LEADERSHIP ARTICLES
View the most recent articles on Leadership Development from SAM magazine.
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July 202610 Under 30
These 10 rising professionals are making an outsized impact on their organizations—and on the future of the snowsports industry. From the industrial engineer called “mountain operations’ Swiss Army knife,” to the operations administrator who’s “the connective tissue between departments These 10 rising professionals are making an outsized impact on their organizations—and on the...
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July 2026Changing the Narrative Around Ski Industry Careers
The ski industry offers unique careers for young professionals, but do they know that? For an industry that touches millions every winter, the mountain resort business remains surprisingly misunderstood when it comes to careers. Outside those who work within it, ski area employment is often seen n The ski industry offers unique careers for young professionals, but do they know that?
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May 2026Balanced Leadership
Leaders can get more out of their people by balancing results and relationships. Successful project management is more about people than it is about timelines, budgets, and deliverables. The strongest leaders understand that the highest productivity is achieved by fostering an environment in which Leaders can get more out of their people by balancing results and relationships.
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January 2026Education for the Real World
As enrollment dips, SAM degree and certificate programs are modernizing curriculum and evolving in step with the industry to keep the talent pipeline alive. For decades, ski area management degree and certificate programs served as a steady pipeline for resort talent. While many folks learned (an As enrollment dips, SAM degree and certificate programs are modernizing curriculum and evolving in...
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November 2025Perks of Employment
Resorts share their winning and valued benefits, recognition programs, and other morale boosters. A nice benefits package can help attract and retain talented people. But it takes more than a season pass and health insurance to make team members happy and feel satisfied about work, which should be Resorts share their winning and valued benefits, recognition programs, and other morale boosters.
View all leadership development articles.
PodSAM
Tune in to PodSAM, the podcast channel for SAM Magazine. These podcasts include interviews with industry professionals, session discussions from industry events, and conversations from our Summit Series program.
NEWS
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Faces and Places
Randles Headed to Hunter as New VP and GM
SAM Magazine—Hunter, N.Y., June 30, 2026—Chuck Randles has been named as the new vice president and general manager of Hunter Mountain, effective July 15, 2026. He takes over for Trent Poole, who was named as vice president and GM of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Calif., in May after two-and-a-half SAM Magazine—Hunter, N.Y., June 30, 2026—Chuck Randles has been named as the new vice president and general manager of Hunter Mountain, effective...
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Faces and Places
Cubbage Promoted to GM of Powder Mountain
SAM Magazine—Eden, Utah, June 29, 2026—Powder Mountain named Bill Cubbage as general manager of resort operations. He will oversee guest services, rental and retail, base area operations, ski and ride school, mountain operations, ski patrol and I.T. Cubbage joined Powder Mountain in 2024, pre SAM Magazine—Eden, Utah, June 29, 2026—Powder Mountain named Bill Cubbage as general manager of resort operations. He will oversee guest services,...
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Faces and Places
Barnes to Succeed Hawkes as Wisp Resort GM in Planned Leadership Transition
SAM Magazine—Deep Creek Lake, Md., June 22, 2026—Erik BarnesErik Barnes will join Wisp Resort as general manager designate, ultimately succeeding general manager Ron Hawkes following Hawkes' planned semi-retirement at the conclusion of the 2026-27 winter season. During the transition period, SAM Magazine—Deep Creek Lake, Md., June 22, 2026—Erik BarnesErik Barnes will join Wisp Resort as general manager designate, ultimately succeeding...
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Faces and Places
Swartz Tapped to Lead Smugglers’ Notch
SAM Magazine—Jeffersonville, Vt., June 10, 2026—Smugglers’ Notch Resort appointed Brandon Swartz as its new general manager. Swartz most recently served as general manager of Attitash Mountain and Wildcat Ski Area in New Hampshire. “Brandon understands that great resorts are built on grea SAM Magazine—Jeffersonville, Vt.,June 10, 2026—Smugglers’ Notch Resort appointed Brandon Swartz as its new general manager. Swartz most recently...
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Faces and Places
Skeetawk Names Thompson as General Manager
SAM Magazine—Palmer, Alaska, June 4, 2026—Skeetawk Ski Area has promoted Ryan Thompson to general manager. Thompson previously served on the board of directors for the nonprofit that runs Skeetawk before resigning in 2025 to serve as Skeetawk’s construction development manager. As constru SAM Magazine—Palmer, Alaska, June 4, 2026—Skeetawk Ski Area has promoted Ryan Thompson to general manager. Thompson previously served on the board...
AWARDS AND CONTESTS
The Summit Series
SAM's Summit Series leadership development platform offers mountain resort professionals at all levels the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, peers, and experts, and gain tangible takeaways to apply to their careers, operations, and teams. Learn more.
SAMMYs
The SAMMYs highlight innovative, inspiring, courageous, and passionate leaders who are making a difference in the industry locally or nationally. Nominations open in January. Check out last year's winners and learn more.
10 Under 30
SAM Magazine is always looking for a few talented, young men and women for our annual "10 Under 30" feature, which profiles up-and-coming employees in their 20s who are rapidly making an impact in our industry. Thank you for your help in identifying these bright and industrious rising stars with the passion and fire that will ensure the success of mountain resorts across North America for years to come. View this year's 10 under 30 class and learn more. Nominations open at the end of April.
I AM a Snowmaker
The I AM a Snowmaker contest—sponsored by HKD Snowmakers—highlights the hard work, determination, and camaraderie of snowmakers, and recognizes their critical contributions to the alpine, Nordic, snowboard, and winter tubing industry. I AM a Snowmaker was launched in 2013, and has highlighted the expertise and character of a wide variety of snowmaking teams across North America. Learn more.
Rise Up Challenge
A good lift mechanic is hard to find. Leitner-Poma of America wants to help the industry rise up to the challenge of supporting the next generation of lift mechanics, with the annual Rise Up Challenge. Six chosen resorts will create videos showcasing the rising stars on their lift maintenance crews, alongside mentors and teammates. Learn more.
