The annual ISKINY-PSAA Expo Sept. 21-23, 2015, at Lake Placid, N.Y., attracted more than 370 ski resort, vendor, and guest attendees from across North America. Two major themes dominated the gathering: the guest experience and risk management. Before diving into business, though, the fun kicked off with a tour of the operational areas at Whitefa...

The near-record turnout at this year's New England Summit Sept. 15-17 showed how much excitement there is in the region as resorts anticipate what El Nino will bring—including the possibility the Northeast is looking at another record-breaking snowfall year. Show organizer Bo Bigelow of the Ski Maine Association said the Summit drew 290 s...

SAM Magazine—New Hampshire, Sept. 21, 2015—It’s been a busy year with multi-resort companies and independent ski areas rolling out new pass partnerships (see Blue Pages, SAM Sept. issue). And now, it’s about to become even busier with the entry of the MiniMIX pass in New Hampshire. Available for only $199, the pass includ...

The continued growth in summer resort operations lured more than 160 attendees representing 50 resorts, along with 34 vendor partners, from across North America to SAM’s 6th annual Summer Ops Camp at Camelback Resort, Pa., Sept. 9-11. The three-day conference addressed several aspects of “The Serious Business of Summer Fun” and provided several opportunities to demo a variety of summer activities and different ways to program them.

SAM MAGAZINE—Zanesfield, Ohio, Sept. 18, 2015—The lodge at Mad River Mountain caught fire and was destroyed Wednesday night. The resort was closed at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. There is currently no information as to the cause of the fire. Reports indicate that part of the A-frame brick and mortar building i...

SAM MAGAZINE—Cortland, N.Y., Sept 16, 2015—Greek Peak is purchasing Toggenburg. During a press conference at Toggenburg today, former owner Jim Hickey and the new owners—who are also co-owners of Greek Peak Mountain Resort—Marc Stemerman and John Meier, addressed the details. Greek Peak Mountain Resort owners Marc Stemerm...

SAM Magazine—Taos, N.M., Sept. 16, 2015—Taos Ski Valley is increasing its minimum wage to $10 an hour, making it one of the higher paying resorts in the country for entry-level employees. As one of the largest private employers in the state, the resort decided to increase the minimum wage to ensure it retains and recruits the best em...

SAM Magazine—Mt. Hood, Ore., Sept. 16, 2015—Mt. Hood Meadows has appointed three employees, Steve Warila, Jeremy Riss and Matt Troskey, to new vice president roles in an effort to restructure and provide year-round recreational and hospitality experiences. Meadows COO Jake Bolland said, “This reorganization is designed to prope...

SAM Magazine—Toronto, Ont., Sept. 16, 2015—The C.J. Group of Companies has acquired the media brands of Toronto-based SBC Media. The acquisition includes eight magazines, all SBC websites, social media accounts and assets, which will now operate under C.J. Oyster Publishing, a division of the C.J. Group. The titles and brands now own...

SAM Magazine—Denver, Colo., Sept., 15, 2015—Intrawest Resort Holdings Inc., reported a major financial improvement in fiscal 2015, increasing revenues by 14 percent and cutting its net loss for the year by 96 percent. The improvements were due to the addition of 100 percent ownership of Blue Mountain, Ont., and the restructuring and ref...

SAM Magazine—Wildwood, Mo., Sept., 15, 2015—Peak Resorts Inc, reduced its spending for its fiscal first quarter, ending July 31, 2015, helping to reduce its net loss to $7.1 million, compared to a net loss of $8.2 million during the previous year’s first quarter. The company cited lower interest expense for much of the improvement...

SAM Magazine—Woodbury, Conn., Sept. 15, 2015—Friends and associates of Jan Leonard, who died suddenly on Aug. 26, will host an evening dedicated to the aerial lift pioneer at the Deer Valley Resort Snow Park Lodge on Oct. 14. The event will recognize Leonard’s achievements in lift engineering and manufacturing. A cocktail receptio...

SAM Magazine—Teton Village, Wyo., Sept. 15, 2015—Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) has completed its new employee housing units, located in the town of Jackson. The three-building complex, which can house 94 workers, is the first of its kind for the Jackson Hole community. “JHMR is proud to be able to provide much needed hous...

SAM Magazine—Blue River, B.C., Sept. 15, 2015—Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing has named Tim Foster, former GM of Beaver Valley Ski Club and Mount Baldy Ski Area, as its new GM. With more than 25 years of experience in the ski industry, Foster’s key priorities will be to create strong guests experiences and concentrate on long-range...

SAM Magazine—Donner Summit, Calif., Sept. 14, 2015—Sugar Bowl Resort has named Greg Dallas, former COO of Mammoth and June Mountain, as its new CEO. Dallas will lead all aspects of resort operations, including Sugar Bowl Resort, Royal Gorge Cross Country, the Village at Sugar Bowl real estate, and homeowner services. Dallas succeeds ...