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

  Snowbasin’s Ratchford and Sun Valley’s Sonntag Both Promoted to COO

  SAM Magazine—Cheyenne, Wyo., Dec. 20, 2024—Grand America Hotels & Resorts has promoted Pete Sonntag to chief operating officer of Sun Valley Resort, Idaho, and Davy Ratchford to chief operating officer of Snowbasin Resort, Utah. Both will also continue in their current capacity as general m SAM Magazine—Cheyenne, Wyo., Dec. 20, 2024—Grand America Hotels & Resorts has promoted Pete Sonntag to chief operating officer of Sun Valley Resort,...

• Faces and Places

  Vail Resorts Taps Career Military and Government Leader Lea Gabrielle Potts as New Mount Snow GM

  SAM Magazine—West Dover, Vt., Dec. 4, 2024—Lea Gabrielle Potts is the new vice president and general manager of Mount Snow, Vt., effective Dec. 19. A newcomer to the ski industry, Potts fills a seat that’s been vacant since late July when former Mount Snow VP and GM Brian Suhadolc departed for SAM Magazine—West Dover, Vt., Dec. 4, 2024—Lea Gabrielle Potts is the new vice president and general manager of Mount Snow, Vt., effective Dec. 19....

• Faces and Places

  Dan Healy to Lead Sierra-at-Tahoe as New GM

  SAM Magazine—Twin Bridges, Calif., Dec. 4, 2024—Dan Healy is returning to Sierra-at-Tahoe, this time as the resort’s vice president and general manager, effective early January 2025. Healy previously served as director of snowsports at Sierra for more than three years until 2021, when he moved SAM Magazine—Twin Bridges, Calif., Dec. 4, 2024—Dan Healy is returning to Sierra-at-Tahoe, this time as the resort’s vice president and general...

• Faces and Places

  Vail Resorts Names Brandon Swartz GM of Wildcat, With Oversight of Attitash

  SAM Magazine—Gorham, N.H., Dec. 3, 2024—Vail Resorts has appointed Brandon Swartz general manager of Wildcat Resort, effective immediately. Swartz, who currently serves as general manager of Attitash Mountain, will now oversee operations at both resorts, fostering greater collaboration between t SAM Magazine—Gorham, N.H., Dec. 3, 2024—Vail Resorts has appointed Brandon Swartz general manager of Wildcat Resort, effective immediately. Swartz,...

• 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...