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CWSAA Newsletter: September 2024 - Canada West Ski Areas Association

Presidents 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.

- Christopher Nicolson

Highlights of this month's newsletter...

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!

Shames Mountain Climate Change Resiliency Project

Learn about the efforts Shames has undertaken this summer to allow operations in lower snow conditions.

Alberta Tourism Industry Workforce Housing Strategy

A new report on key issues and strategic recommendations to overcome housing challenges for tourism workers.

SnowStart Kidz Pass

Canadian Ski Council's newest product.

Temporary Foreign Workers

Resources for foreign worker recruitment.

2024 TIABC Election Toolkit

Download the toolkit for BC tourism businesses

go2HR Webinars on the new First Aid Regulation

go2HR is hosting a 3-part webinar series in October.