CWSAA’s recent visits to many ski areas in and around the 2023 Fall Division meetings has revealed much activity and confidence in our industry. Several areas started hosting race training in the first days of November thanks to extensive snowmaking investments over recent years. Many other areas are commissioning new lifts this season and next. And for all ski areas, this time of year brings energy and enthusiasm from our returning team members and the many new people joining our industry. The energy is palpable during on-boarding sessions and reminds us of the joy of our industry.
Ski areas are reminded of the many risk management and operations resources available to them. They can be found in the member section of the website, or please contact the CWSAA office. A snapshot of some of the most requested resources are cited in the introduction to the previous newsletter and in recent communication to ski area management.
In this newsletter, critical dates and more information on the spring conference are cited. This will be of special significance for those interested in the trade show.
Best of luck to all the teams in the coming days and weeks. Enjoy the ride.
As always, the CWSAA team is here to serve you.
Cheers
– Christopher Nicolson
2024 CWSAA Spring Conference & Trade Show
April 21-24, 2024
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta
On November 28 the CWSAA Spring Conference website will be live. The following is a preview of what to expect:
- Full Conference Registration early bird rate will be $650 per person + taxes & credit card processing fees.
- Trade Show booths will be $1300 + taxes & credit card processing fees.
- Accommodation: Room rates start at $199 per night + a $16/night Resort Fee + taxes. Complimentary self-parking.
Important Dates:
- November 28
- CWSAA Spring Conference website will be live.
- Sponsorship will become available. For those that sponsor, advance Trade Show and Conference registration will also be available.
- Accommodation booking link will be available for the group rate at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- CWSAA Awards nominations will open
- Small Areas funding application
- January 12 - priority Trade Show booth selection ends for sponsors.
- January 22 - General Conference registration opens
- February 21 - Early bird Conference rates ends, prices increase!
Saskatchewan Ski Area Operators Association (SSAOA) Fall Meeting
At the end of October, the SSAOA meeting for prairie ski areas was held at Wapiti Valley Ski & Board Resort near Melfort, Saskatchewan. Led by Chair Anders Svenson (Mission Ridge) and Secretary Treasurer Shannon Johnson (Asessippi), the gatherings included informative presentations and operational tours. Wapiti General Manager Eileen Shaw and her team graciously hosted the event in Wapiti’s beautiful chalet along the south shore of the Saskatchewan River.
Upcoming Online Sessions
Following the well attended and informative Fall Meetings, there a number of opportunities to continue to engage and learn through online sessions. Next week, there will be two great sessions:
Ticket Fraud - CWSAA Online Industry Session
November 28, 1pm Pacific. More info & Register HERE (must be signed into the CWSAA website to register)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Webinar - Hosted by go2HR
November 29, 11:00 am Pacific. More info & Register HERE
Plus, there are a number of great free resources, online workshops and training provided by industry partners:
- go2HR has a calendar of great OH&S and HR events HERE. Plus numerous training resources HERE.
- Alberta non-profit Learning Centre provides various online courses and training resources to support organizations including topics related to governance, grant writing, financial management and much more.
- Tourism Saskatchewan offers online and in-person training and education opportunities enhance professional development, employee recruitment and workforce retention, including subjects on marketing, service skills, recruitment, conflict and de-escalation and much more.
Selkirk College Lift Courses: Register for training to prepare for the season ahead
SNOW 156 Ski Resort Risk Management is offered every year beginning in late January, and registration is now open. This 12-week beneficial online course is for anyone with risk management responsibilities to help learn to assess and manage the risks ski areas face on a day-to-day basis using actual case studies and online discussions about current industry issues and solutions.
Lift 150 Train the Trainer is designed to support lift supervisors or managers develop a comprehensive program for training their operators. Used across Canada to prepare supervisors and managers as trainers, Lift 150 is currently required for certification by Technical Safety BC (TSBC) for all passenger ropeway trainers in British Columbia. This program is self-paced and estimated at 20 hours, plus an exam at the end (accredited exam invigilator required). Registration is ongoing throughout the fall and winter.
Passenger Ropeways & Conveyor Courses - The fall courses are just wrapping up and a new semester of Lift 151, 152 & 153 runs from January 8 to April 15.
