President's Message
Many ski areas run summer operations and events into the fall, but the industry’s focus has clearly shifted to winter preparation. It’s inspiring to feel the positive energy for the season ahead. Areas like Shames Mountain near Terrace have made significant slope improvements, and conversations with people like Jay Klym, the new owner of Ski Valley in Manitoba, brim with enthusiasm. It’s also a big year for new lifts across the West. Towers have recently been flown in at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, and final preparations for new lifts are underway at places like Grouse, Sun Peaks, and Whistler Blackcomb.
In the immediate weeks ahead, we’re excited for the CWSAA Fall Meetings. The ASM, BCY, and Bike Park Forum events are just around the corner, offering great opportunities to share knowledge and solutions. We’re especially looking forward to the first Northern Meeting in Grande Prairie and the SSAOA event at Thunderhill, Manitoba. Each event is an important opportunity to learn, make connections, and improve our operations and industry.
The first ski areas are scheduled to open in less than two months, and areas are already training and onboarding staff both electronically and on-site. Many helpful industry resources are always available in the CWSAA website’s member section. Members are encouraged to contact the CWSAA office for direct assistance.
I look forward to seeing you in person at the many fall meetings and ski area visits over the coming weeks.
Cheers,
Christopher
2024 CWSAA Fall Meetings
Countdown to Fall Meetings
Fall meetings are just around the corner and we hope to see you there. Today (September 16) is the last day to register for the ASM Meeting. For BC-Yukon and Bike Park registration is open until September 24.
For those planning to attend the Northern meeting in Grande Prairie or the SSAOA meeting in Thunderhill, you may be eligible to apply for a small areas assistance grant. The deadline to apply is September 18!
Draft schedules have now been posted on Pheedloop, our event app. More information, including registration rates and event accommodations can be found HERE.
- September 24 & 25, Sunridge (Edmonton, Alberta): Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba (ASM) Division Meeting.
- October 2-4, Sun Peaks Resort (Sun Peaks, BC):
- October 2 - Bike Park Forum
- October 3/4 - BC-Yukon Division Meeting
- October 22, Grande Prairie, Alberta: Northern Region Fall Meeting
- October 27 & 28, Thunderhill (Swan River Valley, Manitoba): Saskatchewan Ski Areas Operators Association (SSAOA) Note this meeting is being planned by the SSAOA and is supported by CWSAA.
CWSAA Spring Conference & Trade Show Future Dates
- 2025 Spring Conference Penticton, BC - April 28 to May 1, 2025
- 2026 Spring Conference Whistler, BC - April 27 to 30, 2026
Shames Mountain Climate Change Resiliency Project
Shames Mountain, located in Terrace, BC, undertook a significant earthworks project this summer as part of its Climate Change Resiliency efforts. After challenging conditions during the 2023/24 season, the project focused on improving the mountain’s infrastructure and enabling operations in lower snow conditions. Key elements of the project included:
- Lower Mountain Preparation: Earthwork was done to allow the mountain to operate with a minimum snow depth of 30 cm, down from the previous 80 cm. This was accomplished through infill and grading.
- Drainage Improvements: To better withstand major winter rain events, the project addressed long-standing drainage issues, ensuring better water management across the hill.
- Bisect Road Reconstruction: Approximately 600 metres of the lower mountain bisect road, which connects the Upper Parking lot with the main catchment road from the blue and black runs, was rebuilt. This critical corridor must remain open during low snow periods. The road rebuild also tackled drainage challenges that arose during the 2023-24 winter.
- Base Area Enhancements: Material from nearby sources were used to reshape the base area, reducing the need for snow hauling and potentially saving up to 150 hours of work in low snow years. This regraded area can also serve as a storage site.
The earthworks on the lower mountain and base area are expected to have a lasting positive impact on Shames’ operations. These improvements will not only allow the mountain to operate with less snow but also reduce wear and tear on snowcats and other snow-clearing equipment. Previously, rocky and uneven slopes took a toll on machinery, and the resolved drainage issues—combined with reseeding efforts—ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.
Shames Mountain continues to exemplify the strength of community-driven ski areas. More than 50% of the project funding came from invoice discounting by local contractors, with additional financial support from the Prince Rupert Port Authority, the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine, and the District of Kitimat.
Alberta Tourism Industry Workforce Housing Strategy
The Tourism Industry Association of Alberta along with regional hotel associations recently released a report on the Alberta Tourism Industry Workforce Housing Strategy. The report addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing our sector: workforce housing. With the province’s ambitious goal to increase visitor spending to $25 billion by 2035, ensuring that tourism workers have access to affordable housing is crucial to sustaining and growing Alberta’s tourism industry.
The report outlines key issues and strategic recommendations to overcome housing challenges in both established tourism communities and urban centres. It emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts among industry, government, and municipalities to develop sustainable housing solutions that support the attraction and retention of the 100,000 additional employees required by 2035.
SnowStart Kidz Pass
SnowPass has rebranded as SNOWSTART KIDZ PASS. The new product coordinated by the Canadian Ski Council provides 3 visits to each participating ski area, and now offers expanded eligibility for Children Ages 6 - 12.
The pass is $39.99 and is on sale now.
Learn more about SnowStart Kidz Pass HERE.
