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SAM Headline News
Presidents’ Day Weekend 2026: A Holiday of Extremes
coincided with “Family Day” in Alberta. Lake Louise Ski Resort CEO Rich Burkley described the weekend as “upbeat,” tracking slightly ahead of expectations with help from strong performance at neighboring British Columbia resorts. Report by Dave Tragethon
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SAM Headline News
Oregon’s Snow Drought Leads to Indefinite Closures
system forecast to hit the region could deliver a season-saving refresh beginning next Thursday, Feb. 12. Early models are split, but some suggest the system could bring colder temperatures and significant frozen precipitation. Report by Dave Tragethon.
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SAM Headline News
Feast, Famine Conditions Shape MLK Business
programs, reported a strong turnout in every region. Regardless of natural snow conditions, these programs remained a primary revenue driver, often fueled by moderate temperatures that encouraged families to come to the mountain. Report by Dave Tragethon
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SAM Headline News
Holiday Business Boomed in East, Midwest and Canada, Went Bust in West
with some exceeding 20 percent growth from last year.” Several resorts saw a high number of first-time participants, indicating continued growth among beginners, families, and new market segments—something ASSQ has long championed. Report by Dave Tragethon
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Faces and Places
Wild Weather Tees Up Tumultuous Start to Holiday Ski Season
while others are navigating new and continued weather-related disruptions, infrastructure challenges, or workforce constraints. With several peak days still ahead, operators will continue to adjust in real time as conditions evolve. Report by Dave Tragethon
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SAM Headline News
Flooding Shuts Down Washington and Oregon Ski Areas; Federal Emergency Declared
think,” he said. He suggests the current flooding is a volatile "false start" rather than a season-long verdict: “One month does not telegraph what the next month will do. The core of winter is coming up between now and March.” Reported by Dave Tragethon.
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Faces and Places
SNOW PEOPLE – July 2025
Mountain Resort, Wyo. Outstanding Contribution Awards: Tim Hendrickson, MountainGuard; and (posthumously) Wayne Ragland, Park West Ski Resort, Utah. Pioneer Award: Paul Etcheverry, Pine Creek Ski Resort, Wyo. FAR WEST SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION Dave Tragethon was honored with the Far West Ski Association’s Jordan-Reily Award, recognizing exceptional volunteer leadership and service to skiing and snowboarding across the western United States. OBITUARIES GRAHAM ANDERSON Graham Anderson died June 2....
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July 2024
News And Views :: July 2024
An interview with new NSAA board chairman Chip Seamans; global perspectives from the Mountain Planet expo, and more.
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January 2024
Taking a Stance
More ski areas are addressing big social and environmental issues to distinguish their brand identity and built community.
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September 2023
AI: Opening Pandora's Chatbot
How to identify the risks and capitalize on the opportunities of Artificial Intelligence.
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SAM Headline News
Indy Pass to Meter Growth After Record Volume Halts Sales
for the 2023-24 season. "We had a great first season on the Indy Pass, continue to see strong visitation, and look forward to welcoming even more passholders from across the U.S. next season," said Mt. Hood Meadows marketing director Dave Tragethon. Fish said returning cross-country and allied resort partners will be announced in May. Report by Troy Hawks
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September 2022
The Data Made Us Do It
Mt. Hood Meadows uses technology, data analysis, and messaging to manage visitation, improve the guest experience, and increase revenue.
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SAM Headline News
Mt. Hood Meadows Joins Indy Pass
July 26, 2022—Indy Pass will now include Mt. Hood Meadows, Ore. The ski area is Indy’s largest resort partner by skier volume, and it brings the pass’ total resort partners to 105 for the 2022-23 season. Meadows VP of sales and marketing Dave Tragethon anticipates that the pass partnership will spur new business at the ski area. “Meadows has closely followed the Indy Pass since it was introduced and has been impressed with the pass’ ability to drive off-peak visits to participating ski areas,”...
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March 2022
The School of Holiday Ops
A mountain of holiday challenges offered vital lessons in operations and communication.
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March 2021
Pandemic Silver Linings
Many changes that resorts made for this Covid winter will have lasting impacts on operations and the guest experience.
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January 2021
Brandemic
Communicating uncomfortable change can actually be an opportunity to enhance your resort's brand.
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January 2021
Staffing Up in a Pandemic
With unemployment higher than it has been in years, locals and college breakers are showing up to staff the front lines.
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Faces and Places
The Huddle
Ops Huddle: Unfrozen by Paul Thallner Post-Pandemic Planning: View the 2021 Special Report in full: The New Outdoor Participant (COVID and Beyond) Metric Centric Customer Voice Snapshot Selling Season Huddle: Tom Foley, Inntopia Presentation Dave Tragethon, Mt Hood Meadows Presentation Reality Check Huddle: Video from Bolton Valley's President, Lindsay DesLaurier Snowsports & Rental Huddle: Slides from Rachel, Cardrona and Treblecone, New Zealand "Lessons from Down Under" Huddle: Video of...
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