CWSAA March 2026 Newsletter - Canada West Ski Areas AssociationPresidents Message There have been multiple ski area anniversary celebrations this season of up to 60 years. An esteemed accomplishment. And in our midst, there two areas that are celebrating a century of operation: Mt Norquay and Grouse Mountain. I marvel at the spirit and tenacity of our pioneers through 100 years. In one of Norquay’s centennial communications, it spoke to “celebrating resilience, community, and the legacy of mountain culture.” How true and how relevant to our industry today. While those pioneers may have used different terms, adaptation and pivoting would certainly have been common practice . As the current winter moves into the season of corn snow and outdoor apres, the ability to adapt has never been more vital. When ski areas navigated the pandemic, the word ‘pivot’ became a bit of an inside industry joke, because we overused the word on every industry webinar and zoom call. We have tried avoiding it since. However, it was recently used to describe this season for many of our operators, and it seemed appropriate. The dramatic shifts in weather throughout the winter dictated constant operational changes. While the industry regularly deals with variable conditions, the extremes of the variables is what most operators now reference. Most ski areas across the west in one form or another adapted to wild fluctuations in temperatures, wind, and snow… yes even too much snow for some if you were charged with digging out a lift or clearing a parking lot. The variables can be magnified in alpine regions, and have been especially consequential and tragic for some of our guides and mountain colleagues in western Canada’s backcountry. We take a moment to pause and remember their spirits. Another form of adaptation that is with us does not relate to snow, but to operational changes due to decisions around time changes. Folks in Saskatchewan, Yukon and the Peace region are wondering what all the fuss is about as they have been on permanent time for years. BC has just announced its intentions to stay on permanent daylight savings time for the west of the province, while the eastern side is still deciding. Conversations in Alberta and Manitoba are perhaps the most lively right now, because while a decision of some sort appears imminent, operators do not yet know how to plan. In recent years, discussing the merits of time change has become as Canadian as discussing the weather. Preferences for time change cross political and geographical boundaries. The ski sector has activity voiced to government the implications for outdoor operations like ski areas when considering changes. These of course vary based on longitudinal location within a time zone, and of course its latitude. At this point in the conversation, most operators are simply trying to assess where opportunities lie. Many considerations are linked to activity within daylight hours, though this is moderated for those with night lights for skiing. Ski areas are playing out many scenarios such as:
These are all active discussions, and if the last 100 years has taught us anything, ski areas are masters of adaptation and will find a solution. At the Spring Conference we will have folks such as Mt. Sima’s Sam Oettli in Whitehorse share his perspective on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Between now and conference, CWSAA congratulates and thanks those operating and supporting the ski industry throughout the past winter. We look forward to seeing you in Whistler this April. - Christopher Nicolson Highlights of this month's newsletter... Small Areas Auction The small areas committee are seeking donations from members for items to include in the silent auction which will take place during the Spring Conference. Indigenous Perspectives on Psychological Safety Check out the new video series by go2HR and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum Learn more about the Community Spotlight on Optimist Hill in Saskatoon. Selkirk College Ski Industry Courses Registration is now open for the Spring intake of the Passenger Ropeways online courses (151,152,153). Now is also the time to enroll for September 2026 start of the SROAM diploma. CMH Heliskiing Sustainable Fuel Storage A Responsible Stewardship Showcase featuring the TIABC Innovation award winning initiative from CMH. New CWSAA Members CWSAA is pleased to have welcomed 20 new members over the past year! Reminders
Destination BC Corporate Strategy DBC has released its 2026-28 Corporate Strategy: Focused Growth, Lasting Impact. Places & Faces Katherine Seleski Sunridge Troll Mountain Harper Mountain Aaron Macdonald Dean Parkinson Cathy Astofooroff Darcy Arnold Medicine Lodge |
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