Mountain Department
Summer Operations
Summer operations help resorts grow beyond winter. This department explores attractions, trail development, adventure operations, staffing, and guest experience strategies that support successful year-round mountain businesses.
Cover Story
Summer Business Split
SAM poll respondents from across North America had plenty of explanations—good and bad—for how business was shaping up this summer.
By The Editors · September 2026
Summer Ops Articles
Shift Your Bike Park Perspective
A successful bike park focuses on the experience, not on repurposing winter infrastructure.
The Summer Discoverability Gap
New research measures how often ski areas surface when travelers ask AI chatbots about summer, what else chatbots…
Paths to Success: Adventure Trails
Trails designed with kids and families in mind are proving to be strong investments for ski areas in…
Summer Gets Selective
As ski areas refine their year-round strategies, operators are investing in lines of summer business that fit their markets—and…
Global Trends in Summer Ops
An expert look at what summer travelers want and what’s working at mountain destinations worldwide.
Latest News
Waterville Valley Building New Outdoor Adventure Zone
Summer Ops Camp Explores Gatlinburg’s Growing Attractions
Summer Ops Camp Registration Closes Friday
Mount Hood Meadows Ends Summer Ops Due to Wildfire Impacts
Summer Holding Steady at Western Mountain Destinations, Lower Rates Boost Early Winter Bookings
New Sessions, Activities Added to Summer Ops Camp Agenda Ahead of Aug. 12 Lodging Package Deadline
Summer Bookings Slow, But Mountain Destination Lodging Outlook Remains Strong
Winter’s Woes Melt Into Summer Surge at Western Mountain Destinations
Through the Decades
1960sSo You Want To Build A Golf Course?June 1965
1970sSpeak OutJune 1971
1990sCatching Amusement TrendsJuly 19922000sSAM on the Road–Jiminy Peak Adventure ParkOctober 2009
2010sWestern Lodging Trend Continues: Rate Up, Occupancy DownDecember 2019
2020sSummer Gets SelectiveJune 2026Cards show digitized stories tagged to this department. Decades without tagged articles are omitted; the chips below still search every decade from the 1960s on.
Dig into 60+ years of Summer Operations coverage
Community
On the calendar
- Sep28International Snow Science Workshop (Sep 28, 2026)
- Sep29CWSAA Fall Lift Safety Bootcamp (Sep 29, 2026)
- Oct5Pipeline Project Ski Career Exploration, Mountain Ops Focus (Oct 5, 2026)
- Oct6CWSAA Fall Lift Safety Bootcamp (Oct 6, 2026)
- Oct6CWSAA Bike Park Forum (Oct 6, 2026)
- Oct6NSAA Fall Education SeminarsShowdown, MT
Parts & Resource Board
Lifts
Urgent
Preview
Holiday Week—Part Needed ASAP
Looking for a replacement part to get equipment back up and running before the busy weekend.
Technical Help
Preview
Looking for Maintenance Advice
Has anyone run into a similar issue? Looking for ideas from other mountain ops teams.
Other
Preview
Help Tracking Down a Part
Looking for leads on a hard-to-find part.
Supplier Guide
Arc’teryx ProArc’teryx PRO provides apparel and equipment specifically designed to enable and support mountain resort professionals. We provide qualified resort professionals with exclusive online access to premium equipment, and we partner with select professional resort teams for their uniform requirements. 
Deasonbuilt Inc.Deasonbuilt Inc. has been designing bike carriers for ski lifts and gondolas since 2003. Resorts choose its carriers for their durability, ease of use, and efficient operation. The carriers are quick to load and unload, simple to attach, and stackable for compact off-season storage, reducing handling time and space requirements.
EcosignEcosign is a global leader in mountain resort planning and design, with more than 1,000 projects across 46 countries. Since 1975, the firm has helped resorts master plan ski areas, four-season recreational amenities, bike parks, campgrounds and infrastructure supporting sustainable growth.
Experiential Resources (ERi)Since 1993, Experiential Resources (ERi) has designed and built memorable attractions, from pedestrian suspension bridges and towers to aerial adventures. We partner with clients from planning through construction, inspection, and ongoing support, creating beautiful, efficient attractions that fit your site, operations, and revenue goals. Let’s build something unforgettable.
Experiential Systems, Inc.Experiential Systems Inc. delivers custom outdoor experiences and adventure attractions for mountain resorts, including climbing structures, aerial courses and themed environments. Focused on design, fabrication and installation, the company helps resorts expand summer offerings with engaging, high-quality features.
