The Voice of the Mountain Resort Industry  |  Est. 1962

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September 2004 Issue

Measuring the Growth Model

by Keith Liggett

Mt. Hood Meadows staff greeting a first-timer at a shuttle bus door

What’s the most effective way to convert first-time skiers and riders to core fanatics? Three areas on the Left Coast—Mt. Hood Meadows and Anthony Lakes (Ore.) and Dodge Ridge (Calif.)—provide examples of different approaches. Meadows and Dodge Ridge are NSAA Growth Initiative test sites. Anthony Lakes has simply achieved spectacular results.

All, to varying degrees, touch on the key factors of the Growth Initiative: Give people three shots at enjoying the sport. Give them guides through the base, the rental area and into the ski school meeting area. Give them small classes and experienced instructors. Make the classes fun. And provide roving instructors to help those not in ski school enjoy the day and coax them into ski school.

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