SAM Coverage
COVID19 Pandemic
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Post-Pandemic Predictions
After two years of Covid, what do resort operators expect this winter? “Covid has been very good for us. We’ve had a great couple…
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Unpack Your Assumptions
A look at operational assumptions that Covid disproved. Most operators approached the 2020-21 season with a singular goal: stay open. Now, after a…
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Pandemic Silver Linings
Many changes that resorts made for this Covid winter will have lasting impacts on operations and the guest experience. Face coverings? Check. Capacity limits?…
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Snowsports Instruction Revisited
The pandemic hastened positive changes to how snowsports schools operate. Winter 2020-21 has invited revisions to the way snowsports schools operate on a…
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Brandemic
Communicating uncomfortable change can actually be an opportunity to enhance your resort’s brand. Sick of it. We’re all damned well sick of all…
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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. Surprisingly—or maybe not,…
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It’s Go Time
Winter operating plans are about to be put to the test. Eight months ago, when the pandemic quickly tightened its grip on North America,…
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Alternate Universe
Resorts can capitalize on a new market of guests seeking new experiences. SNOW PLAY OPTIONS ABOUND: (top, left to right) Frolicking in the snow…
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Snowsports and Rental in the Age of COVID
Industry leaders share strategies for keeping operations safe, profitable. Industry members gathered for the SAM Huddle on Sept. 14. Top to bottom: Olivia Rowan,…
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Tubing 2020-Style
COVID won’t drag this high-yield activity down the tubes. Just as surely as the morning sun will rise in the east, the winter-sports season…
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Outbreak. What Now?
How best to handle it if (when) COVID visits your resort. Resorts are finalizing plans for this most unusual season, with a big push…
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Resorts Going Retro, Futuristic
Resort visitors will find a combination of old-time, bare-bones facilities and new-age online reservation systems this winter. Plan ahead, pack a lunch, and rev…
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Proactive Evolution
A plan for organizing and directing staff efforts to make COVID adaptations. In our recent conversations with mountain resort operators, we at SE…
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Food for Thought
Creative ideas to transform a food and beverage “solution” for this winter into a memorable experience for guests. The restrictions and unknowns related…
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Stay Connected
Six ways to build your brand and community for the long term. We know it’s going to be different this winter, we just…
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Keep Your Distance
What resorts have learned about masking up, social distancing, and staff needs. Season 2020-21 is shaping up to be more than next-level mysterious,…
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Learning from Summer Ops
Resorts experienced some pleasant surprises from their summer activities and gained insights into winter ops. As ski resorts around the country slowly reopened for…
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Publisher’s Memo :: September 2020
Buckle up, Buttercup BUCKLE UP, BUTTERCUP When I was young and things got tough, my mom would say, “Buckle up, buttercup.” She reminded…