CURRENT ISSUE The following is the Table of Contents from the current issue of SAM (Ski Area Management) magazine. We have selected a few articles that you can read in their entirety online. To get a copy of the current issue, email lise@saminfo.com or click on the "Subscribe" button above.

May 2008

It's Good to Be Big This year's Economic Analysis doesn't hold many surprises, except if you are in the middle of the pack. BestWorst Print Ads of 2007-08 For these reviewers, it's all about clean copy, great art, and making a connection. Looking Good Good landscaping is not only visually appealing, but it serves many other purposes, as well. Summer Workhorses As the warmer months approach, so do the myriad tasks that need to be done around the hill. Here are some machines that can help. Future Shock As the Baby Boomers start to exit our sport in droves, who will take their place? Upping the Ante Several areas are addressing safety in the terrain park with new and innovative ideas. Battling the Beetle Resorts in the West fight to save their trees from beetle kill. Idea Files An inverter, a multi-tasking work chair and mini snowmaking are the latest great ideas to come from resorts. Speak-Out Peak to Peak: No Mere PR Stunt — by Greg Sweetser, Executive Director, Ski Maine. Will Video Kill the Chair Ride, Too? — by Elizabeth Eren. Industry Reports HISTORIC SEASON FOR U.S. SKI TEAM... TAOS OPENS TO SNOWBOARDERS... PRINCETON SKI SHOP CLOSES... MINTURN OK'S PRIVATE AREA... POWDER RIDGE TO REMAIN CLOSED... TWO SKI AREAS HIT THE MARKET... OBITS... PEOPLE... SUPPLIER NEWS Season Passes for Sale Pass possibilities continue to expand and results are good. Disappearing Act The "Gini Index" suggests that a shrinking middle class has limited U.S. resort visits. Tamarack in Turmoil How finances for a northern resort went south. J1 Competition Heats Up The shortage of H2B visas is forcing increased reliance on J1 visa programs. Demystifying Diversity At Mountain High, Calif., snowboarders outnumber the skiers, minorities outnumber Caucasians, and its total visits outnumber the neighbors'. Don't Create a Wait Here are ways that bottom lift terminal areas can run safely and efficiently. Weather Bet Derivatives can soften the blow of a poor season. Blue Pages WILL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN CRIMP VISITS?... RESORT TOWNS NEED NEW "SOCIAL CONTRACT"... NOT YOUR AVERAGE MOM AND POP AREA... MT. HOLLY CLUB HAS PAYMENT ISSUES, TOO... SHRINKING DOLLAR MAKES U.S. ATTRACTIVE... SNOWLINGO CONTEST COMES UP SPEECHLESS... GOING BLACK AND BLUE AT DIA AND SLC... THE MIDWEST RULES!... SHORTSWINGS Mountain Spy SAM Goes Undercover