Performance, demo, and backcountry rentals are helping to fuel growth in rental overall, according to a recent survey conducted by SAM Magazine and Snowsports Industries America (SIA). More than 170 respondents from resort-owned, mountain, and urban specialty shops chimed in on trends in equipment and the general rental market.

There is a preoccupation in the park world with continually pushing to reach the next level. This notion has endured from a time when going bigger was better. But it’s time to treat our parks as a business, in which progression is the key to our success.

The Guinness Book of World Records is still evaluating the results of the World’s Largest Lesson (WLL), which drew about 6,000 first-time skiers and riders nationwide—not all of whom will count toward the official tally, as some didn’t meet the Guinness verification requirements. But records were still set, not the least of which was the all-time high level of enthusiasm it generated for January Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM).

Third in a series on individuals who have had a significant impact on developing the North American mountain resort industry.

MT. ROSE FOR SALE In late January, after 45 years as majority owner, Fritz Buser, 95, put Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe up for sale. Over the last 15 years, Buser oversaw millions of dollars in capital improvements to the resort, including adding the Winters Creek Lodge, installing two high-speed six-passenger lifts, and expanding terrain. Day-to-day operations continue at the 1,200 acre resort. Details on the listing have yet to be released.

Faces and Places...

Cyber Hacking, Active Shooters, and Unions, Oh My! As one operator said at the recent NSAA winter shows, after attending sessions on unions, ADA web compliance, active shooters, and cyber hacking, “This is not what I bargained for—I got into this business for the free skiing and hot girls.”

With hundreds, if not thousands, of old lifts running across North America, many managers are asking themselves, “Should I repair or replace these older lifts?” It’s an important question, and it’s not always easy to answer. But here’s an approach that can help you make decisions to manage the most risk with the capital you have available.

The 2016 SIA Snow Show in Denver Jan. 28-31 showcased the usual overwhelming number of products and brands. SAM searched the show halls and gathered the latest and greatest that caught our eye. Top trends include innovative accessories, products catering to women in just about every category, and softgoods brands finding inspiration in sustainability.

About a year ago, mobile devices surpassed the desktop in Internet usage, which means more people are accessing information on the go and using it to make buying decisions.