Browse Our Archives

November 2016

Below is the Table of Contents. We have selected a few articles that you can read in their entirety online.

To order an article that is not online or a back issue of SAM Magazine, email donna@saminfo.com.

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Featured Story

What's in Your Park

November 12, 2016

It’s remarkable that this is the twelfth year we’ve put out the call for entries to our annual terrain park contest. We received numerous submissions fro...

Social Media in Customer Service

Social Media in Customer Service

Written by Gregg Blanchard
As social media become customer service channels, resorts must step up efforts to stay abreast of comments and requests.
Hiking into the backcountry at Jackson Hole.

Outside the Ropes

Written by Tom Winter
Improvements to gear are fueling continued interest in the backcountry. How resorts are responding depends on a number of local considerations.
Photo credit: Pisten Bully

Snowcat Maintenance

Written by Tom Kendrick
A SAM roundtable discussion explores the practical, confounding, and sometimes comical world of vehicle maintenance.
This article is based on a presentation by Paul Thallner (above) at the SAM Summer Ops Camp in Park City, Utah, in September.

People Fuel Performance

Written by Paul Thallner
Resorts have long known that employees can greatly impact business performance. Here’s a look at how to ensure that impact is positive.
The Case for a Carbon Tax

The Case for a Carbon Tax

Written by Allen Best
As climate change becomes an accepted notion, how will Americans decide what uses of energy are acceptable? A carbon tax can providce the answer.
Construction Site :: November 2016
We highlight snowmaking improvements and, especially, new lodges.
Idea Files :: November 2016

Idea Files :: November 2016

Written by Sam Geise
Smart ways to move groomer tillers, dispense sidewalk grit, and enable guests to charge their mobile devices.
On the Road

On the Road

Written by The Editors
New England Summit Sunday River, ME, Sept. 13-15... MSAA ANNUAL TRADE SHOW Shanty Creek, MI, Aug. 21-24... Summer Ops Camp  Canyons, UT, Sept. 14-16.....
Industry Reports

Industry Reports

Written by The Editors
YouTube Star Buys Pebble Creek... Coleman Group Acquires Hesperus... Tamarack Homeowners Now Own the Resort... People... Awards... Suppliers
Trailblazers :: Eric & Sarah Cylvick
Zipline line builders and pioneers, brake system Inventors.
Early Signs Reflect Last Season

Early Signs Reflect Last Season

Written by Linda Goodspeed
Pass sales are up in the West, and middling elsewhere.
Mountain Spy :: November 2016

Mountain Spy :: November 2016

Written by Dave Meeker
Arriving at a ski area for the first time can be intimidating for those who have never, ever even pulled into the parking lot of a ski area before and ...
Effective Policies and Procedures
If your people are good, policies and procedures can help them be great.
The 5-Minute Rental Fit

The 5-Minute Rental Fit

Written by Jack Rafferty
Rental bootfitting is an opportunity to educate guests—and provide a fit that will set them up for success.
Blue Pages :: November 2016

Blue Pages :: November 2016

Written by The Editors
QUESTIONS (AND ANSWERS) ABOUT LIFT SAFETY... VAIL RESORTS: HOW BIG CAN IT BECOME?... WARREN MILLER: THE FREEDOM OF SKIING... JAY LOOKS AHEAD DESPITE EB...