There is very strong participation from ski areas. If you haven't already signed up, its not too late, contact programsupport@skicanada.org
Temporary Foreign Workers
Employment and Social Development Canada (“ESDC”) has announced forthcoming changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), effective September 26, 2024.
The TFWP is one of several pathways to hiring global talent. The TFWP is designed as a temporary and extraordinary measure to be used only when qualified Canadians and permanent residents are not able to fill job vacancies. The term "temporary foreign worker" (TFW) is therefore associated with workers issued work permits specifically through this program. There are many other "foreign workers" such as youth foreigners currently in Canada on temporary open-work permits under the International Experience Canada (aka. working holiday) visa, admitted refugees, and French-language speakers holding non-temporary, employer specific work-permits. Opportunities for businesses to hire via these alternative pathways still exist, and in some cases are being expanded.
go2HR has great information on their website and offers free support to BC businesses on this topic thru their Regional HR Consultants.
2024 TIABC Election Toolkit
TIABC has produced a valuable toolkit for the 2024 provincial election. The toolkit provides a wealth of resources to better inform you of the current political landscape, what the implications for tourism may be, and how to engage with politicians and candidates.
The election toolkit also addresses the value of tourism to British Columbia and informs on what the tourism and hospitality priorities are, breaking it down into seven key areas of importance:
• Tourism as a Business Sector
• Transportation
• Workforce
• Investment Policy & Regulation
• Education
• Housing
Download the 2024 TIABC Election Toolkit HERE.
go2HR Webinars on the new First Aid Regulation
Join go2HR for a three-part webinar series exploring the new First Aid Regulation! This webinar series is designed to help you proactively plan, understand, and implement the necessary changes to keep your tourism & hospitality workplace compliant and your workplace first aid program effective.
When: October 9, 16, 23, 2024 from 11:00AM - 12:00PM
Where: Online via Zoom
- Part 1: October 9 - Understanding the Changes & Conducting an Assessment
- Part 2: October 16 - Procedural Considerations and Best Practices
- Part 3: October 23 - Drills & Training to Meet Regulatory Requirements
CWSAA Partners
EASY RESERVATIONS: www.drivingforce.ca
For Leasing enquiries CONTACT Jordan:
(306) 261-6110 or JArsenault@drivingforce.ca
Driving Force is a strong supporter of the ski industry. Pictured at SilverStar.
Quality Tires at an affordable price
Exclusive offer for ski industry employees - Double the Rebate on a set of Nokian or Nordman tires. Valid until October 3, 2024. View promotions (and double the value of eligible offers) HERE.
Present this CWSAA Exclusive coupon to receive the offer.
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 join. Registration for these courses are now open. The Fall 2024 Semester runs from September 3 until December 10, with final exams on December 11, 12, 13.
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
CWSAA Members are invited to post their jobs on the CWSAA Job Board.
Canadian Ski Hall of Fame: Community Ski Area Feature
Tawatinaw Valley
The Tawatinaw Valley first opened in 1967 with the aid of a Canadian Centennial Grant of $5000 on a 200-ft vertical river bank. Today, Tawatinaw Valley is a thriving, 160-acre playground, driven by a dedicated and volunteer Board of Directors.
Read the Full Tawatinaw Valley Story
Read more stories about Canadian Community Ski Areas HERE.
Alberta OHS & Employment Standards Webinars
OHS Webinars
Protecting Our Future: Health, Safety and Employment Standards for Young Workers
Suggested audience: young workers under 25 years old, their parents, and employers
October 8, 2024, 3 - 4 p.m. To register or get more details about the topics that will be presented, click here.
Employment Standards Webinars
- Employment Standards in Alberta - Administration and Enforcement (Thursday, September 19, 1:30 p.m.)
- Employment Standards Mini-overview on Overtime (Tuesday, September 24, 2 p.m. 30 mins)
- Employment Standards Mini-overview on Termination and Termination Pay (Wednesday, September 25, 2 p.m. 30 mins)
- Employment Standards Mini-overview on General Holiday Pay (Thursday, September 26, 2 p.m. 30 mins)
For more information, or to register for one of the Employment Standards sessions, click here.
Places & Faces
Fatzer AG has acquired Canmore-based Rocky Mountain Lift Services and Supplies Inc. (RMLSS aka Rigging Specialties). RMLSS has been a Fatzer distribution partner for more than 10 years and both companies have been long-time CWSAA members.
Whispering Pines uses hay in their erosion control, thanks to a generous community donation of straw bales.
Josh Talbot (left) joined Cypress Mountain as the Director of Risk this spring. Cynthia Thomas (right) stopped in to visit Matt Davies (centre), the Cypress team and the busy summer operations in August.
Barney Mouat (left) and Erik Meertens (right) at the Sun Peaks Resort 25th year celebration of the Bike Park. The world class venue will be featured at the CWSAA Bike Park Forum on October 2.
The Canadian Ski Hall of Fame and Museum (CSHOFM) recently announced that Ornulf Johnsen, owner and Director of the Grouse Mountain Ski School from 1966 to 1987, will be inducted into the CSHOFM. Read More.
Operations teams at Lake Louise (pictured) and Sunshine Village have been busy the past few weeks flying towers and trucking in haul ropes for their new lift installations.