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January 2020

January 2020

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

FEATURED STORY

  • Back to Basics

    With the most new lift installations since 2006, it was a big year for fixed grips, as our annual lift survey reveals. With a strong economy and robust skier traffic last season, North American resorts invested in 42 new lifts in 2019, the fifth straight year-over-year increase. While the number of individual projects increased by five, vertical transport feet per hour (VTFH) actually decreased, as resorts focused on replacing and installing more modest fixed-grip chairs and fewer signature high-speed chairs and gondolas. Growth came mostly from the Rockies and Pacific regions, while Midwest areas installed no new lifts. Colorado accounted for the largest share, with six new installa...

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 January 2020 - Ski Area Management
SWT participants.

Special Online Report :: Summer (Work Travel) in Winter

International college students on J-1 cultural exchange visas are key to U.S. ski area operations. So how do they differ from H-2B guest workers and what’s the current political landscape?

Leitner-Poma engineered a double-grooved bullwheel to transfer torque between two sections at an angle station for Alpine Meadows’ new Treeline Cirque detachable quad.
Photo: Ben Arnst

Back to Basics

With the most new lift installations since 2006, it was a big year for fixed grips, as our annual lift survey reveals.

The Lunch Box at Mammoth serves Philly cheesesteaks out of a converted Airstream trailer.

Far Flung and Fun

It pays to think outside the bread bowl and get creativ e with your food and drink venues.

Smiles at the slide at Arbor Day Farms.

Nothing But Net

Inclusive and customizable, netted play structures are catching on.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort installed a seminal via ferrata four years ago  and has expanded it since.  Contractor: Adventure Partners.

Via Ferratas

These popular European activities are beginning to make their mark as summer attractions at North American ski areas.

Northeast Slopes from the sky.
Photo: Ashley O’Donnell

Heartbeat Hills

We profile three local ski areas that are the lifeblood of their communities.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

Rental Buyers' Guide 2020-21

A rundown on what's new, what hasn't changed (for good reason), and what's trending in ski and snowbord rental gear.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

Maximize Your Interior

It takes a strategic and thoughtful approach to properly outfitting your lodge and diing spaces—here's how.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

Idea Files :: January 2020

DIY auxiliary motor switch, electric panel protector, and best idea of 2019.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

NSAA Lift Maintenance Training Resource Guide

The ins and outs of a monumental new tool for ski areas.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

Mountain Spy :: January 2020

"Do you have childcare?

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

Air Travel and Climate Change

The implications of air travel.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

New Products :: January 2020

New tech, hot seats, and kids play.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

SAM Summit Series 2020—Part 1: Welcome to our Happy Place

Year three of the Summit Series begins. Three mentors offer candid and insightful advice on creating life-changing guest experiences.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

Trailblazers :: Evan Reece

Evan Reece, ecommerce pioneer.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

Making a Pass

Independents feast while the big guys battle.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

News and Views :: January 2020

Lift mechanic shortage, mentors talk consolidation, Big SNOW, and more.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

On the Road :: January 2020

 Scenes from a busy fall trade show and events season.

 January 2020 - Ski Area Management

Publisher's Memo :: January 2020

'Tis the Season.