Preparations for the 2023/24 season are well underway. For CWSAA, that means the DRIVING FORCE vehicle is now packed with supplies for upcoming CWSAA Fall Division Meetings and we are ready to greet members. This fall, the various CWSAA working committees have integrated many hands-on educational components. Thanks to our hosts at Canyon and SilverStar, insurance broker partners, and CWSAA Risk Committee members, the agenda includes risk management break-out sessions for base area operations, guest service centres, and facilities. There are also sessions on terrain park incident investigations, tube parks, and rental shops. SilverStar will play host to both the Bike Park Forum and BC-Yukon Division meeting. Delegates at Canyon will also experience the T-bar assisted Canyon Coaster and enjoy the famous family pig roast.
While en route to the fall meetings, CWSAA will be visiting ski areas. These visits have proved invaluable to identifying the common priorities and challenges ski areas share…which in turn defines CWSAA directives.
In every survey CWSAA has conducted, one of the most important take-aways for operators are the informal discussions with peers at these events. These result in solutions to common issues and a valuable network of industry contacts to call upon in future. Many senior leaders have also used the sessions to help groom their emerging leaders on industry trends and best practise. Registration closes soon, see more information below. We look forward to seeing you there.
Cheers
– Christopher Nicolson
CWSAA 2023 Fall Meetings
Last Chance to Register for CWSAA Fall Meetings
Join industry colleagues this Fall for the annual Division Meetings. The purpose of the Fall meetings are to provide current and relevant information for ski areas as they prepare for the coming season. Significant content is related to risk and safety as well as important operational information. This year, more interactive content is being offered. All ski areas are encouraged to have representatives attend.
Last days to register:
- Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba (at Canyon) September 20
- BC-Yukon & Bike Park (at SilverStar) September 24
For more information, accommodation info and to register, visit the links below:
Maximizing Snowsports Growth Opportunities
Sign your ski area up to participate in the SnowPass
As ski areas prepare for another exciting winter season, operators are also wanting to grow their future guest. Recent years has created new demand for outdoor recreation. Conversations with many ski areas has revealed the critical importance of retaining our newest guests, and increasing participation from broader segments of the Canadian population. The Canadian Ski Council (CSC) programs create this opportunity in which all ski areas play a vital role.
Under the CSC's comprehensive "Go Skiing Go Snowboarding" initiative are three main programs: Grade 4/5 SnowPass, Never Ever Days and the Canadian Lift Pass, plus nationwide research programs and a technology platform to foster the growth of snowsports across Canada.
A comprehensive industry research program is conducted by the CSC, which includes industry trends, insights and data. CSC ski area partners will receive a variety of reports and workshops on a quarterly basis. These include, but are not limited to, Consumer Satisfaction Report, Consumer Profile, Canadian Model for growth results, Global Research, Foundational Research, Segmentation, Advocacy and more. To receive all this great data (as well as to participate in other CSC programs like SnowPass and Never Ever Days), the ski area must be a participant in the Canadian Lift Pass (CLP) Program.
The SnowPass Program
This program serves as an introductory investment opportunity for ski areas. Students in Grade 4 or 5 (now valid for one year) can redeem up to 2 free visits to your ski area. While ski areas do not directly generate revenue from SnowPass redemptions, research indicates that SnowPass holders typically bring along an average of three additional family members who collectively spend an average of $377 per visit! A portion of SnowPass revenues contributes to the safety & education, and regional advocacy work funded by the CWSAA. Ski area registration is now open HERE.
All Ski Areas are encouraged to learn more about the CSC programs and sign-up to participate. Links to the commitment forms can be found below:
If you have any questions, please reach out to programsupport@skicanada.org.
New Alpine Responsibility Code
CWSAA and its partner associations across Canada have adopted a new Alpine Responsibility Code. The updated Code uses the same 10 points as NSAA's Code (which was updated last year) to ensure alignment of messaging across North America. The Canadian Alpine Responsibility Code will maintain its name to distinguish it from the Mountain Bike and Cross Country ski responsibility codes, while the NSAA's US Code is called Your Responsibility Code.
The new Code is intended to be phased in over the next 12 months.
How to get the new Alpine Responsibility Code:
- Ski areas can refer to a memo to GMs dated September 8, 2023 to download digital assets (eg for websites).
- CWSAA will have the new sticky back signage available for pick up at the Fall Division Meetings (limited quantities).
- For ski areas that are not attending the Fall Division Meetings, you may log on to our website and order HERE. Shipping charges will apply.
