Supporting and promoting the industry's emerging leaders has always been a top priority at SAM magazine whether that be in the pages of the magazine, on our podcast channel, or through our programs like the 10 Under 30 and the SAM Summit Series. We've compiled these resources in one convenient place so you always know where to go when looking for inspiration on your career journey. 

AWARDS AND CONTESTS

The Summit Series 

SAM's Summit Series leadership development platform offers mountain resort professionals at all levels the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, peers, and experts, and gain tangible takeaways to apply to their careers, operations, and teams. Learn more.

SAMMYs

The SAMMYs highlight innovative, inspiring, courageous, and passionate leaders who are making a difference in the industry locally or nationally. Nominations open at the end of February. Check out last year's winners and learn more.

10 Under 30

SAM Magazine is always looking for a few talented, young men and women for our annual "10 Under 30" feature, which profiles up-and-coming employees in their 20s who are rapidly making an impact in our industry. Thank you for your help in identifying these bright and industrious rising stars with the passion and fire that will ensure the success of mountain resorts across North America for years to come. View this year's 10 under 30 class and learn more. Nominations open at the end of April.

I AM a Snowmaker

The I AM a Snowmaker contest—sponsored by HKD Snowmakers—highlights the hard work, determination, and camaraderie of snowmakers, and recognizes their critical contributions to the alpine, Nordic, snowboard, and winter tubing industry. I AM a Snowmaker was launched in 2013, and has highlighted the expertise and character of a wide variety of snowmaking teams across North America. Learn more. 

Rise Up Challenge

A good lift mechanic is hard to find. Leitner-Poma of America wants to help the industry rise up to the challenge of supporting the next generation of lift mechanics, with the annual Rise Up Challenge. Six chosen resorts will create videos showcasing the rising stars on their lift maintenance crews, alongside mentors and teammates. Learn more. 

PodSAM 

Tune in to PodSAM, the podcast channel for SAM Magazine. These podcasts include interviews with industry professionals, session discussions from industry events, and conversations from our Summit Series program. 

 Go to PodSAM

LEADERSHIP ARTICLES

View the most recent articles on Leadership Development from SAM magazine.

View all leadership development articles.

NEWS

• Faces and Places

  SAM Catches Up with New Mt. Abram GM, Josh Thompson

  SAM Magazine—Greenwood, Maine, Nov. 21, 2024—Mt. Abram Ski Area & Bike Park hired Josh Thompson as its new general manager. Thompson previously served as a mountain operations manager at Sunday River, Maine. “With over 15 years in the ski industry, specializing in mountain operations an SAM Magazine—Greenwood, Maine, Nov. 21, 2024—Mt. Abram Ski Area & Bike Park hired Josh Thompson as its new general manager. Thompson previously...

• Faces and Places

  JD Crichton to Serve as VP and GM of Crested Butte Mountain Resort

  SAM Magazine—Crested Butte, Colo., Nov. 20, 2024—Vail Resorts named JD Crichton as the new vice president and general manager of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, effective Dec. 9. Crichton has served as director and general manager of Wildcat Mountain Resort in New Hampshire since 2021.Credit Myle SAM Magazine—Crested Butte, Colo., Nov. 20, 2024—Vail Resorts named JD Crichton as the new vice president and general manager of Crested Butte...

• Faces and Places

  Deirdre Riley Named as Crotched Mountain General Manager

  SAM Magazine—Bennington, N.H., Nov. 21, 2024—Vail Resorts has promoted Deirdre Riley to general manager of Crotched Mountain, effective Nov. 25. Riley most recently served as senior mountain operations manager at Attitash Mountain, N.H.Credit Vail Resorts    “With nearly 25 years in SAM Magazine—Bennington, N.H., Nov. 21, 2024—Vail Resorts has promoted Deirdre Riley to general manager of Crotched Mountain, effective Nov. 25....

• Faces and Places

  Australian Ski Areas Association Appoints Josh Elliott as CEO

  SAM Magazine—Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 13, 2024—The Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA), which represents the interests of Australia’s ski areas and their stakeholders, has named Josh Elliott as its new chief executive officer. His appointment comes as the ASAA looks to strengthen its pos SAM Magazine—Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 13, 2024—The Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA), which represents the interests of Australia’s ski...

• Faces and Places

  Snow People — November 2024

  In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to awards, obits, and supplier news, we celebrate the people that make this industry thrive.   PEOPLE:  CHRIS INGHAM, BRECKENRIDGE RESORT, CO Chris Ingha In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to awards, obits, and...