass will be valid for 1 year only, which supports that this is an “intro to skiing/riding” program.
- 3 visits to each participating ski area: supports conversion.
- Grades 1 – 6: a wider age group to support the family when they are ready to invest in our sport.
Research has shown the SnowPass to be effective at introducing new skiers/riders and their families to the sport, re-engaging lapsed skiers and their children and increasing the participation of infrequent skiers/riders by converting them to lifetime participants.
- On average, 3 people accompany the SnowPass holder on every visit.
- 40% of SnowPass customers take a ski/snowboard lesson.
- 65% of parents and 62% SnowPass customers are a new, lapsed, or infrequent skier.
- 68% of families report skiing/snowboarding more because the child had a SnowPass.
- 82% of SnowPass customers had a paying adult accompany them on ALL visits.
- 21% of family members, other than the SnowPass holder, skied or snowboarded for the first
time as a direct result of the SnowPass holder owning a SnowPass. - 23% identify as non-white/Caucasian.
Learn More about the 2024/25 SnowPass program HERE.
Canadian Lift Pass funds industry Research
The Canadian Lift Pass (CLP) program is the only multi-ski area lift pass owned and operated by and for, the Canadian ski industry.
With this program, all profits are utilized in Canada with the direct benefit going to ski areas in two ways. 40% of every CLP sold is used to fund Research, Advocacy and Government Relations and the remaining 60% is paid out to the ski area that redeems the CLP. Learn More about the CLP HERE.
Sign up your ski area to participate in the national programs HERE.
Responsible Stewardship Showcase
Panorama Mountain Resort Recognized as Finalist for Innovation in Sustainability by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Golden Eagle Awards
Since the early 2000s, Panorama Mountain Resort has been working to protect and preserve whitebark pine. The whitebark pine is a unique tree species, able to withstand the harshest conditions of its alpine environment to help protect the snowpack, regulate snowmelt, and prevent erosion on steep and rocky slopes. Their seeds are an important food source for at least 13 species of birds and 8 species of mammals. The whitebark pine provides shelter and nest sites for many animals from Grizzly bears to Clark’s Nutcracker birds, which have a unique symbiotic relationship with this tree species.
Unfortunately, these remarkable pines are threatened by blister rust — a non-native fungal disease, by mountain pine beetles, and increased competition from shade-loving trees caused by fire suppression. Panorama’s whitebark pine stewardship program addresses climate change through mitigation and adaptation and plays a significant role in forest and ecosystem health.
Starting in 2003, Panorama has participated in workshops, hosted training sessions, and supported annual cone caging and collection to capture seeds for replanting. Management of the whitebark pine population became an integral part of the glade creation program, and a formal management plan is now in place. In 2023, many years of work and dedication culminated in Panorama reaching a significant milestone, becoming certified as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area by the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada (WPEF). In recent years, leading up to certification, the resort has focused on expanded public outreach and education.
In recognition of these efforts, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has named Panorama as a finalist for the Golden Eagle Award for Innovation in Sustainability. A winner will be announced at the NSAA National Convention on May 23, 2024. For more information about the whitebark pine stewardship program visit panoramaresort.com/whitebark-pine/
Upcoming Industry Events
- WorkSafe BC Ski Areas webinar: June 6, 1:00 - 2:00pm (watch for link and details soon).
- OITAF (Vancouver): June 17-20
- NSAA Downhill Bike Park Summit: June 24-26
- 2025 CWSAA Spring Conference (Penticton BC): April 28 - May 1, 2025
Stay tuned for dates and info on CWSAA Fall Meetings. See more industry event HERE.
Selkirk College Ski Industry Courses
Passenger Ropeways Mechanics: The Lift 151, Lift 152 and Lift 153 are all self-directed online programs. Registration is now open for the Spring Program which runs until June 17. Learn More & Register HERE
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.
Critical Incident Stress Management Mountain Community
The CISM Mountain Community program has launched a number of great new resources with the funding support of go2HR.
A new website is available at: mountaincism.ca
Brochures & Business Cards can be downloaded (for you to send to your printer), and ski areas are encouraged to post in their staff rooms. Download the print materials HERE.
Register to participate in OITAF 2024 in Vancouver
Only a month away
The international ropeways congress is coming to Vancouver June 17-21. OITAF’s objective is the advancement of the ropeway transport industry through coordination and the furthering of technical and economic studies and activities related to ropeway transport.
A daily attendance option has been added for Vancouver-Area residents at $200 per day (does not include breakfast or dinner). Register HERE
In addition to diverse ropeway topics, there are also sessions on technology and snowmaking in this years conference. View the Agenda HERE.
CWSAA Partners
EASY RESERVATIONS: www.drivingforce.ca
For Leasing enquiries CONTACT Jordan:
(306) 261-6110 or JArsenault@drivingforce.ca
DRIVING FORCE parntership with Shames Mountain.
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.
Canadian Ski Hall of Fame: Community Ski Area Feature
Table Mountain: A Model of Self-Sufficiency
When five businessmen started the Battlefords Ski Club in 1964, they set in motion an incredible initiative to start a local ski area. Financed and operated by volunteers, a group of locals cut trails, installed a rope tow and opened on January 1, 1970.
Today Table Mountain boasts two quads, two magic carpets, 5.9 km of trails, a terrain park and a tubing park.
Read Full Table Mountain Story
Read more stories about Canadian Community Ski Areas HERE.
Places & Faces
Congratulations to HeliCat Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association for their successful conferences in Penticton. CWSAA will host its 2025 conference in the same venue.
CWSAA was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Paul Green, former Ski Canada Magazine publisher. Paul was a friend to many and was a part of the Canadian ski landscape for many years. Ski Canada’s Iain MacMillian has graciously allowed us to share some of these memories in the following article.
Congratulations to our good friends at the Ontario Snow Resorts Association celebrating its 60th Anniversary at its conference last week. Photo: Kevin Nichol, CEO, OSRA with CWSAA's Christopher Nicolson at Winsport in Calgary January 2024.