Canada West Ski Areas Association is the representative body for the ski areas and heli- and snowcat operations of British Columbia and Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

As a member of CWSAA you would have the opportunity of attending the Zone Meetings in the Fall and the Annual General Meeting in the Spring; the latter usually includes a Trade Show and a number of highly interesting presentations and seminars. The last Spring Conference & Trade Show was held in May at The Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna BC with approximately 350 in attendance.

Throughout the year, CWSAA sponsors a number of workshops and seminars covering the full range of indoor/outdoor ski area operations together with management training programs which may be of specific interest. In addition, education trips are organized to the USA and Europe for evaluation studies. In 1980, the Association also sponsored and endorsed the commencement of an on-going 2-year ski area management course held at Selkirk College, Nelson, BC. This course has produced excellent results.

Upon joining the Association, members would receive a copy of the membership handbook (Regular and Associate members) along with copies of the monthly (10 times/year) News in which members are kept abreast of trends, technical matters, items of general interest, and special messages. Members are entitled to publish articles or notices, free of charge; copy is required by the 20th of the month.

CWSAA accepts the responsibility of representing all area/resort operators, and Associate Members, when dealing with federal and provincial governments and other agencies. The aim of the Association at all times is to ensure that the interests of its members are safeguarded and promoted to their satisfaction. In this respect, some of the more notable lobbying successes achieved have been the creation of the B.C. Alpine Ski Policy, elimination of import duty on grooming machinery and certain categories of lift equipment, and the elimination of Federal Sales Tax on snow making equipment. CWSAA has also been instrumental in securing a significant reduction in liability insurance rates through successful Risk Management Programs and has succeeded in negotiating a significant reduction of the Rent/Lease Fees paid by Ski Areas operating in the National Parks. In addition, a significant reduction in WCB rates being paid by the Operators in Alberta has been negotiated.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of being a member is the frequent opportunities to mix with fellow members to exchange ideas, information and personal viewpoints in a social atmosphere, as well as in the Conference Hall. In joining CWSAA you are guaranteed the co-operation, strength and support of an organization which has a reputation for integrity, thoroughness and high standards.