It was with the greatest of pleasure that on your behalf on April 7, 2008 I presented Maureen Bird with a commemorative gift to mark her twenty years of excellent service to Canada West Ski Areas Association. In today’s HR market it is very much appreciated to have the loyalty and continuity of long-serving staff and a situation for which we all strive – thank you Maureen!

During a recent visit to Whistler for a Canadian Ski Council meeting, I had the opportunity of visiting the Whistler Olympic Park where the Olympic Nordic and Jumping events will take place. As an ex-Olympic and World Cup competitor, I was extremely impressed with the layout and organization. Lindsay Durno, the Operations Manager very kindly took time to give me a whirlwind tour of his establishment which is exciting to see. I have no doubt that it will gain the highest of marks in the world of Nordic racing prior to and during the 2010 Games. Speaking of Nordic racing, well done Silver Star Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Club for successfully winning the bid to host the prestigious Nordic World Masters Cup – this is a great coup.

I read with great interest the article by CAA in the Associate Members section. I would assure the author that when we open new steeper terrain in our resorts, we certainly do consider how essential avalanche science affects this type of development. We are also very aware of the high cost of safety and risk management relative to all our operations including avalanche accidents; we expend considerable time, money and energy each year in this aspect of Operations. We are also no strangers to the value of good research which we consistently apply to every aspect of managing and operating in ski resorts, not just to avalanche work. I would also assure the author that we certainly do consider our financial support of Dr Bruce Jamieson an investment and have done so for this particular program since 2004. We will do so for the next four years as requested of us.

A gentle reminder that your Skier Visits and Racer Pass usage figures will be needed shortly so please forward them as soon as your area closes.

I look forward to seeing you all in Kelowna on April 28th for our 40th Anniversary Spring Conference and Trade Show and Operations and Maintenance Seminar. We will try and organize the Okanagan sunny weather for you – although this season to date has been rather tough to do so! Drive safely.


 

JIMMIE SPENCER, O.B.C.
President & CEO