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  • SAM Taps Whistler Blackcomb to Host 2025 Summer Ops Camp

    SAM Magazine—Whistler, British Columbia, March 18, 2025—SAM’s Summer Ops Camp will be held at Whistler Blackcomb, Sept. 2-4, 2025, offering three days of education, networking, and hands-on learning focused on the future of summer operations at mountain resorts. This year’s camp will also feature a partnership with the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA), bringing together a dynamic mix of resort professionals from across North America.   Whistler Blackcomb has been at the forefront of year-round recreation development, balancing business innovation with environmental sustainability. With a robust lineup of summer attractions—including the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Peak...

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Emerald Expositions Acquires Snow Show from SIA

SAM Magazine—San Juan Capistrano, Calif., May 24, 2017—Emerald Expositions, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Emerald Expositions Events, Inc., producer of business-to-business trade shows and conferences, including Outdoor Retailer, has acquired the SIA Snow Show from SnowSports Industries America (SIA).SIAlogo emailsize

Lookout Pass Expansion Plan Approved by Forest Service

SAM Magazine—Mullan, Idaho, May 24, 2017—Phase I of Lookout Pass’ master development plan has been approved by U.S. Forest Service officials, and work can begin as early as this summer on projects that will total about $10 million over the next few years, including terrain expansion, new chairlifts, an addition to the base lodge, and Lookout esizemore parking.

Winter Concludes with Occupancy Down Slightly in the West, Revenues Up

SAM Magazine—Denver, May 18, 2017—Overall aggregated occupancy during the 2016-17 winter season—November through April—declined 0.2 percent, marking the first seasonal dip in winter occupancy since the 2011-12 ski season. In contrast, aggregated revenues were up a strong 7.2 percent, with double-digit growth recorded during the month of December. The data was released breckskitown esizeyesterday by Denver-based DestiMetric’s as part of its monthly Market Briefing.

SIA Board Votes to Sell Snow Show to Emerald

SAM Magazine—Denver, May 18, 2017—The board of directors of Snowsports Industries America (SIA) have unanimously approved the sale of the SIA Snow Show to Emerald Expositions, which runs the Outdoor Retailer (OR) Winter and Summer Markets, for $16.67 million. The sale must still be approved by SIA’s 100 or so premium members, who have until May 24 to vote on the proposal.SIAlogo emailsize

Mountain Creek Files for Bankruptcy

mountaincreek logo esizeSAM Magazine—Vernon, N.J., May 17, 2017—The owner of Mountain Creek, Mountain Creek Management LLC, is seeking Chapter 11 protection. The company hopes to restructure its debt while maintaining daily operations, including opening the Mountain Creek Waterpark next month.

Report: Granby Ranch Chairlift Fatality Due to Combination of Factors

SAM Magazine—Denver, May 12, 2017—An unusual combination of circumstances led to the fatal chairlift accident on the Quick Draw Express at Granby Ranch last December 29, granbylift esizeaccording to the final report by Colorado state investigators, released Thursday afternoon.

An Inside Look at the Intrawest/Aspen/KSL Deal

SAM Magazine—Denver, May 11, 2017—The Denver Post resort business reporter Jason Blevins pored through Intrawest’s 273-page PREM 14C, a preliminary information statement relating to a merger or acquisition that the company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and found some pretty neat stuff regarding the deal—and the value of several otherwinterpark esize recent transactions as well.

Eaglecrest Hires David Scanlan as GM

SAM Magazine—Juneau, Alaska, May 11, 2017—The community-owned Eaglecrest Ski Area here has appointed David Scanlan as its new general manager. Scanlan has been the GM of Mt. scanlan esizeAbram, Maine since 2013. He is scheduled to start in his new position June 26.

Berry, Fairbank Earn NSAA Lifetime Achievement Awards

SAM Magazine—Scottsdale, Ariz., May 9, 2017—At last weekend’s National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) annual convention in Scottsdale, the organization presented 2017 Lifetime Achievement Awards to NSAA president Michael Berry and The Fairbank Group’s founder and chairman, Brian Fairbank.

U.S. Skier Visits Up in 2016-17

SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., May 10, 2017—U.S. ski areas tallied an estimated 54.7 million skier and snowboarder visits during the 2016-17 season, up 3.7 percent from last season’s skiers esize52.8 million total, according to preliminary results of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Kottke Report.

Berkshire East, Taos, and Squaw/Alpine Win Golden Eagle Awards

SAM Magazine—Scottsdale, Ariz., May 9, 2017—Berkshire East, Mass., Taos Ski Valley, N.M., and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Calif., won the 2017 Golden Eagle Awards for Environmental Excellence, presented by SKI Magazine. In addition, SKI named Onno Wieringa of Alta Ski Area, Utah, the “Hero of Sustainability” for 2017. This marks the 25th year for the GoldenEagle esizeGolden Eagle awards, which recognize resorts that actively address environmental issues.

Chris MacInnes Named President of Crystal (Mich.)

SAM Magazine—Thompsonville, Mich., May 4, 2017—Chris MacInnes has become president of Crystal Enterprises Inc., which operates Crystal Mountain, Mich. John Melcher succeeds MacInnes as COO.

Vail Resorts Names Bobby Murphy VP And GM Of Stowe

Bobby Murphy Head ShotSAM Magazine—Stowe, Vt., May 2, 2017—Vail Resorts, Inc. is appointing Bobby Murphy as vice president and general manager of Stowe Mountain Resort, effective at the close of VR’s acquisition of Stowe, which is expected in June. He will replace Barry Pius.

CWSAA Recognizes Murray, McLaughlin, and Stimming

cwsaa conferenceSAM Magazine—Lake Louise, Alberta, May 2, 2017—Three individuals were recognized for their contributions to the ski industry at last week’s Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) annual Awards Gala. Don Murray, senior VP, Ecosign, received the 2017 Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award; Stuart McLaughlin, president, Grouse Mountain, received the 2017 Jim Marshall Leadership Award; and Ryan Stimming, risk manager, Panorama, received the Lars Fossberg Excellence Award.

NSAA Awards Sustainable Slopes Grants

nsaa sustainability awardsSAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., May 2, 2017—The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has chosen four member ski areas to receive its annual Sustainable Slopes Grants: Arapahoe Basin, Colo., Copper Mountain Resort, Colo., Granite Peak, Wis., and Mt. Bachelor, Ore.