October 2, 2007 – The Canadian Ski Council (CSC), Canadian Snowsports Association (CSA), Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA), Ontario Snow Resorts Association (OSRA) and the Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ) have joined forces to create the “Making Winter Winners” fundraising program. The goal of “Making Winter Winners” is to raise money to help our future Canadian Olympic and Paralympic ski and snowboard athletes give their best showing at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver and Whistler
in 2010.

The CSC, CSA, CWSAA, OSRA and ASSQ need the help of the entire Canadian snow industry to make this initiative a success. Currently, more and more ski areas across the country are participating by asking their season’s pass subscribers to make a voluntary five dollar (or larger) donation when they buy their season’s pass. Those making a donation are eligible to win back the cost of their pass (contingent on ski area participation). Donors will also be entered in a draw for a trip for two to Whistler for the grand opening of their new Peak to Peak gondola, which links Whistler to Blackcomb. In addition, with the help of our partners, a trip for two to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be drawn each year for the next two years.

Proceeds will be administered by the Canadian Ski Council, who will work with the CSA to distribute the money. A minimum of 90% of the money raised will go directly to the athletes, with the remainder covering program expenses.

The CSC and the CSA are currently looking to increase the level of participation in the “Making Winter Winners” program by including other Canadian snow industry organizations and the retail sector. This is a wonderful opportunity to help Canada’s aspiring Olympians. This national fundraising program will help our athlete at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games from now until the beginning of the
Games.

The Canadian Ski Council, whose members are 14 national and regional ski and snowboard associations, was founded in 1977 to work on the behalf of the Canadian snowsports industry to increase participation in recreational snowboarding, alpine and cross-country skiing in Canada.

The CSA is a federation of nine ski and snowboard disciplines, whose mandate is the development of elite amateur athletes and the pursuit of excellence at national and international level competitions for all disciplines. Incorporated in 1920, CSA represents Canada on the world governing body for skiing and snowboarding Рthe F̩d̩ration Internationale de Ski (FIS).

For more information about the fundraising program, please contact the Canadian Ski Council at: 905-212-9040.