June has almost passed and summer is finally arriving! This e-blast may be a month later than I wanted but the skiing has continued to be fantastic with the snowpack
throughout most of BC sitting at over 165% of average due to the cold spring (as of June 15, 2022.) With only a couple months before winter is back, get out and enjoy summer! Before you go though, a few updates on what the CSGA is working on, upcoming events and some pe
ople worth taking a moment to remember for the shaping of our industry. As always, if you are having trouble connecting to our administration through the summer with their reduced hours, please email me at [email protected] and I will do my best to get you to where you need to go.
Take care,
Erin Tierney,
CSGA President
CSGA AGM, Penticton
On May 3 we met in person and via Zoom for the CSGA AGM with approximately 55 people in attendan
ce. We reviewed all if the initiatives the CSGA has taken on and continued to work on in the past year as well as elected two new board members. I would l
ike to welcome Dan Swearingin and Kevin Marr to the board. Dan is a Lead Guide at Eagle Pass and Kootenay Backcountry Guides as well as an instructor for the CSGI. Kevin has been the operations manager and a lead guide at Selkirk Wilderness as well as an instructor for the CSGI. Both bring a variety of knowledge from the heli, cat and ski touring sectors and we welcome and thank them for volunteering to sit on the board. We also said good bye to Don Schwartz as his term on the board was up. Don will still be involved as an instructor and examiner for the CSGI as well as continuing to assist in the development of the mental health program for the CSGA. Bob Sayer also transitioned to his new role as past president where he will remain active on the board. Both were thanked for their many years of service and dedication.
AGM Minutes and Insurance Presentation Links
(not all members present were recorded in minutes due to late arrivals)
Minutes:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p3ftX5Bsz6W4K70rOKi2pUVQUn78584U/view?usp=sharing
Insurance Presentation including rates:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/178Iex0SVptEgDlzc6ti4I-NZI2kqM_H-/view?usp=sharing
Summer Projects
The CSGA is currently involved in many projects and will continue to work with our industry partners on these important initiatives.
Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support
The CSGA is working with HCC, CAA, ACMG, AVCan and Backcountry Lodges of BC on developing a peer support network within our industry. The goal of this program is to facilitate support for our members in the immediate term following exposure to a traumatic event. This care would then be followed up by a professional counsellor if needed. The formation of this group allows our members to be supported by fellow members who understand the environment that these incidents may occur in and have been trained in CISM and Peer Support. The CSGA will be sending one of our members to be trained. Both the CAA and HCC will be sending more members. If you or your operation are members of these associations you may apply to attend the initial training session to be held at Sun Peaks, September 22-25, 2022. You can apply directly through the HCC or CAA websites as members. Please contact me directly for more information.
CAA Membership Equivalency Document
Documents are heading to the CAA shortly so that work may begin on developing recognition of equivalencies between skills examined on CSGI courses and competencies required for both practicing and professional members of the CAA. Hopefully this will be in place by fall 2022 for any new membership applications to the CAA.
Fall CPD Session with CAA and ACMG
Save the date! Once again, the CSGA will be collaborating with the CAA and ACMG to provide informative and interesting topics for your continuing professional development. These talks will all be available live and recorded on Zoom for nominal fees and available to all members of every association. October 18 – 20, 2022. More information to come.
If you have a topic you would like to hear more about or present on a topic or case study please email me at [email protected] We offer a nominal fee to presenters.
CANADIAN SKI GUIDE ASSOCIATION (CSGA)
GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE TERM LIFE CAMPAIGN
CSGA members have until July 15th to sign up for this opportunity for Guaranteed Life Insurance. This type of insurance is a challenge to get in our industry with the work that we do. It is available with no medical documentation required until July 15th, 2022. After that it is still available but any pre existing condition will count against your eligibility.
Through our official provider iA Financial Group, Canadian Ski Guide Association members have the unique opportunity to apply for term life insurance. For a limited time, you and your spouse can purchase up to $50,000 of Guaranteed Acceptance Term Life Insurance – no health and lifestyle questionnaires, no medical testing needed.
This offer is only available until July 15, 2022. For more details and to apply for coverage, visit specialmarkets.ia.ca/applycsga
Exciting Volunteer Opportunity
Tyson Rettie, owner of Braille Mountain Initiative and CSGA Level 3 Guide is looking for volunteers to guide visually impaired people over a 5 day trip from Sunshine to Spray Lakes August 21 to 25. Travel from Canmore return is available. Contact Tyson at [email protected] for this amazing opportunity.
Passings:
Peter Schaerer, 1926 – 2022
Peter passed on May 16, 2022. Peter’s
contributions to avalanche research, education and professionalism are vast and impactful. He was one of the founders of the Canadian Avalanche Association and its first president.
Coming from Switzerland in the 1950s, Peter’s engineering design work on avalanche defence structures in Rogers Pass led to a long relationship with the National Research Council. He would go on to conduct foundational research in Rogers Pass, develop courses that would later become the CAA’s Industry Training Program, co-author The Avalanche Handbook with David McClung, and eventually working with others to form the CAA. Along the way, he served as a mentor to many of the great contributors to our industry. He received the Order of Canada for his achievements in the year 2000. Peter shared his knowledge and research openly many times to guides at industry meetings but also at individual operations. Always remember Peter’s wise words as you try to determine what type of crust you are observing out in the field, ‘A crust is a crust!’ followed by his wonderful laugh.
Our condolences go to Peter’s many family and friends around the world. Thank you Peter.