It’s the day after the blackout in the Northeast and Midwest as we write this and we were one of the fortunate ones—for some reason, SAM’s office exists in a lucky hole (or grid in electric-speak). So, we bring you the September issue on time and ready to help you prepare for another great season. (I should point out, though, that most of us did go home to dark houses and cold canned food for dinner.)
We are particularly excited with this issue because it brings you something new, well, actually lots of things new—the New Product Introductions 2003/2004 guide. In this stand-alone booklet, you will find new products, services and innovations to help every department at a mountain resort function better. From terrain parks to toys, lifts to lodging and rental to retail, industry suppliers have been busy coming up with ways to make your lives easier and your businesses more profitable. Let us know what you think about this new guide because we plan to make it an annual event. Suggestions for improvement are welcome, and so is a note to let us know that you found it useful as is.
We are equally excited to bring you this issue because of the editorial we have put together. As we head into the 2003/2004 season fresh on the heels of a record-breaking season, we are feeling pretty good about the industry as a whole. We are seeing some phenomenal efforts in the beginner/conversion arena at resorts across the country. On page 37, read about some of the programs we came across that encompass teaching, rentals and customer service in general. The profiled resorts are creating skiers and snowboarders and they share with us some incredibly easy ideas any area, large or small, can implement.
Further to creating new enthusiasts, our technical editor, Nils Ericksen, writes about beginner terrain on page 44. Forget the days of negotiating a speedy lift or slippery rope tow only to descend a 300-foot-long slope that seems to have the population of New York City on it. With new terrain, conveyor lifts, and less crowded learning areas, many resorts are successfully converting skiers and snowboarders by the droves.
Putting the beginner experience and conversion aside for a moment, on page 39 you will find a very important piece on a mass casualty incident drill. It addresses every ski area’s nightmare, but being prepared can really help. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out that your area isn’t.
There is much more, but we’ll let you go now so you can start diving into the actual articles. Check out page 23 for a look at what’s coming in future issues of SAM this season. We wish you well with your pre-season preparations and look forward to seeing you out on the slopes this winter.
