Thinking Small

Small ski areas face a variety of challenges, many of which are unique to the nature of a small area operation. SAM wants to get your feedback to help identify the most pressing issues you face as a small ski area operator. By taking this survey, you will contribute important information that will help the industry tackle some of these issues, and hopefully come up with useful solutions that will be covered in future issues of SAM. The questions cover a range of topics including mountain operations, guest service, marketing, and finance. It will only take a few minutes of your time, and we are positive it will be time well spent. Plus, everyone who completes the survey will be entered to win $100! Thank you for your time and think snow!

Smaller ski areas are in a change cycle, thanks to several converging trends. Ownership transitions are taking place, especially among family-owned ski areas. Buildings and facilities are aging, at a time when skier expectations are rising. Ticket pricing models and marketplace competition are also forcing smaller ski areas to react. Change is in the air.