A lot of people may not be aware that Calabogie Peaks is a year-round resort offering activities both exciting and relaxing. Sure, we have our impressive skiing and snowboarding on the biggest vertical mountain in Ontario with a recognized and adored Ski School and all the perks that come with our winter season… but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. But that’s not all I want to talk about today.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Todd Crapper (yes, you read that right) and I’m the Graphic Designer/Social Media Specialist for Calabogie Peaks. It’s my job to be the voice of the Peaks, to spread the message and share the excitement of everything we have going on at this fabulous resort. And I’m not just saying that as an employee; this is coming from someone who absolutely adores this place. When I was first hired on back in November of last year, I was incredibly excited about this opportunity. To be honest, I was sold on becoming part of the Peaks based on the drive alone. As someone who grew up in the Greater Toronto Area and lived for 15 years in Ottawa, switching from traffic jams and accident reports on the radio to gliding solo alongside the Madawaska River was tempting beyond belief. I have to admit, I’d never been here before and had Googled pictures of the resort, but when I drove down the embankment and the trees parted to reveal the majesty of this property, I knew this job had to be mine. It was going to be an uphill battle to learn about all the inner workings of a resort like Calabogie Peaks as someone who has never downhill skied or ever worked in this field before, of that there was no doubt. If you’ve ever been here before, you know how friendly and engaging the staff are with their customer and that remained as I began to work with this team to help spread the word on just how awesome this place is. I am truly blessed to be a part of it and now my role is to make you want to become part of it too.
That was six months ago and what a crazy and exciting six months it was. Aside from the usual learning curve you go through at any new job, there were many challenges and struggles along the way, but I’m happy to say we ended up with a great season. From a social media standpoint, we were able to increase our followers on both Facebook and Twitter by 30%, website traffic is up 15% (with new visitors up by 30%), and we’ve begun to play around with other media such as Instagram as well. More importantly, we’ve heard so many great things from our guests and customers about how much they have enjoyed their time at Calabogie Peaks and how they’re looking forward to coming back for more skiing, golfing, dining, and more. It’s been hectic at times, but I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a great team and meet many of you who are truly fans of the Peaks.
There’s a reason why I’m getting into all this personal background with you – it’s the personal touch that you get with the Peaks. We provide the same perks and features of many larger resorts, yet with that friendly country feel that makes us stand out. Providing that same accommodation through social media with all of its fast-paced, low-character, short-lived flurry of updates, shares, and cat photos is tricky. There’s so much going on in our world – both virtual and physical – that it becomes more important to have that opportunity to experience a human touch with all this communication. That’s what I want to bring to you and remind those of you have been here once before or those who are only discovering the Peaks for the first time online – that sense of community and country comfort that’s close to home.
So if you think all that melted snow means we’re shutting down for the next six months, you are way off, my friends. At this very moment, our Ironwoods 9-hole golf course is available to the public, preparations are under way to get our Boathouse Bar & Grill ready for the Victoria Day long weekend and it’s just over a month until the 2nd Annual Calabogie Country Music Festival begins (featuring our headliner, Canadian country icon, Michelle Wright). After that, there’s the 4th Annual Calabogie Blues & Ribfest Music Festival, complete with actual blues music, a finger-licking array of BBQ ribs, camping, and headliners such as the infamous David Wilcox and Jimmie Vaughan. (All of this was recently featured on the Ottawa Citizens’ website; feel free to check it out.) That’s not even the half of it with hotel specials for the spontaneous traveler and active family alike, we are in full swing for the spring and summer months.
There we have it. Let me assure you, if my workload is not slowing down as the temperature rises, we are just beginning to pick up the pace and it’s my job to share all these activities with you, fair reader. It’s my job to convince you why you and your family, friends, and co-workers should choose Calabogie Peaks for your next time away from the city close to home. If you’re not following us on Facebook or Twitter yet, click on the blue and keep in touch with us. Better yet, you can contact me directly at my office or by phone (1-800-669-4861). Let’s make the most of this summer and enjoy the outdoors as true Canadians. I know I will.
