CWSAA Newsletter: December 2024 - Canada West Ski Areas Association

Presidents Message

In recent weeks, CWSAA has met with the Alberta and BC governments to share overviews of the ski sector and coming season. Alberta Tourism Minister Joseph Schow has been intensely interested in the social benefit of resort communities and their contribution to the provincial economy, and has just recently successfully introduced the All-Season Resorts Act. Further west, new BC Tourism Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert has been an ardent long-time champion for tourism, and brings an understanding of the successful BC ski resort policy shepherded by the government over many decades. Impressively, the Minister was only sworn in on November 18, 2024, and has already been briefed by multiple officials on the value of BC’s policies to many BC communities. It will not come as any surprise to those that know him, that one of those officials was Al Raine.

Much can be said about Mr. Al Raine and his recent passing. His contribution to the development of Canadian skiing can not be measured. His early days and innovations with the Canadian Alpine Ski Team are well accounted in the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame and Museum. As a Freedom of the Resort Municipality of Whistler recipient, Al’s influence on Whistler’s history was very apparent during his participation in the 2023 CWSAA Spring Conference presentation on resort community strategies. His impact as Mayor of Sun Peaks is resounding, and his broader contributions to industry have been celebrated by many ski areas across the west.

In western Canada, there are over 22,000 people supporting their families thanks to the ski industry, and Al Raine is one of those individuals to whom we owe endless gratitude. Al was one of the instrumental minds in developing and advancing government policy which has enabled many rural communities to flourish. These policies have not only provided family incomes and careers, but also enhanced the social and physical wellness benefits of community recreation assets. Ask any community leader today that is trying to recruit healthcare professionals or attract businesses, and they know that recreation amenities are key to this success. Al’s legacy not only lives in community structures, but in the faces of healthy active youth being inspired by the outdoors.

Close colleagues know that Al and Nancy Raine have both had a huge impact on my own life. Perhaps for this reason I have been asked about my favourite memories of Al. These range from debates on grooming and lift configurations, to ski touring in Melvin Creek, to the unbridled support and encouragement that he gave to so many young people entering the ski industry. Here, I will share two reflections. The first is actually Al’s care and willingness to initiate important but uncomfortable conversations. These are the ones where the mentor firmly or softly offers guidance and shares experience be it professional or personal. These were often profound moments.

- Christopher Nicolson

Highlights of this month's newsletter...

Sponsor Registration is NOW OPEN!

Sponsors receive first priority in booking trade show booths and gain exclusive promotional opportunities both at the conference and in our conference materials.

General Conference Registration & Group Accommodation booking links open January 28, 2025

2025 CWSAA Awards: Nominate until Jan 15

There is less than one month left to submit your nominations for the CWSAA Awards.

Selkirk College Programs

Registration is now open for the SROAM 2-year diploma program starting September 2025.

Winter passenger ropeways online courses start in January.

CISM Program Resources

The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Mountain Community provide one on one and group interventions to professionals in the Mountain Community following a critical incident.

Introducing Indigenous families to Snowboarding

Mark McMorris and Alberta Tourism Minister Joseph Schow were at Sunridge on December 13 for a special night hosted by the Indigenous Sports Council of Alberta.

Plus

Sponsor Spotlight, Classifieds, Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum Community Ski Hill Spotlight, and CADS Alberta ski area training.

Places & Faces

Ski Valley and Asessippi

Grouse Mountain

Bear Mountain

Rabbit Hill

Lake Louise Pipestone Express

Whistler Blackcomb

Brad Giddens

Brian Suhadolc

Leitner Poma & Ecosign

Read the full newsletter here >>>>