CWSAA October 2025 Newsletter - Canada West Ski Areas Association

Presidents Message

The enthusiasm and anticipation of the first crisp fall mornings and snow is as thrilling as the first run of the season. And sorry Santa, but at this stage in my life, even Christmas morning now takes a back seat�fortunately that day is also reserved for skiing.

The past several weeks has brought CWSAA from the Bike Park Forum in Whistler to the ASM Division meeting at Winsport and the BCY Division gathering at Red Mountain. Between these meetings, there have been visits to the new Richardson�s Ridge Express at Lake Louise and Stagecoach Express at Castle, as well as stops at Pass Powderkeg, Salmo, Kimberley, Fernie, Whitewater, Mt Baldy, and the students and faculty at Selkirk College's SROAM program.� Across all these visits, one observation is clear�winter is coming, and ski areas are on overdrive to prepare for the season.

Throughout all these opportunities to learn and share with industry, my overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude, service, and camaraderie. On my travels I met with a new Board of a rural ski area. The challenges faced by any group contemplating how to commence operations of a small rural area can be overwhelming. However, it has been done multiple times in recent years and can speak to resident spirit and the value winter recreation brings to communities. It also speaks so well of the broader ski industry family.� In preparation for the meeting, I enquired with some neighbouring areas on potential expertise and resources. And here is what makes our industry so special. Without hesitation or being asked, support was offered to assist with this community area. The collaboration and leadership within the ski community is exceptional, and it is as motivating as any bump run under three feet of fluffy dry powder.

The CWSAA team is now halfway through its six fall meetings. A year ago, we did not set out to double the number of events in fall. But with the Association�s new directives and the Board�s emphasis on education, the opportunity to combine the Bike Park Forum with SAM�s Summer Ops Boot Camp, and with the success of the northern regional meeting, it came to be. Enough thanks and appreciation cannot be given to the presenters at these meetings. The content shared at the fall and spring meetings often overshadows the unheralded dedication of these contributors throughout the year on industry committees, working groups, and initiatives.

A summary of the many resources presented at the fall meetings will be forthcoming as the meeting schedule concludes. Please do not hesitate to contact the CWSAA office if there is immediate information needed for on-boarding or early season preparations. The first snows have hit the high peaks, and many areas are now within days of snowmaking season. Enjoy the ride.

Cheers

� Christopher Nicolson

Highlights of this month's newsletter...

CWSAA Awards

Nominations are now open until January 15 for the following awards:

� Jim Marshall Leadership Award

� Lars Fossberg Excellence Award

� Rod Chisholm Operations & Maintenance Award

� CWSAA Peak Performance Awards

Alberta Economic Budget Forum & Premier�s Dinner

TIAA's signature tourism policy event will take place on November 24 in Edmonton.��

Mentorship Networking Virtual Event

The CWSAA Young Professionals Working Group is hosting a virtual mentorship session October 15. Sign up to become a mentor or mentee.��

Selkirk College Ski Industry Programs

It's not late to sign up for the Fall online passenger ropeways courses.�

go2HR Resources

go2HR has expanded its HR Toolkit with new, free resources to help Tourism & Hospitality employers streamline hiring and strengthen onboarding.��

Industry Events Calendar

� Mentorship Fall Virtual Session - October 15

� Northern Small Areas Meeting (Grande Prairie) � Oct 16

� Fall Protection Course � October 22

� Northern Small Areas Meeting (Prince George) � Oct 23

� SSAOA Fall Meeting � October 26�27�

� 2026 CWSAA Spring Conference � April 27�30 | Whistler, BC

Places & Faces

SAM Summer Ops Camp

Marlin Van Zandt

Canyon Ski Resort

Lift Safety Bootcamp

BC Ski Marketing

Alison Sharpe

Mt Baldy

Red Mountain

Kate Roddick

Read the full newsletter here >>>>