Topline data from National Ski Areas Association’s 10-Year Interval Injury  Study showed improvement over previous studies—a positive trend, especially considering 2022-23, data from which was used for the study, was a record season for skier visits (64.7 million).  The study found that the rate of incidents at United States ski areas was 2....

Summer results were mixed, with a slight tilt toward growth, according to an informal mid-summer SAM poll of operators. Among 31 respondents, 45 percent reported visitation was up year-over-year and 39 percent said it was down. Revenue followed a similar pattern: 42 percent were up, 35 percent down, and 23 percent flat. Respondents to an early Aug...

During a time when there seems to be more contraction and purse-string tightening than open checkbooks, members of the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) are expanding the organization’s support for small ski areas.  In August, the CWSAA board of directors approved updates to the Small Areas Assistance Fund, which provides financial assi...

When we wrote about the U.S.-Canada tariff fight last year, tariffs were only part of the story (see the 2025 cartoon above). Canadian travelers were canceling U.S. trips, cross-border relationships were strained, and ski areas and suppliers were bracing for higher costs on everything from equipment to capital projects. A lot has happened since. I...

Six resorts are doing more than one-and-done onboarding to better prepare new hires and managers alike ahead of the busy winter season. 

Real questions from real ski area personnel, answered in plain English by a real human.

Summit Series mentors share leadership lessons on navigating change, building culture, developing people, and growing careers.

The Nest at Snowbird demonstrates how the unique demands of mountain resort operations influence sustainable design decisions, from waste systems to electrification.

Why ski areas need to rethink snowmaking infrastructure, workforce development, and capital planning for the next 20 years.

A successful bike park focuses on the experience, not on repurposing winter infrastructure.

A handful of lift installations across North America, each with its own unique elements.

Eldora’s waste-sorting overhaul became the foundation for a broader operational and cultural shift around sustainability.

In honor of hiring season, the Spy revisits 20 years of employment-related calls. 

Why there’s a direct correlation between employee satisfaction and guest loyalty, and how ski areas can capitalize on the opportunity.