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.

January 2012

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE :: Tips for Successfully Running a Family Business An interview with Transition Consulting Group. Lifts 2011--Everyone Wins With new lifts in every region, sliders of every type are benefitting from a strong year in lift construction across North America. What We've Got Here is a Failure to Communicate With a little face time and dialogue (and a lot of beer) the vehicle maintenance guys can get along with the operators...really. A Seven-Year Itch Stevens Pass is making its mark on the downhill bike park scene after years of brainstorming and research. Know Before You Go The folks at Gunstock were eager to get into year-round operations, but knew enough to do their homework before they dove in. Making More From Less It's no secret that small ski areas are vital to the overall growth in the mountain resort industry. Here is how three are having a big impact. Going Up Believe it or not, there are guests out there who would rather hoof it up your mountain than ride a fancy lift. Keeping them safe is another matter. Construction Site There was a lot of building activity at ski resorts last summer. Idea Files Durable maze signs and a windproof heater vent are the latest solutions to come from resorts. Plus, we reprise the Best Idea from 2011. On the Road SAM Summer Ops Camp, October 2011... BEWI's Boston Expo, November 2011... SAM on vacation. Speak Out -- Mountains of Opportunity Summer opportunities. Industry Report PEAK RESORTS POSTPONES IPO... CNL BUYS STEVENS PASS... NSAA FORMALIZES PARTNERSHIP WITH IMBA... OBITUARY... PEOPLE... SUPPLIER NEWS. Eco-Tip: Cleaner Sleds, Cleaner Air Two- versus four-stroke snowmobiles. Rocking the Rental World Areas are actually making rental shops a positive part of the guest experience. Change is in the Wind The Forest Service is looking at allowing wind power on its lands. Looking Beyond Winter Managers seek advice and insights at SAM's Summer Ops Camp. How's Your App-etite? Mobile apps are moving from novelty to necessity. Mountain Spy Mountain Spy Liz Eren goes back to one of our basic questions, and perhaps an area's most important phone call to field... "I've never skied before, but I would love to start this year. What do I need to know?" Blue Pages THE RESORT PHOTOGRAPHY REVOLUTION... SKIING IN OUTER SPACE... TERRAIN PARKS TO DOMINATE ASTM MEETING... USTPC SUSPENDS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM... LET'S TOAST A GUINNESS RECORD... NEW QUAD AT GULMARG MAY TOP BRECK'S... WINTER REVIVALS... DOUBLE DUTY.