Asessippi Ski Area and Resort

Manitoba’s Newest Skiing Sensation!

Ski Hill: Asessippi Ski Area
Map: Location
Vertical: 121 m (397 ft)
Snowfall: 2.5 m (8 ft)

When skiers think of first-class ski destinations, names like Aspen, Courchevel, St. Moritz and Whistler immediately spring to mind. Unless, of course, you happen to live in Winnipeg, or Regina, or in any community within 400 kilometres of here. In which case Asessippi Ski Area and Resort is the place to be and ski!

If our children are the lifeblood of skiing, then community ski areas are its heart and soul. Often small and remote, they’re where most of us once learned to ski and where we’re now introducing a new generation to the lifelong joys of winter snowsports. Community Ski Areas examines the past, present and future of Canada’s community ski areas. Writer: Dave Fonda | Creative Director: Gordie Bowles

After The Flood …

In 1950, massive snowmelt compounded by epic spring rains left parts of Winnipeg submerged under  9 metres (30 ft) of water. Some 5,000 buildings were damaged, 10,000 homes were destroyed and over 100,000 people were evacuated. The Canadian Army and Red Cross were called in. And all three levels of government vowed: Never again! Extensive studies and much discussion followed until, 14 years later, work finally commenced on constructing the Shellmouth Dam near Russell, Manitoba. The new reservoir, affectionately named Lake of the Prairies, dramatically reduced Winnipeg’s flood risks while providing reliable water from the Shell and Assiniboine Rivers to farmers and users downstream. Its impact was both immediate and long-lasting. Once prime beef and barley farmland gave way to a new provincial park. The ever-scenic Shellmouth Valley began drawing streams of travellers, campers, hikers, fishers and assorted lovers of the great outdoors like never before.

View of the Manitoba Legislative Building seen from the flooded Broadway Avenue in Winnipeg, 1950. Photo courtesy of the Government of Manitoba.

Photo courtesy of Ski Asessippi.

Go Big, Or Go Home!

In 1990, Manitoba MLA Len Derkach and Roblin businessman Bob Cross had an idea. Why not invite interested citizens to discuss the possibility of creating a ski area in Asessippi Provincial Park? So many people turned up that they formed the not-for-profit Asessippi Ski Association. The ASA promptly hired an outside expert to find the best possible location. Sensing a truly golden opportunity in the making, in 1992, the Federal Business Development Bank drew up a rather startling business plan. Rather than build a modest, local ski hill, the bank advised the ASA to create a first class, full-service, four-season development unlike anything on the Prairies. In addition to alpine and cross-country skiing, it would offer skating, tubing, sleigh rides, tobogganing and snowmobiling. And that was just the winter fare. Guests would also enjoy quality dining in a top-notch setting. The estimated cost? $4.6 million.

A Driving Force Emerges

Next, the ASA approached local business leaders for funding. One of them, Daymon Guillas, who was then General Manager of one of the area’s largest employers, the Russell Inn, took the lead as they busily promoted the development as a major windfall for both business and the community. The entire project was then turned over to Asessippi Ski Limited which consisted of Bob Cross, Bill Dayson, Daymon Guillas, Lynn Spurway and Roblin Agricultural Rep. Brian Wilson. After intense lobbying from ASL, the provincial and federal governments each agreed to kick in a third of the necessary funding. But all that came to naught, when the 1993 federal election saw Kim Campell’s Conservative government fall from power. Subsequently, both the federal and provincial governments said no to any promised funding. By that point, the Russell Inn had seen its share skyrocket from $570,000 to a whopping $4 million. Or, about $600,000 less than the original estimated total. Unfazed, Daymon Guillas and the Russell Inn pressed on. 

Photo courtesy of Ski Asessippi.

“We did it for the economic growth of the area. We did it to better the quality of life. It was for the future of our community.” 

– Daymon Guillas, President of Ski Asessippi

“We have invested over $1 million in snowmaking improvements as well as a $1 million in drainage to protect the runs,” says Shannon Johnston.

New Development With Old-World Charm

Asessippi Ski Limited continued fundraising while studying ski area designs in Quebec and the Northeastern US. Their findings resulted in the creation of what assistant general manager, Shannon Johnston, described as a “cluster development that combined traditional New England charm with the rustic ingenuity of French-Canadian culture.” Visitors, gawkers and full-time residents alike still can’t get enough of Asessippi Resort’s “sloping rooflines, warming fireplaces, exposed wooden beams and antique barnboard detailing.” The village is strictly first class. Ditto the ski hill which was entirely outfitted with lifts, towers, groomers and snowmaking equipment from recently-closed Mont Castin, near Quebec City. Asessippi Ski Area and Resort officially opened in 1999, attracting alpine skiers but also snowmobilers and dog sledders. Says Shannon, “. In addition to drawing lovers of winter sports, Asessippi caters weddings, receptions, family gathering and business retreats and conferences.

Asessippi Today

Like many thriving ski resorts, Asessippi also initiated a real estate boom. Its posh Cottage Cove development boasts primary homes for retirees and savvy telecommuters as well as second homes for well-heeled weekenders. Naturally, most ‘cottages’ are ski in/ski out, with good reason. The facilities at Asessippi are the real deal, with an excellent variety of Blue, Green and Black Diamond terrain. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) which oversees all Olympic and World Cup competition, recently homologated one of Asessippi’s trails for slalom racing. Today, the best ski and snowboard racers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan regularly come here to train and race. Winter weekdays bring busloads of cheerful schoolkids eager to learn how to ski or snowboard. True to form, the area also has an impressive Adaptive Ski Programme.

Photo courtesy of Ski Asessippi.

“Embracing winter does wonders for our physical and mental health. Skiing and snowboarding or just spending time in our chalet encourages people to get out and socialize and it strengthens our community ties.”

– Shannon Johnston, Assistant General Manager, Asessippi Ski Area and Resort

Photo courtesy of Ski Asessippi.

Asessippi Tomorrow

Like many ski areas, Asessippi has had to work overtime to find and keep its qualified staff. As a first-class resort with a 35,000 square foot lodge that serves great food from around the world, they need to find people who know more than how to tune skis, groom snow, clean the building daily and make a perfect omelette. They support the local community by hiring youth as much as possible. Shannon interviews all staff to ensure they measure up and will fit into her ‘other family’. Equally daunting are the challenges climate change keeps bringing. Making snow here takes more than SnowMax, a superb 100% snowmaking facility, and professional crews working round the clock when the weather allows. Ideally, it also takes low humidity and temperatures between -10° and -20° Celsius. Something that Mother Nature doesn’t always provide.

“Asessippi’s growth and success is very important to the area. Not only do we contribute a significant amount in tax dollars, we employ over 150 people over the winter and over 30 people year-round, including wedding planners, grounds keepers, a full-time chef and our outdoor operations crew.” 

– Shannon Johnston

Asessippi Ski Area and Resort

Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.
Photos courtesy of Ski Asessippi.

Asessippie Ski Resort | Manitoba