Gravity LogicGravity Logic specializes in the design, development, and construction of mountain bike trails, bike parks, and related facilities. Drawing on experience from the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, the company helps resorts create trail networks and rider experiences that serve a wide range of abilities and encourage repeat visitation.
Leitner-Poma of AmericaLeitner-Poma of America engineers and manufactures ropeway systems, including detachable chairlifts, gondolas, funitel systems, and surface lifts for the North American ski market. The company blends advanced control technology, safety features, and custom design to support efficient and dependable uphill transportation.
MNDMND is a global manufacturer of chairlifts, gondolas and mountain infrastructure, offering solutions that support year-round resort operations. Beyond winter lifts, MND provides summer attractions and cable-propelled experiences that enhance access and guest engagement with dependable transport systems.
mSnow TubingmSnow designs and builds year-round tubing attractions for resorts, adventure parks, and recreation destinations. Its engineered tubing systems can be customized to fit a wide range of sites and guest experiences. From concept through installation, mSnow helps operators create durable, high-capacity attractions that drive visitation and repeat business.
Outdoor Venture GroupOutdoor Venture Group designs elevated attractions for mountain resorts, engaging guests of all ages and abilities. From ADA-accessible Nautilus Observation Towers and Treetop Canopy Walks to Aerial Adventure Parks and Nine8 Ball Tracks, each attraction stands alone or works together to keep guests exploring, playing, and returning summer after summer.
Safehold SportsSafehold Sports provides specialty insurance solutions tailored to mountain resorts and adventure attractions. With expertise in exposures like ziplines, aerial courses and outdoor features, Safehold helps operators secure coverage that supports risk management and sustainable summer operations.
Sandy Creek Mining CompanySandy Creek Mining Company designs and supplies turnkey gemstone and fossil panning attractions for resorts, parks, and family entertainment destinations. Since 1991, the company has provided custom sluice systems, mining rough, educational displays, and operational support. Its low-maintenance attractions create engaging guest experiences while generating additional revenue opportunities.
SE GroupSE Group is a multidisciplinary design and consulting firm specializing in mountain resort planning, trail systems, bike parks and outdoor recreation infrastructure. With deep ski and summer operations expertise, the company helps resorts create sustainable, guest-centric spaces that enhance connectivity and flow.
Skyline ZiplinesSkyline Ziplines designs, builds and operates world-class zipline tours and aerial attractions for mountain resorts and outdoor destinations. Combining safety-first engineering with scenic routes and elevated adventure, Skyline helps resorts enhance summer offerings and deliver memorable experiences.
Star LiftsSkyline Ziplines designs, builds and operates world-class zipline tours and aerial attractions for mountain resorts and outdoor destinations. Combining safety-first engineering with scenic routes and elevated adventure, Skyline helps resorts enhance summer offerings and deliver memorable experiences.
SwitchbackSwitchback is an innovative aerial ride system from Holmes Solutions that blends the thrill of a zipline with the versatility of a coaster. Riders seamlessly transition between cable and rail, navigating turns, elevation changes, and varied terrain to create a dynamic, unforgettable experience for adventure parks, mountain resorts, and attractions.
Ullr Mountain Ops.Ullr Mountain Ops. is purpose-built operational software for ski resorts and bike parks. Start by digitizing your documentation (inspections, logs, maintenance records), then layer on task scheduling, compliance tracking, and team management as you’re ready. Tailored tools for terrain parks, lift maintenance, bike parks, grooming, patrol, and more.
Union AquaparksUnion Aqua Parks designs premium floating water parks and aquatic attractions for resorts and waterfront destinations. Customizable layouts feature climbing, sliding, jumping, agility, and leisure elements for deep or shallow water, plus floating cabanas. Engineered for durability, Union provides installation and operational support to create engaging experiences for diverse guests.
Wiegand Sports USAWiegand designs and manufactures mountain adventure attractions—including alpine coasters, summer toboggans and terrain-integrated rides—that enhance resort summer operations. Known for quality engineering and safety, Wiegand’s attractions help resorts diversify offerings and create memorable family-friendly adventures.
Zip WhipperZipWhipper designs and manufactures high-thrill zipline and aerial attractions for mountain resorts and recreation venues. Their patented systems deliver smooth, fast and safe experiences while maximizing scenic exposure and guest excitement. Resorts use ZipWhipper installations to expand summer offerings and enhance adventure appeal.Department Sponsorship
Become the partner this department’s readers recommend.
SAM Mountain department newsletters
Summer ops resources, delivered right to your inbox.
