New manager at Pass recreation centre

With a rich history in the ski industry and a deep personal connection to the Crowsnest Pass, Andrew Rusnyk has officially stepped into his role as the new ski hill manager at Pass Powderkeg (PPK). 

Rusnyk, who has spent decades in the ski business across Alberta and Ontario, is eager to bring his wealth of experience to the local community and revitalize PPK’s operations.

“I’ve been in the ski industry for many, many years,” said Rusnyk, originally from Ontario, “I came to Alberta in 1990 and have worked at Fortress, Nakiska, and Castle. Recently, I spent 9.5 years running two small ski hills in Ontario. The mountains and family called me back to Alberta two years ago, and since then, I’ve been looking for the right opportunity to return to the ski industry.”

For Rusnyk and his wife, the Crowsnest Pass isn’t just another place to work — it’s home. Having lived in the region for 13 years, including two years in Hillcrest and 11 years in Blairmore, the community holds a special place in their hearts.

“When we lived here, it felt like home,” Rusnyk shared, “We were involved in various organizations, and I’ve even taught ski instructor courses at PPK. This mountain is an incredible asset, with great terrain and a simple but effective lift system. I’m excited to be back and to make PPK as fun as it can be.”

As the ski hill manager, Rusnyk’s responsibilities are wide-ranging, from staffing and training to ensuring the financial sustainability of the hill. But safety and guest experience are at the core of his vision for the upcoming season.

“My goal is to maintain a strong culture of safety and good guest experiences,” Rusnyk emphasized, “I’m predicting a La Niña winter, so we’re hoping for excellent conditions throughout the season.”

One of his key challenges, as always in the ski industry, is dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. However, recent investments in snow-making and grooming equipment are expected to improve PPK’s ability to manage snow and ensure a quality experience for all visitors.

Rusnyk is particularly mindful of the balance between serving local skiers and attracting tourists to the hill.

“Local skiers are the heart and soul of PPK,” he said, “However, we also have an advantage when it comes to attracting tourists. PPK offers one of the most affordable mountain experiences available. It’s perfect for families looking for a fun, budget-friendly day of skiing.”

With 1,200 vertical feet of terrain and competitive pricing — where a family of four can ski for close to the cost of a single adult ticket at larger resorts — PPK is uniquely positioned to cater to both locals and out-of-town visitors.

Although still in the early days of his new role, Rusnyk is keen to build on the work of his predecessor while gradually introducing his own ideas.

“Katherine, the previous manager, did a great job running PPK, and my first priority is to make sure we continue with the practices that worked well,” he noted. “Once we’re fully prepared for the season, I’ll look for opportunities to complement the existing operations.”

Community involvement is a top priority for Rusnyk, who plans to engage with locals and integrate them into the hill’s activities.

“The community has always been an important part of my life,” he said. “I want PPK to be a huge part of the lives of skiers and snowboarders in the area. All events and programs will be available to local community members, and I’m excited to see that support continue.”

Rusnyk’s leadership style is rooted in open communication and teamwork. 

“I want to keep an open door for staff, guests, and co-workers within the Municipality. Everyone has a specific role, but I believe in teamwork — no one should ever say, ‘That’s not my job.’”

With decades of experience under his belt, Rusnyk is ready to share his knowledge and passion for the industry with his team, which he hopes will inspire excitement and foster a positive atmosphere for staff and guests alike.

Looking ahead, Rusnyk is optimistic about the future of the ski industry, particularly the push for greater efficiency in equipment, lifts, and snow-making operations, all while minimizing environmental impact.

As for what sets PPK apart from other ski hills, Rusnyk believes it’s the affordability and family-friendly environment that makes the resort special.

“If people want fancy lifts and large crowds, they can go to other resorts and pay a premium for it,” he said, “But if they want a fun, affordable experience for the whole family, they should come to PPK.”

As Rusnyk embarks on this new chapter at Pass Powderkeg, he’s determined to bring fresh energy to the slopes and ensure that PPK continues to be a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors alike.