After reading SAM cover to cover last night I felt compelled to write and compliment you on the excellence of the publication. Part of “Speaking Out” dealt with the Workman’s Compensation Insurance problem which the Sierra Ski Areas Association is trying to deal with via the introduction of exempting legislation. Our bill is being introduced into the California Legislature this spring.
Your article “After the Storm -Digging Out” was especially pertinent for our area as we will be constructing new parking lots this summer. The ideas presented about snow removal will help us with location analysis.
I was happy to see Mt. Bachelor receive the coverage on their energy saving programs. Having personally observed Mt. Bachelor’s system during the PNSAA/SSAA Regional Trade Show in January, I, for one, think it is appropriate that Bill Healy receive accolades for the early development of these innovative programs even before the energy crisis provided the impetus that is now prodding so many operators into so many varied conservation measures.
I could go on but I feel this particular issue of SAM covered more bases more completely than any other edition I have read. Keep up the good work and the extended coverage on all aspects of the rapidly developing sophistication of our ski industry.
John Koeberer, Tahoe Donner, Calif.
Sir:
Bill Berry’s interview of me as published in the Spring issue was in line with the facts, and I only take exception to his finding that “he finally settled in New Hampshire because it is the cheapest place to live in the ski country.” What we actually discussed was the difficulty of explaining to questioners why anyone in his right mind would move from sunny California to retire in the rigors of a New England climate. This is something that only one with an appreciation for living in a four-season environment can truly comprehend. I have found that “because the liquor is cheaper” is much more readily grasped, and it saves one hell of a lot of verbiage. It also provides a good cover for the on-going campaign of “Help Keep New Hampshire A Secret.”
Wilfred S. Davis, New London, N.H.
Sir:
In response to your review of the Glendinning Report in your Spring issue, I would like to say that it pleases me to see a proposal that utilizes the unified efforts of the entire ski industry. Anyone with any foresight in the industry has to admit that this unified approach must be taken. It does fail, however, to paint a complete picture.
It is my contention that the greatest number of individuals are being introduced to skiing at the small, day, night, and weekend operated ski areas scattered across the country. These are the areas which in turn feed the large destination resorts. This being the case, why should these small gross profit areas bear equal financial burden, in terms of promotional activities, with those destination resorts reaping the greatest benefits and reporting record breaking seasons?
Would it not be advantageous to the whole ski industry to concentrate promotional activity in these smaller areas which have laid the ground work in introducing skiing to the greater percentage of people and will continue to do so in the future? In short, if you want to harvest the crop you have first got to pay for the seed.
Hans Auer, Cockaigne Ski Area, N.Y.
