January 2016

Featured Story

Lifts 2015: Building on the Rise

March 6, 2016

Resorts have become increasingly discerning about their investments in lifts—which, along with snowmaking, comprise the essential elements of a ski and sno...

A True Adventure Center

Written by Peter Oliver

If you are going to start a major development project, it sure helps to have more than half of the build-out cost in your pocket well before the projec...

It's All a Game

Written by Moira McCarthy

When your dad is a pro event racer and your mom is an event organizer, your birthday parties are bound to rock.

Greg Goddard, left, of Gunstock, N.H., and Claire Humber of SE Group talked about the resort’s summer business planning process at SAM’s Summer Ops Camp 2015 in Camelback, Pa., last September.

Trust the Process

Written by The Editors

After working together for 16 years, Greg Goddard and Claire Humber have forged a productive and fun working relationship. In 1999, Goddard, general ma...

Clockwise from above left: Inflatables come in new shapes and sizes. The Car Wash (water optional) and Meltdown are both by Galaxy Multi Rides. Five suppliers were showing zip coasters, a cross between a zip line and roller coaster. Pictured here is the Zip-Coaster by Zip-Flyer, and a closeup of the Fly-Line by Outdoor Ventures. Zombies were everywhere on the IAAPA floor. Shown here is the Attack Sally Zombie Puppet. Finally, theming was a big trend. Daniels Wood Land Tree House took the award for most innovative product and brought theming to a new level.

Fun and Games at IAAPA

Written by The Editors

The editors of SAM, along with a number of ski area operators, attended the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo i...

The Rise of the She-conomy

Written by Ilissa Maiatico

When it comes to marketing or selling anything, you should never underestimate the power of women. A Nielsen consumer study from 2013 revealed women in...

Rental Guide 2016-17

Written by Peter Oliver and David Zook

Once the red-haired stepchild of the ski and ride world, rental equipment has become the family’s blossoming honor roll student. Rental equipment is ...

Publisher's Memo - January 2016

Written by Olivia Rowan

Superstars everywhere you look The start of a new year is a time to take stock of the past and look to the future. Here’s to those leading the way. ...

On the Road - January 2016

Written by The Editors

Faces and Places...

Industry Reports

Written by The Editors

PEAK RESORTS ACQUIRES HUNTER MOUNTAIN On Nov. 30, Peak Resorts entered into an agreement to purchase Hunter Mountain, N.Y., for cash consideration of ...

Pocket Protector Apocalypse?

Written by Elia Hamilton

Freestyle terrain is entering into adulthood, and we are faced with the reality that the terrain park has outlived its “fad” status. Just getting b...

Busted!

Written by Linda Goodspeed

When it comes to ticket scams, most resorts have seen it all. Scammers have long taken numerous routes to avoid paying full price—or pay anything at ...

Cloudy, With a Chance of Collaboration

Written by David Meeker

“This weekend, we expect a winter storm to impact the area, leaving behind several inches of snow, so everybody should plan to hunker down and not le...

Satisfaction in Review

Written by Ron Shepard

Raise your hand if you’ve ever changed someone’s performance with a performance review. Keep it up if the change was positive and permanent. Yeah, ...