NSAA NATIONAL CONVENTION, MARCO ISLAND, FLA., MAY 2-5

The 878 attendees at the NSAA National Convention and Tradeshow in Marco Island, Fla., enjoyed four days of stimulating and thought-provoking presentations, seminars, keynotes, and networking. Top Left: NSAA president and CEO Kelly Pawlak (left) enjoys the opening reception with SAM publisher Olivia Rowan. Top Center: Burton’s Jeff Boliba (middle left) hangs with the crew from Snowbasin, Utah, this year’s Conversion Cup winner. Bottom Left: SAM’s Rick Kahl (left) welcomes Peter and Jamie Zotalis from Welch Village, Minn., to the SAM booth. Bottom Center: (left to right) Two-time Olympic medalist Nick Goepper, Elizabeth Braun of U.S. Ski and Snowboard, and Tim Doll of Perfect North Slopes, Ind. Right: 2017 SAMMY winner Amy Ohran and SAM Summit Series mentee Nate Ellis of Boreal, Calif.

LMS, JIMINY PEAK, MASS., APRIL 17-19

The annual Lift Maintenance Seminar (LMS) was held at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, Mass. Left: Outgoing NSAA director of technical services Sid Roslund (right) shared the ins and outs of running LMS with his successor, Michael Lane. Right: More than 300 attendees representing roughly 80 ski areas participated in packed seminars and workshops, including the first “conveyor safety” seminar led by reps from major surface-lift manufacturers.

SAVMI, GRAND JUNCTION, COLO., MAY 14-17

The annual conference of the Ski Area Vehicle Maintenance Institute (SAVMI) drew 316 attendees to Grand Junction, Colo., including 179 resort employees. The schedule was heavy with classes on subjects such as hydraulics, lubricants, welding, rigging, and safety. Left: Jack Hicks (left) and Matt Compton (right) of Bogus Basin flank keynote speaker Wally Shank of Safehold Special Risk. Center: As part of the Prinoth electrical class, a group of mechanics collaborates to diagnose and solve a problem. Right: SAVMI board member Ben Pinke (left) of Steamboat, Colo., with Chris Dullum of the Yellowstone Club, Mont.

SAMMY AWARDS, MARCO ISLAND, FL MAY 4

The SAMMY Leadership Awards honored four outstanding industry leaders: Nadia Guerriero, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Calif.; Tish Lopez, Snowbird, Utah; Ryan Lavoie, Peak Resorts; and Aaron Maddox, Snowy Range, Wyo. Top Left: The party crew gathers before setting sail on the SAMMY sunset cruise along Marco Island. Top Right: Tish Lopez raised a glass to the crew after accepting her SAMMY Award. Bottom Left: Nadia Guerriero shares her thoughts on being named a 2018 SAMMY winner. Bottom Center: (left to right) SAMMY winner Ryan Lavoie and his wife, Amy, along with Jessica and Jesse Boyd. Bottom Right: SAM’s Dave Meeker chills topside with SAMMY Hall of Famers John Rice from Sierra-at-Tahoe and Halley O’Brien.

CUTTER'S CAMP, TIMBERLINE LODGE, ORE., MAY 14-18

Top Left: The 16th annual Cutter’s Camp brought terrain park professionals from around the world representing more than 60 resorts of all sizes for a week filled with on-hill building, educational workshops, networking, and camp activities. Top Right: Loon Mountain, N.H., general manager Jay Scambio shares his expertise with Michael Kurts from Falls Creek, Australia. Bottom Left: Prinoth’s Florian Eder leads an on-hill session with Trevor Needham from Ober Gatlinburg, Tenn. Bottom Right: Cutter’s Camp kicked off with the Fireside Chat featuring a panel of industry veterans who shared lessons learned, biggest risks, and success stories from their careers: (L to R) Landon Taylor, SPT; Nick Roma, White Industries; Krush Kulesza, Snowboy Productions; and Lucas Ouelette of Arena Snowparks.