- Ski areas looking for larger quantities or different size/formats can order through Inter-Mtn Enterprises.
Selkirk College Lift Courses: Register for training to prepare for the season ahead
The fall semester for online Passenger Ropeways/lift courses (Lift 151, Lift 152 &Lift 153) is now underway, but its not too late to register. The Fall 2023 Semester is self-paced and runs from September 5 until December 10, with final exams on December 12, 13 & 14.
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).
These courses are in high demand each Fall, ensure you have the appropriate staff trained and register them now! Learn More & Register HERE
Lift Mechanic Survey
In the coming weeks, a survey will be sent by CWSAA, Canadian Ski Council, and peer ski area operator associations to its members. This is part of a national effort to benchmark industry workforce needs in the coming years.
A recent member survey by ASSQ of Quebec ski area operations identified a significant number of its lift mechanics will retire within the next 5 years. Thanks to ASSQ, a similar survey will be used across the country.
The national data set will form the backbone of industry efforts to increase recruitment and lift maintenance training with educational institutions, governments and industry.
Welcome new CWSAA Members
CWSAA would like to extend a big welcome to the following new members to date this fiscal year.
Associate Members:
- skiKrumb Trackers Inc - Okanagan based technology company that has developed GPS trackers for on the ski hill use for ski schools and parents.
- Profile Search International - Executive search consultants (recruitment/headhunters)
- Evolia - web and mobile HR platform that automates all scheduling and time management processes.
- VAST Resource Solutions - regional consultant, providing professional environmental, engineering, geomatics and forestry services in British Columbia and western Alberta.
- Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC) - new system of training, education and certification to the ski industry and the instructor community in Canada.
CWSAA is thrilled to welcome back Cascade Skyline Gondola, Rec Media, 3DS (Three Dimensional Services Inc), Baldface Mountain Lodge (Heli/Cat Operator), and Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures (Nordic Operator)
2023-24 CASI Update
The Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) has updated their strategic plan, developed a New Resort Support Pilot Program and provides some important updates in their 2023-24 CASI Update linked below.
Message from Jeff Chandler, CASI Executive Director: With another off-season wrapping up, we’re happy to provide you with an update regarding snowboard instructor program changes, as well as industry support initiatives that we’ve been working on over the past months. We truly value the relationship that we have with our resort partners, and one of the main driving factors in our decision-making year-to-year is how we can provide more value to the industry as a whole.
Classifieds
For Sale:
Snow Valley (Edmonton) has a Snow Maker For Sale
$25,000 OBO (shipping not included)- Super Polecat
- 25 HP fan 5 Hp Hydravane Compressor
- 1675 Hours
- Auto Swing
- Standard nozzle configuration
- Output: 140 gpm @ 400 psi
- 150' of electrical cord.
- Machine is ready to go for 2023
- Contact Marlin Van Zandt at SnowValley
HKD Snowmaking Equipment: Springhill Winterpark has 3 HKD volt snow makers for sale. The machines are barely used on three-wheel spide sled with 20ft wand and 600 volt compressor. Contact Brayden at Springhill.
- Member's can login to the CWSAA website, and access member contact info HERE.
CWSAA Members are invited to post their jobs on the CWSAA Job Board.
CWSAA Partners
EASY RESERVATIONS: www.drivingforce.ca
CONTACT: 780-483-9559 or edmgdsreservations@drivingforce.ca
Save 10% on vehicle rentals with code "CWSAA"
Canyon Ski Resort, Red Deer Alberta
Quality Tires at an affordable price
Learn More about Kal Tire's current promotions HERE.
Places & Faces
CWSAA remembers Wayne Ragland, of SMI Snowmakers.Wayne passed away on August 18, 2023. Wayne spent his early career at resorts in Utah and in 1985 joined SMI Snowmakers. With SMI, Wayne navigated and helped ski resorts all over the intermountain west with artificial snow making. This technology was instrumental in helping Salt Lake to secure the 2002 Olympic Winter Games bid in 1995. Wayne's snowmaking career lasted nearly 40 years (retiring in 2017) and he worked with many ski areas in Western Canada. Read More
Marmot Basin is currently building a new Quad Knob Chair. The replacement is expected to open for the 2023/24 season. Read More
CWSAA congratulates Colby Lehman on his new position as General Manager of Ski Hill Operations at Winsport.
Wendy Shannon is Sovereign Lake Nordic Club's new General Manager. Wendy has been with Sovereign Lake since 2019, and was most recently the Operations Manager. Welcome Wendy! Read More