Canada West Ski Areas Association

06/12/2026

One of the best posts of the year. :)

06/11/2026

CWSAA met up with Nick Dean this week, the new President of Grouse Mountain on Vancouver’s North Shore. Joined by CWSAA’s good friend Grant Wahl, we thanked Michael Cameron for his long-time leadership and congratulated him on his coming retirement. The new Gravity Coaster and bike park operations (as of 2025) now join the plethora of alpine offerings. It a year-round operation by every measure. Further west, the senior team at Cypress Mountain, Matt Davies, Jason Gill, and Jeremy Wentzel, have many points of connection, including decades of ski industry experience, and each serving on at least one CWSAA committee. The Eagle Coaster, chairlift rides, axe throwing and events are significant attractions – including the Red Bull Hardline downhill mountain bike race coming this October.
Driving Force Fleet Solutions
Kal Tire

06/11/2026

It's happening. Several downtown Vancouver blocks of Granville Street have turned into a World Cup pedestrian zone. Taking in the vibe with new TIABC CEO Amber Papou. Next stop... North Shore mountains.
Driving Force Fleet Solutions
Kal Tire

05/10/2026

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our industry community, this year’s Small Ski Areas Assistance Fund fundraiser set a new record, raising approximately $68,922 in support of small ski areas across Western Canada.

From auction item donations and bidding, to online paddle raise contributions, major gifts, and volunteer support behind the scenes, this achievement was made possible by the many individuals and organizations that stepped up to support small ski areas.

The Small Ski Areas Assistance Fund plays an important role in helping smaller ski areas access training, safety and risk management resources, and participate in important industry events including CWSAA Spring Conference and Fall Division Meetings.

Small ski areas are often the heart of their communities and where many Canadians first discover a lifelong passion for skiing and snowboarding. Supporting these operations helps strengthen the future of our entire industry.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s record-breaking success. Your support truly makes a difference.

05/07/2026

One week later, and we’re still reflecting on the incredible energy, conversations, and knowledge shared during the 2026 CWSAA Spring Conference & Trade Show.

A huge thank you to the 111 panelists and speakers who helped bring this year’s program to life across 47 sessions over 3 days. From operations and risk management, to leadership, snow school, sustainability, guest experience, and beyond — the level of expertise and willingness to share was exceptional.

The presenters volunteered significant time preparing content, participating in panels, leading discussions, and contributing behind the scenes. Our industry is stronger because of the people who share ideas, experiences, challenges, and lessons learned with others.

As we look back through these photos, we’re reminded that one of the greatest strengths of our industry is the willingness to collaborate, support one another, and continue learning together.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this year’s conference such a success.

05/02/2026

On behalf of the entire CWSAA Team and Board of Directors, thank you to everyone who joined us in Whistler for the 2026 CWSAA Spring Conference & Trade Show, our largest gathering yet, with over 600 attendees from across the industry.

From Ski Area Members and Associate Member Industry Partners to our speakers and special guests, this week was a true reflection of the strength, collaboration, and passion that defines our community.

As Shawn Balog shared during her award acceptance speech, “You’re all my family...”, a sentiment that truly captures what makes this industry so special.

We’re grateful for the connections made, ideas shared, and the collective commitment to moving our industry forward.

Safe travels home, and thank you for being part of it.



P.S. Watch for a link to more pictures, from throughout Conference week, coming up in our next Newsletter.

05/01/2026

Celebrating excellence across our industry at the 2026 CWSAA Awards Banquet, we had the privilege of recognizing individuals whose leadership, innovation, and dedication continue to shape and strengthen ski areas across Western Canada.

Congratulations to our 2026 Award Recipients:

Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award:
▪️Bob Hall, Murray Latta Progressive Machine Ltd.

Jim Marshall Leadership Award:
▪️Shawn Balog, Snow Valley Ski Club

Lars Fossberg Excellence Award:
▪️Scott Zacharias, Troll Resort Ltd.

Rod Chisholm Operations and Maintenance Award:
▪️Jason Gill, Cypress Mountain Resort

CWSAA Peak Performance Awards:
▪️Wendy Batog, Tawatinaw Valley Ski Club
▪️️Lisa Olsen, Snow Valley Ski Club
▪️️Leah MacDonald, Inter Mtn Enterprises Inc.
▪️️Tristan Johnson, Cypress Mountain Resort
▪️Bjorn Pelissier, Whistler Blackcomb

These individuals represent the passion, commitment, and leadership that drive our industry forward. We are proud to recognize their contributions and celebrate their impact.

04/30/2026

Yesterday’s Vehicle Fleet & Maintenance and Snowmaking sessions gave delegates the opportunity to get out in the field and engage directly with the equipment and systems that keep our operations running.

From fleet management insights to snowmaking infrastructure and best practices, these sessions focused on practical, real-world applications and knowledge sharing across teams.

A big thank you to the facilitators and partners who helped bring these experiences to life.

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

Great energy at last night’s Trade Show Reception.

Delegates and partners came together to connect, explore exhibitor offerings, and continue conversations shaping our industry.

Thank you to our Diamond Sponsors for making the evening possible. Prinoth Snow Groomers | Doppelmayr Canada | accesso Technology Group plc | Leitner-Poma of America | TechnoAlpin | Technical Safety BC