NSIDE THE INDUSTRY » CROWSNEST PASS,
ALBERTA Mixing
business and pleasure This couple's passion for sledding turned
into a full-time career by KIRSTEN
ARMLEDER
A WAY OF LIFE:
"We don't have to go on huge vacations anymore to try and find snow
or to be in the environment we love because we are living in it
right now," said Verlee Hagley, co-owner of Inn on the Border. —photo by Cora Tschetters
For Curtis and Verlee Hagley, it has always
been about the snowmobiling. Ever since they've been together, the
pair have been crazy about the sport and soon found themselves
travelling all over Western Canada and the States in search of prime
riding. Little did they know that their winter hobby would turn into
a full-time business venture.
Curtis, who is originally from Drinkwater, Saskatchewan, always had
a strong enthusiasm for snowmobiles, which he quickly passed on to
his wife, Verlee, who was also a Saskatchewan resident.
"I have always been interested in finding really nice deep snow and
I did lots of travelling," said Curtis. "When I hooked up with
Verlee, she took an interest in it and really loves it too."
Over the years, the Hagleys have explored many top sledding
destinations, including the Crowsnest Pass.
"We were doing four and five trips a year, anywhere from Cook City,
Montana; Island Park, Idaho; Wyoming; Cranbrook, B.C.; and Alberta,"
said Curtis. "That is what brought us here in the first place."
Opportunity knocks
Since there was a shortage of snow in Saskatchewan during Christmas
of last year, the Hagleys started searching for a place to ride and
quickly came in contact with the owners of a winter bed & breakfast
known as Inn on the Border, located right on the B.C./Alberta border
in the Crowsnest Pass. The owners informed them that the place was
up for sale and it didn't take long for the Hagleys to make their
decision.
At the time, Curtis and Verlee were both working in a potash mine;
since they liked the Crowsnest Pass, they decided it was time for a
change of pace and purchased the bed & breakfast in July 2006,
making the Pass their permanent home.
Living their dream
"We're having a really great time with it," said Verlee. "It's not
without its challenges, but we are really enjoying it and by no
means would we look back on it and regret anything we've done."
Since Curtis
and Verlee have taken over ownership, they have completely revamped
the kitchen and restaurant area, modified the dinner menu and
enhanced the look of the property. In the future, they plan to build
more cabins, hire additional staff and run it as a year-round
destination.
"I am hoping the people that enjoy the outdoors in the winter will
bring their summer pursuits here too," said Verlee.
Although there are challenges to face, as with any business, both
Curtis and Verlee keep a positive outlook and for them, it is more
than a job—it's a way of life.
"It's just about our whole lifestyle," said Verlee. "We don't have
to go on huge vacations anymore to try and find snow or to be in the
environment we love, because we are living in it right now."
