SAM Magazine—Whistler, B.C., April 6, 2016—Big things are in the works at North America’s biggest ski resort with Whistler Blackcomb planning to invest $345 million over three phases of development. Called “Whistler Blackcomb Renaissance,” the investment will add new, year-round attractions and activities, see major on-mountain winter and summer improvements, offer new real estate developments, and improve Blackcomb’s upper and lower base areas.

SAM Magazine—Carrabassett Valley, Maine, April 4, 2016—While only a handful of New England ski resorts remain open, several are planning to continue operations for weeks, if not a month or more.

Natick, Mass., April 1, 2016—After much anticipation and more than 66,000 votes tallied, SAM Magazine and HKD Snowmakers are honored to announce the Sunday River, ME, Snowmaking Crew as the winner of the 2016 I Am a Snowmaker Award. When asked to share their team motto, Sunday River responded, “We’re not just a team; we’re a brotherhood!” To view Sunday River’s complete profile as well as the five other teams nominated, click here.

SAM Magazine—Dover, Vt., March 29, 2016—Mountain ops crews at ski areas in the eastern half of the continent have put in a herculean effort this winter to keep the ski season going and provide a quality product for visitors. In most areas out West, the snow hasn’t really stopped falling, so resorts are keeping winter rolling.

SAM Magazine—Big Sky, Mont., March 25, 2016—The shortage of affordable housing in resort communities across the U.S. has become a major issue—one that the recently formed Big Sky Community Housing Trust (BSCHT) aims to address by growing the inventory of such residences for the town’s local workforce.

SAM Magazine—Zermatt, Switzerland, Mar. 25, 2016—High-altitude resorts across the Alps are preparing for and investing in summer operations, according to Patrick Thorne's SnowHunter World Weekly Snow News. The strategies are, not surprisingly, diverse.

SAM Magazine—Bend, Ore., March 23, 2016—As of March 16, Mt. Bachelor president and general manager Dave Rathbun no longer holds a position with the resort, and nobody knows why. Rathbun said he was unable to speak about the circumstances surrounding his departure and directed questions to John McCloud, the resort’s director of finance, who Rathbun said had been appointed acting general manager.

SAM Magazine—Wildwood, Mo., March 23, 2016—With 14 properties located in the snow-starved eastern half of the country, Peak Resorts’ results for the third quarter ending Jan. 31 summed up the difficult winter it’s been. The company reported a Q3 profit of $3.7 million, and the $38.7 million of revenue is down 16 percent from the same quarter last year. Nonetheless, Peak’s net income rose 13 percent year-over-year.

SAM Magazine—Washington, D.C., March 23, 2016—Despite this winter’s challenging snow year in the eastern half of the country, participation in January Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM) programs topped 166,000 in 2016, up from 118,000 a year ago. Numbers are based on results from the annual LSSM resort survey.

SAM Magazine—Denver, March 15, 2016—According to a recent report by DestiMetrics, winter business is on its way to a strong finish at western resorts and their surrounding communities. Bookings made in February for arrival in February were up a dramatic 19.2 percent compared to the same time last year.

SAM Magazine—Denver, March 16, 2016—Colorado Ski Country USA’s 21 member resorts reported an uptick in skier visits of 3.8 percent during the second period of the season, defined as Jan. 1–Feb. 29, compared to the same period last season. From opening day through Feb. 29, member resorts are up a total of 6.2 percent in skier visits compared to last season.

SAM Magazine—Frisco, Colo., March 16, 2016—Copper Mountain just moved up the list for families with kids ages 6 to 12 after the resort unveiled its new Kids Ski Free season pass offer. With the purchase of an adult season pass ($399 for ages 18+, no blackout dates) kids 6 to 12 get a free season pass. The offer ends after June 1.

SAM Magazine—Laguna Hills, Calif. March 14, 2016— The 41st annual Mountain Travel Symposium (MTS) April 3–9 in Keystone, Colorado, will welcome it largest audience ever, as registered attendance has topped 1,000. That number includes an international contingent from 38 countries, providing an indication of how important group business is for destination resorts—and group travel buyers.

SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., March 10, 2016—After more than 75 years in operation, Wilmot Mountain, Wis., is about to get a $13 million overhaul courtesy of new owner Vail Resorts. The plan covers upgrades to on-mountain infrastructure, base area facilities, and a learning terrain expansion.

SAM Magazine—Santa Fe, N.M., March 9, 2016—New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez signed Bill 193 yesterday, which will allow consumption of alcoholic beverages in controlled access areas on the grounds of ski areas. The bill takes effect July 1. Currently, ski areas can have liquor licenses that allow alcohol to be served only in lodges or other buildings.