President's Message

HER Story panel: Amy Whitty, Hannah Roth, Olivia Robson and Wendy Robinson

Over the past decade, generational change in leadership has been a constant theme of industry discussions.  Much effort has been placed on succession planning strategies and effective techniques helping organisations transfer their institutional knowledge.  Past examples have featured case studies on how companies achieved this, and last month, conference sessions shared how technology is being used to capture and transfer years of information.  Another session vibrantly illustrated not just the generational change, but also the shifts in gender.  Female conference delegates (47%) counted for virtually the same percentage as male in 2026.  As articulately conveyed in the Her Story session at spring conference, focus must continue on many aspects of gender equity, but the mix was noted by many attendees.  The forementioned session also illustrated the emergence of new industry leaders.  CWSAA has long spoken about the need for veteran leadership to actively mentor and pass on their knowledge, and simultaneously, the younger generation must actively embrace and take on the mantle and responsibility of leadership.  We saw this in action in Her Story, the Mentorship Lunch, and many other sessions throughout.  Thank you to all those stepping up to meet this challenge.

Shawn Balog is the 2026 recipient of the CWSAA Jim Marshall Leadership Award

Equally, it was a privilege to hear of the accomplishments and recognize the extraordinary efforts of this year’s award recipients. Congratulations to our Peak Performer recipients, and to Scott, Jason, and Shawn, the Fossberg, Chisholm, and Marshall award honourees respectively—each recognition revealed marvelous stories of perseverance and leadership.  The Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mr. Bob Hall received resounding endorsement and appreciation for his contributions to our industry.  For those who missed the backstory: in a memorable bit of mischief led by Bob Bell, months ago, Bob Bell asked Bob Hall to attend and speak in honour of a pretend “recipient” —only to discover it was Bob Hall himself that was the one being recognized.

Shortly after the conference, I was fortunate to connect with Andy Spencer.  She was encouraged to hear about the strong participation, and in particular, expressed that her late husband Jimmie Spencer (legendary CWSAA CEO) would have been proud of the continued commitment to small areas.  For those newer members of our industry, Jimmie Spencer was a British Army battle-hardened WWII tank commander that guided CWSAA for decades.  In the early ‘pioneering’ days of the ski industry, it took a military commander to guide us, and many current leaders today count Jimmie as one of their mentors.  On behalf of the community, CWSAA thanks the industry for the generous financial contributions to the Small Areas Assistance fund, and to the many volunteers that made the Small Areas Auction fundraiser a success.

Christopher Nicolson (CWSAA President) and Eddie Wood (CWSAA Board Chair)

As the CWSAA team works through conference debriefs and 200+ survey responses (thank you delegates), planning has already started for spring conference 2027 in Edmonton.   The urban venue provides unique opportunities such as the many suppliers to industry that are based in Edmonton.  There are also four ski areas within 30 minutes of the conference venue, including one immediately across the river from the conference hotel.  These provide great learning venues in their high volume environments, including pulse lift operations at Snow Valley and a new daylodge at Edmonton Ski Club.  The hospitality opportunities around the conference venue are plentiful, and the Ice District and home of the Edmonton Oilers provide yet another learning opportunity that CWSAA is exploring.  These promise to make 2027 a valuable experience.

But before next spring, CWSAA will stage multiple fall events.  The dates for the fall division and northern meetings have been scheduled based on member feedback.

• ASM Division: September 29-30, Canyon Resort Red Deer
• BCY Division & Bike Park: October 6–8, Sun Peaks BC
• Alberta Northern: October 14-15, Grande Prairie
• BC Northern:  October 20-21, Hart Highlands Winter Club, Prince George
• SSAOA: October 25-26, location TBC

While conferences and fall meetings are perhaps the most visible of CWSAA activities, there is year-round effort on many initiatives beyond the events.  Research, best practice, training, and advocacy matters all dominate the CWSAA calendar.  Most of these files involved industry working groups of industry members.  CWSAA extends its sincere appreciation to the continued collective vision and participation to advance the industry.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to CWSAA or myself.

– Christopher Nicolson