Kendra Scurfield: Mastering the Slopes of Career, Family, and Creativity
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Kendra Scurfield exemplifies a remarkable ability to juggle multiple roles with grace and determination. As the vice-president of brand and communications at Sunshine Village Ski Resort, she oversees a vast array of responsibilities while also dedicating time to her young son and pursuing a passion for writing children's books. Her story is one of deep-rooted connection to the mountain and a testament to modern work-life integration.
A Legacy Steeped in Mountain Heritage
Scurfield's ties to Sunshine Village run deep, beginning in childhood when she grew up skiing on its slopes. Her grandparents, Ralph and Sonia, purchased the resort in 1981, and her father, Ralph Jr., has long served as president and CEO. This familial bond has immersed her in the business from an early age, providing a unique perspective on its operations and culture.
After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Scurfield returned to Alberta, taking on a marketing position in Calgary before moving full-time to the hill in 2012. Her journey from marketing events to vice-president reflects a career built on both education and hands-on experience, all centered around the resort she calls home.
Balancing Professional Demands with Personal Passions
In her role at Sunshine Village, Scurfield manages a mountain of duties, including advertising, media relations, and promotional strategies. The resort operates for ten months each year, with the winter ski season demanding a staff of approximately 800 people. About 200 are permanent employees, while seasonal workers include many international university students from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., Norway, and Sweden, all eager to experience Rocky Mountain skiing.
Despite these heavy professional responsibilities, Scurfield prioritizes time with her four-year-old son, Theo, and has carved out space for writing children's books. This discipline in time management allows her to nurture both family and creative pursuits, showcasing a balanced approach to life's demands.
The Resort's Operations and Community Impact
Sunshine Village spans 3,353 acres of mountain terrain, leased from Parks Canada, requiring approvals for any improvements, such as the extension to the Bourgeau parking lot off the Trans-Canada Highway. The resort features 12 ski lifts catering to all skill levels, from easy greens to challenging double blacks, and includes the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Canada's highest ski-in, ski-out hotel at 7,200 feet with 84 rooms.
Accommodation options extend to Banff through partnerships, including the Fairmont Banff Springs, enhancing the guest experience. Scurfield emphasizes her father's vision for the resort as a beacon of Canadian hospitality, focused on creating lifelong memories for visitors through friendly service and breathtaking views.
Her leadership underscores the importance of staff efforts in ensuring every guest leaves with positive impressions, blending business acumen with a personal touch rooted in family tradition.
