Message from the President Kudos to the creative ski resort minds that spawned the snow dances on social media.  Some great dance moves…as well as apparent impact as the weather systems formed across the west.  Western Canada has many areas that regularly open in November (and did again this year), while the majority of the 92 ski areas in the …

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 is arguably the most exciting time of year for our industry. The unmistakable magical clean scent of the first snow in the alpine and frosts on the ground have arrived.  Following a few teasers, the snow on the peaks in some regions will now stay for the winter.  Excited new staff arrive and join our teams, and by the …

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 …

I first met Lily Peters at the 2016 CWSAA Spring Conference.  Three months later in July, I visited Whispering Pines near Worsley in northern Alberta and mentioned to Lily and her husband Hans that I hoped to meet their team.  Well, you can imagine!  Little did I know that meant a packed daylodge of club members and full potluck buffet …

Over the past couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of meeting with many ski areas on their home turf.  These have included private family run operations and many volunteer run community ski areas.  In all cases, the dedication and passion to their ski areas and communities is inspiring.  I’ve shared a profile of each of the areas on …

Skier visit totals for the 2022/23 ski season have been collected and Western Canada ski areas reported 10.3 million skier visits for its first time.  This not only reclaims, but surpasses pre-pandemic skier visit markers.  Strong visitation was recorded from local, regional and North American markets.  Overseas travel is rebounding, but still lags behind 2018/19 levels.  A provincial breakdown as …

My first days after joining CWSAA in 2016 were spent at spring conference.  Our super engaged Chair was Steve Paccagnan, and Dawn Sleiman and Cynthia Thomas planned and executed the entire event.  As the new guy without responsibility, it was my easiest conference ever, though I’m told I was a little wide-eyed as I met many folks for the first …

CWSAA Spring Conference & Trade Show April 25-27, 2023 Whistler Conference CentreView Conference Website Last Chance to Register for the Conference Registration closes on Sunday April 16. All numbers must be provided to the Conference Centre in advance of the event, therefore there will not be “at the door” registration available for any events at the CWSAA Conference. Please ensure if …

Our first ski areas of the season are now starting to close winter operations.  In many cases these are volunteer run organisations comprised of individuals donating time to support their community.  Their motivation is as diverse as the people themselves, but their common purpose enables thousands of people to recreate and enjoy healthy outdoor activity.  CWSAA recognises and appreciates these …

Is it me, or is the cadence of the ski season accelerating?  Recent calls around the west suggest it is.  There does not appear to be just one specific reason for the pace, and all welcome the surge of consumer demand for outdoor activity and especially value first time participation.  But operators are dealing with more than ever and collectively …

Ski area lore is filled with heroic deeds and achievements, and the recent weeks have added to this vault.  Before, during, and after the Christmas holiday period, operators overcame all kinds of challenges.  Geography generally determined the many different experiences.  Appreciation goes out to the ski area teams that worked hard to create positive guest experiences on the slopes, as …