2026 CCSAA Annual Conference Wrap-Up: Three Days of Learning, Connection & Mountain Inspiration in Canmore, AB
The CCSAA Annual Conference traveled to Canmore, Alberta for a truly standout industry event.
Under warm, sunny skies, Nordic ski area professionals from across the U.S. and Canada gathered for three days of hands-on learning, collaborative discussion, and meaningful time with peers who share a commitment to delivering great skiing experiences.
From shop tours, snowmaking discussions, and grooming technique sessions to thoughtful panels and energizing breakout groups, the event offered a fresh look at the ideas, tools, and techniques shaping the future of cross-country skiing.
Canmore’s terrain, facilities, and hospitality provided a seamless backdrop. With lodging, indoor sessions, and meals all based in town, attendees could easily move between sessions, connect with others, and explore the village.
The warm weather added an unexpected bonus—ideal conditions for skiing, outdoor workshops, grooming demos, and time on the trails before heading into town.
Day 1
Snowmaking
The conference opened with a walking tour of Canmore’s snowmaking system, from water intake and pump house to trails and gun placement. General Manager Alaric Fish and his team led the discussion, highlighting unique aspects of the system. The walking format encouraged conversation as the group moved through the property.
The tour concluded at one of two snow storage piles, where participants discussed the economics and practicality of snow storage and its role in supporting Canmore’s mission.
Grooming
A new grooming format was introduced this year. Attendees split into PistenBully, Prinoth, and small machine groups to review pre-op inspections before master groomers demonstrated techniques on snow.
With two-way communication, operators explained their approach in real time, allowing for immediate adjustments and discussion. This created a highly interactive and effective learning environment.
Afterward, the machines were parked and the conversation continued, with much of the focus on blading and its impact on the final product.
Contact your snowmaking rep or visit the snowmaking contact page here!
Social at Canmore Lodge
The day concluded with a social at the Canmore lodge, featuring beer sponsored by Andrea from TechnoAlpin, followed by the first group dinner at the host hotel.
Day 2
Thursday morning began on snow with open skiing, groomer demos, a Mr. Snow demonstration (a synthetic surface for both skate and classic skiing), and a group ski led by former Canadian National Team member and Nordic-Pulse founder Julian Locke.
Mid-morning featured a World Cup course preparation discussion with an FIS Technical Delegate and the WinSport Canada Sport & Facility Manager.
This was followed by the popular right seat/left seat grooming session, where participants spent an hour in a snowcat sharing techniques and insights.
After a full morning, the afternoon shifted indoors for presentations, discussions, a silent auction, and a vendor expo.
Session #1 – Keynote
Canmore General Manager Alaric Fish shared the history and evolution of the venue, along with insights into its business model and operational considerations.
Session #2 – Panel Discussions (Concurrent)
New this year, concurrent panels allowed attendees to choose topics most relevant to them and enabled teams to divide and maximize learning.
- Community Connections – Focused on engaging local communities through volunteers, events, and accessible programming.
- Maximizing Nordic Pulse – Led by Julian Locke and experienced users, this session explored current capabilities and future potential. A common takeaway: many areas are not yet fully utilizing existing features.
Session #3 – Discussion Groups
Participants again selected topics of interest:
- Working with the Forest Service – Strategies for navigating evolving relationships with public land agencies.
- Risk Management – Covered foundational practices, including the importance of accessible incident plans.
- Landowner Relations – Focused on easements, agreements, and balancing formal and informal arrangements.
- Snow Depth Tracking – Explored technology and data insights from Prinoth and PistenBully.
Day 3
The final day followed a similar morning rhythm with skiing, demos, and time on snow. Mid-morning featured a behind-the-scenes facilities tour, offering access to everything from the lodge to the new biathlon building and a deeper look at Canmore’s operations.
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Session #4 – Snow Forecasting Modeling: The Engine
Pramod Adhikari (University of Wyoming, ASCEND Engine) presented on AI-driven snow modeling, capable of predicting snow depth at high resolution. The session generated strong engagement, with attendees exploring real-world applications for their operations.
Session #5 – Panel Discussions
- Staff Training – Shared approaches and best practices across a range of ski areas.
- Safety – Covered ski patrol models, injury response, and coordination with first responders, highlighting wide variation across operations.
Session #6 – Discussion Groups
- Pass Structures – Explored season passes, punch cards, and membership models.
- Operating Under Government Entities – Shared experiences across municipal, county, and provincial systems.
- Non-Profit Operations – Focused on governance, volunteers, and organizational structure.
- Pet Policies & Trail Signage – A practical exchange of approaches to managing pets and communication on trails.
The conference concluded with a brief presentation honoring outgoing Board member Austin Weiss and recognizing his years of service.
Thank you to our Supplier Expo Attendees!!
- PistenBully
- Prinoth
- Ski Cat Snowcat Rentals
- SMI Snowmakers
- Inter-Mtn/Mr Snow
- Nordic Pulse
- Nordic Group International
- Best Nordic Ski Great Escapes
- TechnoAlpin Canada
- Yellowstone Track Systems
- Pro Alpine Ventures – Alpina
- Path Payments
- Nicholas Hill Group