CWSAA January 2026 Newsletter - Canada West Ski Areas Association

Presidents Message

The advent of social media General Manager celebrities has been fun to watch across ski country and revealed many hidden talents.� Scott from Troll, Darian from Fairview, James from Apex, and many others have generated strong followings.� On recent visits to Mount Cain (pictured here) and Mount Washington this past week, I spent time with Mike Manara, whose energy and enthusiasm for the industry practically jumps through the computer screen on Mt Washington's social channels.� It�s been wonderful to see the personality and passion from so many within the ski community.

It is always a challenge to summarise western Canadian year-to-date performance in one succinct comment.� The geography and regional variation are too great.� We can report that most areas operated during the Christmas holiday period, and snow arrived for most in meaningful amounts to allow for strong holiday visitation.� Some regions have experienced record snow levels and generated positive market momentum for visits to western Canada.� There is also recognition of lost days due to cold at some areas, and a mild mid-January for others.� As the middle of the season comes into view, industry is forecasting robust visitation through the balance of the winter as market forces continue to draw international visitors to Canada, and domestic and regional visits remain strong.

Planning for the Spring Conference in Whistler 2026 is in full flow, in preparation for registration opening next week.� Lessons from this winter are being woven into the agenda, alongside priorities from member and industry committees.� Thank-you to many for the high level of engagement - whether through sponsorship, committee work, or agenda and content development.

CWSAA is excited to announce that Johnathan Clarkson has joined the association to help with key initiatives over the next four months. Johnathan recently relocated from Nitehawk Ski Area to the BC Interior and brings expertise, knowledge, and operational experience to the team.� Part of Johnathan�s role is executing several online information sessions for CWSAA members.� More details will be sent in the coming days.

In February, the Olympics will showcase our many sport disciplines.� CWSAA members know that the CWSAA Competitor Pass is designed to support and enable competitive sport development for young athletes.� CWSAA wishes to thank all ski areas for their continued support, and leave you with part of a message that the CWSAA office received from a parent.� �We are so grateful for this canwest pass for him and the opportunities he has been able to experience � His passion for snowboarding and seeing the growth this year already is incredible. Thank you from a mom who�s working hard to pay for these things for my kids to experience and not miss out :)�

Cheers,

- Christopher Nicolson

Highlights of this month's newsletter...

Conference Keynote: Scott Kress

Scott Kress will kick off the conference on April 28 with a keynote on leadership and high-performance teams, drawing on his experience as a Seven Summits climber, Polar Guide, and award-winning educator.�

National Ski & Snowboard Day

National Ski & Snowboard Day returns on February 20, 2026.� The CSC is inviting ski areas across Canada to take part in the Winter Moves You initiative�highlighting how small moments of winter activity can support mental well-being.�

Passenger Ropeways Courses

The Selkirk College winter Lift 151,152,153 online courses are now available.� Its also your last chance to sign up for this season's risk management course (SNOW 156).�

Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum

The month's feature article is on Mission Ridge Winter Park, Saskatchewan.��

Joint Health & Safety learning

go2HR offers Free JHSC Drop-In Sessions designed to help committees stay engaged and informed.�

Places & Faces

Johnathan Clarkson

Lake Louise

Randi-Lee Clarkson

Tidbits of Change

Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing

Clearwater Ski Hill

John Worrall

Mt Cain

Mt Washington

Read the full newsletter here >>>>