In This Issue
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A Big Year for Lifts
Humongous installations, the first eight-pack bubble, and four new direct-drive lifts highliht an active construction season. Lift construction boomed in 2018 as…
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Consolidation, Round Two: Threats and Opportunities
Thoughts on consolidation. More than 20 years ago, the first great round of resort consolidation swept through the ski world. Vail Resorts,…
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Summer Ops 2.0: The Adventure Continues
When everyone has “stuff,” how can a resort offer a unique experience? Differentiation through programming and branding are key. Mountain bike flow…
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Electric Bikes: Fad or Future?
Like fat skis for powder, e-bikes are revolutionizing mountain biking. Surprisingly, some MTB hotbeds are on board. So is the Forest Service.…
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Summer Rising
Summer visits and revenues are increasingly important, but rapid growth is also challenging resorts in unimagined ways. First in a series. Think…
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Non-Profit Ski Areas
Local ski hills are the breeding ground for new skiers and riders. Increasingly, non-profits are taking control and running the show. First…
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SAM Summit Series 2019—Part I: Communication Skills
Year two of this leadership program begins with confessions and advice. This story is from the SAM print archive Subscribers can read…
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Rental Buyer’s Guide :: January 2019
An overview of what’s new and noteworthy in ski and snowboard rental gear. The rental shop serves a very broad audience, from…
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Taking It to The Streets
Quebec’s Mysnow Experience brings the mountain right into the city. In order to lure skiers and snowboarders to ski areas, sometimes you…
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Publisher’s Memo :: January 2019
A word from SAM publisher, Olivia Rowan. Running in Cycles As we enter the new year, it’s a good time to both…
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On the Road :: January 2019
Sights and scenes from fall trade shows and events. Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo — Boston, MA — Nov 8-16 Crowds flocked…
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News & Views :: January 2019
Thoughts on consolidation, plus people and supplier news. More than 20 years ago, the first great round of resort consolidation swept…
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Season Pass Partners
Do multi-area passes benefit everyone? Epic and Ikon partners weigh in. Now that the season pass courtship is over and partners chosen,…
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How, And Why, Standards Evolve
Proposals to incorporate new technology or address existing issues come from many sources. One of the functions of the B77 ANSI Standards…
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Mountain Spy :: January 2019
Can I use Snowfeet at your area? The Question: I just found out I’m getting these things called Snow Feet for Christmas.…
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New Products :: January 2019
A collection of the latest technology and tools aimed at refining operations and improving the guest experience. TALKABOUT 800 AND TALKABOUT APP…
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Aiming for 100-Percent Renewables
While Vail Resorts buys big wind in Nebraska, Jim MacInnes sets his sights on a bigger goal. By any measure, the Vail…
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Practical Metallurgy
It’s important that ski area mech techs have a solid understanding of the metals they’re using. Most of the time, we tend…
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Task Management
Feeling overwhelmed? Gain control of your to-do list with these simple tips. I’ve tried about 15 different time and task management systems,…
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Idea Files :: January 2019
Past, present, and future tips. BEST OF 2018: A CLEVER OPERATION To operate both frugally and efficiently, Moose Mountain in Fairbanks,…
