SAM Coverage
Area Management
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Finding Elbow Room
If your slopes are looking a little crowded these days, maybe it’s time to take another look at how you are figuring density and…
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Facts, Figures & Rules of Thumb
Here’s a new formula to give operators a handle on the number of snowboarders vs skiers on their hills.
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Speak Out: Got a Problem? Work it Out!
This issue combines Speak Out and the letters section to highlight an exchange between a customer and Breckenridge’s COO regarding a perceived loss of…
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Sam Idea Files
Innovative and creative ideas from ski areas around the country: diapers to control oil leaks in the Midwest, spare tire fencing from Kissing Bridge,…
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Ski Patrol And Area Management: A Dilemma Still Seeking A Solution
In the aftermath of a $1.4 million award against the National Ski Patrol (NSP), there was renewed concern about the respective roles and responsibilities…
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How to Write a Crisis Manual
Instructions on how to write a crisis management plan that will prepare your ski area for any eventuality.
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Concept Man At Intrawest
Hugh Smythe, who started his career as a ski patroller, is the soft-spoken driver of Intrawest’s dynamic growth. He describes his challenges, management and…
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A Taste Of French Skiing
American ski resort personnel visit several French resorts, see their equipment in action, test the facilities and hear lectures by experts on topics relating…
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Bedless Destination
Without a bed base, Mt. Hood Meadows, Oregon, couldn’t compete as a destination ski resort but without big bucks, it couldn’t construct overnight housing.…
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Bands Of Small Ski Areas
Small, non-competing ski areas should form peer groups to share experiences and expertise in order to minimize their size disadvantage and assure their survival.
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The Secrets To Modest Success
Contrary to conventional wisdom, it is possible to own and operate a modest ski area and make a profit commensurate with the risk. The…
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Testing For Drugs
Post-job-offer, pre-employment drug tests are being used at more and more ski areas. This feature discusses which programs are the most effective, which are…
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Turnaround Techniques
A review on monetary and management practices needed to reverse a ski area’s downward trend. The author provides an outline for turning around a…
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There Were Some Smiles, But Woes Abound
A look at the progress of this year’s ski season and how the drought has affected business. On both coasts the numbers are way…
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Ski Areas Speak
SAM’s own ski area operator’s survey produced stunning revelations on what area managers want and are thinking, particularly regarding the effectiveness of USIA. National…
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Improving A Mousetrap
A look at the new skier development program at Sunday River, Maine. This program was designed to replace the old-style ski lessons and ski…
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Energy Strategies For Profit
Utilities are sources for advice and money-saving ideas in the use of energy. Here is how one utility is helping ski areas to become…
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The Americans With Disabilities Act
It’s been called an “Emancipation Proclamation” for the disabled, but because of its fuzzy compliance wording it’s also been called a manager’s nightmare and…