Learn More & Register HERE
Never Ever Days
The Canadian Ski Council (CSC) has been actively engaged since early spring, organizing the upcoming launch of various programs that will provide your ski area with valuable tools aimed at growing and fostering the development of the industry.
For ski areas that participate in CSC programs, watch your inbox for forthcoming communication from President & CEO Paul Pinchbeck, containing the summary of the annual Skier/Riders Intentions Study. This document will offer essential insights into consumer confidence and its implications for ski areas during the upcoming winter season. It's not too late to sign up for CSC programs, and receive this research as well.
Ski area registration for the Never Ever Days (NED) program is now open. Never Ever Days is aimed to attract new skiers and snowboarders and turn them into lifelong Snowsports enthusiasts. The NED launch is scheduled for December 1st with the first Never Ever Days available for booking the week of December 18th. Ski areas can sign up to hold NED events HERE.
Ski area participation is vital to the success of Never Ever Days programs as it introduces thousands of new skiers and snowboarders to the thrill of sliding on snow! Working together to deliver these valuable programs will help grow the next wave of customers.
To participate in the program or any further questions please contact Michele McGann Program Operations Manager at mmcgann@skicanada.org
CWSAA Members are invited to post their jobs on the CWSAA Job Board.
CWSAA Partners
EASY RESERVATIONS: www.drivingforce.ca
For Leasing enquiries CONTACT:
(306) 261-6110 or JArsenault@drivingforce.ca
Plus, Save 10% on vehicle rentals with code "CWSAA"
Driving Force is CWSAA’s vehicle partner providing safe and reliable solutions, especially for winter transportation around western Canada. CWSAA is pleased to introduce Jordan Arsenault as our contact for vehicle leasing and rental solutions.
Quality Tires at an affordable price
Learn More about Kal Tire's current promotions HERE.
Places & Faces
For more Places & Faces, check out CWSAA's Facebook Page
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Brent Freedman on Tuesday October 31, 2023.
Brent was involved with Wapiti Valley Ski Resort leading up to its inception in 1984 and remained a passionate contributor until his passing. Brent began his career a ski instructor and held many positions throughout the resort including ski patrol, pro shop and ultimately the General Manager from 1991 to 2014. Most recently and since he retired from his post as GM, Brent sat on the Board of Directors on the Wapiti Valley Regional Park. We’re thankful we were able to share stories and laughs with Brent just days before his passing at our annual fall meetings hosted by Wapiti Valley in Melfort Sk. Our thoughts are with Brent’s family, Wapiti Valley Ski Resort and their community through this difficult time. Read more HERE.
Kimberley Alpine Resort and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. has appointed Christine Schultheis to the role of General Manager at Kimberley Alpine Resort. Christine has held positions within the RCR administration office including HR, OH&S, and most recently in the role of Director, People, Culture and OH&S. Congratulations to Christine.
Grouse Mountain's Paul Harkins and Grant Wahl stand at the bottom of the new lift line where a helicopter was being used to pour foundations in preparation for their Leitner-Poma of America Gondola installation next summer.
Chris Heal, Eddie Wood, and Dennis Watson stand at the top terminal of Mt. Seymour's new Lodge Chair, a Doppelmayr Canada conveyor quad.
Sun Peaks' AnneMarie Dill (left), Director of Guest Services and Amy Blakeney (right), COO, welcomed skiers and riders with complimentary (and legendary) cinnamon buns for first day of its winter season.
Jan Sekerak, Neil Jackson and John Shea of Nakiska/RCR were spotted testing out the snow earlier this month in preparations for the first preview weekend at Nakiska.
Greg, Jenna and Scott are excited about the new self-contained snowmaking plant at Gwynne Valley Ski Area in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.
Bruno Mannsberger (right) and team at Lake Louise were found strategizing one of the most important aspects of ski area operations…parking! Bruno will assume the Chair role of the passenger ropeways subcommittee of the Alberta Safety Codes Council in the new year when Kristian Haagaard’s (Sunshine Village) term ends. Thanks to both Kristian and Bruno for their ongoing contribution to industry. .
Past CWSAA Chair and Mt Norquay General Manager Andre Quenneville (left) shared a couple laps with CWSAA’s Christopher Nicolson (right) on Norquay’s opening weekend. Andre serves on the CWSAA Responsible Stewardship Committee and represents CWSAA with Sunshine’s Stewart Laver in our PTSO partner calls.
