CWSAA April 2025 Newsletter - Canada West Ski Areas Association

Presidents Message

At this time of year, our industry features areas that operate into the unofficial second season of spring skiing, and those that have concluded winter operations. I say �spring� with full awareness that one day may bring bluebird skies and ideal corn snow, while the next day might reward enthusiasts with fresh powder perhaps on north-facing slopes. In all cases, there�s reason to celebrate our teams and the season. Projected numbers will be determined over the coming month, but early reports point to a strong year overall. The second half in particular brought snow to many regions and helped stimulate market interest.

This month�s newsletter highlights several initiatives that CWSAA and the industry are focused on. An active industry committee is currently working on lift maintenance training, with more updates to come at the Spring Conference. The goal is to develop specific lift maintenance training opportunities for ski area staff. This effort builds on the current online Passenger Ropeways code courses delivered through Selkirk College.

Selkirk College also delivers the Ski Resort Operations and Area Management (SROAM) diploma program. Many CWSAA members serve on the SROAM Advisory Council and are pleased to see a surge in applications for the coming year. Area operators are encouraged to recommend the SROAM program to employees who have expressed interest in pursuing a career in the ski industry and could be valuable contributors moving forward.� Also on the front burner for CWSAA are focused efforts to enhance business certainty through land tenure policy, and collaboration with our eastern and national peers on new initiatives around safety and responsible stewardship.

All of this builds toward the upcoming Spring Conference in Penticton at the end of April. Registration is closing soon, and CWSAA is encouraged by the strong response from both returning and first-time delegates. More specific information is being shared directly with registrants, including details on the conference app. Please watch your inbox for updates that will help you get the most out of the event.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the conference.

- Christopher Nicolson

Highlights of this month's newsletter...

2025 CWSAA Spring Conference

The conference is less than 3 weeks away and we look forward to seeing everyone.��

The Small Areas Committee is still seeking items for the auction.�

SAM Summer Ops Camp

The SAM event will be held in Whistler Sept 2-4, 2025.

CWSAA's Bike Park Forum will follow on Sept 4 & 5.�

Selkirk College Programs

It's not too late to register for SROAM Fall 2025 intake. Managers are encouraged to recommend the program to promising staff in end-of-season communication.�

Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum

Nominations for the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame are open until May 15.�

Lots more content

...including: CISM, Tidbits of Change Foundations bursary, Canada's Volunteer Awards bursary, Classifieds.�

Places & Faces

Katherine Seleski

Belinda Trembath

Ski Big 3

Roger McCarthy

Wayne Wiltse & Steve Paccagnan

World Jr Ski Cross Team

Read the full newsletter here >>>>