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January 2019

Thanks for your interest in reading SAM Magazine. We hope you enjoy the select articles from this issue available in their entirety here.
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Featured Story

Summer Rising

Summer visits and revenues are increasingly important, but rapid growth is also challenging resorts in unimagined ways. First in a series.

A Big Year for Lifts

A Big Year for Lifts

Written by Peter Landsman
Humongous installations, the first eight-pack bubble, and four new direct-drive lifts highliht an active construction season.
Consolidation, Round Two: Threats and Opportunities
Thoughts on consolidation.
At Stowe Mountain Resort, Vt., the Spruce Peak area has a variety of multi-use buildings and outdoor spaces that host concerts and festivals in summer. This space turns into an ice skating rink in winter.

Summer Ops 2.0: The Adventure Continues

Written by Claire Humber, Jason Hoover, Maura Trumble
When everyone has "stuff," how can a resort offer a unique experience? Differentiation through programming and branding are key.
The Rossignol Cande electric mountain bike in action.

Electric Bikes: Fad or Future?

Written by Don Stefanovich
Like fat skis for powder, e-bikes are revolutionizing mountain biking. Surprisingly, some MTB hotbeds are on board. So is the Forest Service.
Non-Profit Ski Areas

Non-Profit Ski Areas

Written by Moira McCarthy
Local ski hills are the breeding ground for new skiers and riders. Increasingly, non-profits are taking control and running the show. First of a series...
SAM Summit Series 2019—Part I: Communication Skills
Year two of this leadership program begins with confessions and advice.
Rental Buyer's Guide :: January 2019

Rental Buyer's Guide :: January 2019

Written by Peter Oliver, David Zook
An overview of what's new and noteworthy in ski and snowboard rental gear.
Taking It to The Streets

Taking It to The Streets

Written by Bob Curley
Quebec's Mysnow Experience brings the mountain right into the city.
Publisher's Memo :: January 2019

Publisher's Memo :: January 2019

Written by Olivia Rowan
A word from SAM publisher, Olivia Rowan.
On the Road :: January 2019

On the Road :: January 2019

Written by Staff Report
Sights and scenes from fall trade shows and events.
News & Views :: January 2019

News & Views :: January 2019

Written by Staff Report
Thoughts on consolidation, plus people and supplier news.
Season Pass Partners

Season Pass Partners

Written by Linda Goodspeed
Do multi-area passes benefit everyone? Epic and Ikon partners weigh in.
How, And Why, Standards Evolve
Proposals to incorporate new technology or address existing issues come from many sources.
Mountain Spy :: January 2019
Can I use Snowfeet at your area?
New Products :: January 2019

New Products :: January 2019

Written by Sarah Wojcik
A collection of the latest technology and tools aimed at refining operations and improving the guest experience.
Aiming for 100-Percent Renewables
While Vail Resorts buys big wind in Nebraska, Jim MacInnes sets his sights on a bigger goal.
Practical Metallurgy

Practical Metallurgy

Written by Neville Sachs
It's important that ski area mech techs have a solid understanding of the metals they're using.
Task Management

Task Management

Written by Paul Thallner
Feeling overwhelmed? Gain control of your to-do list with these simple tips.
Idea Files :: January 2019

Idea Files :: January 2019

Written by Sam Geise
Past, present, and future tips.