Publisher's Memo :: January 2020

’Tis the Season

As of mid-December, the season was off to a promising start. Big storms and cold temps led to early openings in several regions. Plus, season pass sales were up for many resorts. We’ll take it!

For all of us, the beginning of the new year is a time to take stock. And for SAM, it’s time to recognize some achievements from the past year, and look forward to 2020 programs. And so, without further ado ...

Terrain Park Contest Winners

After 4,484 votes were tallied—thanks, all you voters—the results are in. The winners of the 15th Annual Terrain Park Contest are: “Murray’s Dance Floor” from Dave Wright and his park staff at Blue Mountain, Ont., in the Feature category; “The Fat Boxes” by Mt. Hood Meadows crewmembers John Ogletree and Jared Scholz in the Bread & Butter category; and Blue Mountain’s FRZN Rail Jam in the Events category. Check out the winners and other entries at saminfo.com/terrain-park-contest.

In addition to bragging rights, these crews receive a swag bag from Burton. Congrats to the winners, and thanks to everyone who submitted entries and votes.

SAMMY Time

January kicks off our nomination period for the SAMMY Leadership Awards. For 22 years, the industry has been nominating individuals who show strong, innovative, and inspiring leadership qualities. We rely on you, our readers, to champion those colleagues who have shown themselves worthy. So don’t be shy, head to saminfo.com/sammy-awards/nominate and fill in the blanks. You can also email your nomination to olivia@saminfo.com.

Take a look at our SAMMY Hall of Fame and you’ll recognize dozens of past winners who continue to do great things in the industry. In this issue, we offer further evidence: insights from two 2019 SAMMY recipients, Dawn Boulware, Taos Ski Valley, N.M., and Simon Pagé, les Sommets, Que. They provide commentary as “SAMMY Guest Editors” on the environmental impact of air travel and summer operations, respectively. Check out their thoughts on pp. 42 and 73.

We are excited to see all of you at the upcoming NSAA winter conferences at Squaw Valley, Calif., and Killington, Vt. There are many challenges and opportunities for our industry, and we want to hear from you—so stop by our booth, and let’s talk. Did we mention we’d like to hear your thoughts on worthy SAMMY candidates?