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  LIFTS 2015: BUILDING ON THE RISE Resorts are installing new lifts that raise the baron guest service and convenience.   A True Adventure Center Stowe’s new Spruce Peak Village Center, and its kid’s center in particular, are an adventure in themselves   The Rise of the She-conomY Measuring th...

Below is the Table of Contents. We have selected a few articles that you can read in their entirety online. To order an article that is not online or a back issue of SAM Magazine, email donna@saminfo.com.   A HOSPITABLE CLIMATE? As scientific evidence accumulates about the changing climate, winter resorts face many quest...

500 reads   THE CHANGING ROLE OF PATROL The transition from treating and transporting injured skiers to more broad risk and safety responsibilities has expanded the scope of patrolling.READ MORE THE SILVER STANDARD In-house expertise and a passion for mountain biking helped Silver Mountain, Idaho, build a viable summer busin...

656 reads   REACHING NEW MARKETS The ethnic makeup of America, and inevitably winter resorts, is changing. Are you ready to communicate with and welcome a new audience? 10 UNDER 30 SAM's annual collection of 20-somethings who are making a difference and leading by example.READ MORE PLANET KIDS Soda Springs, Calif. has de...

987 reads   ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 2013-14: SIZE AND LOCATION MATTER Yes, weather impacts profitability. So does a resort's size, and how it manages its business. Plus: the lessons that losses teach. ADVANTAGES IN SUMMER ACTIVITIES: TERRAIN, LIFTS, AND GRAVITY Meditations on the role and potential of off-season business.READ MORE...

962 reads   SIA 2015: EDITOR'S PICKS ONLINE EXCLUSIVE SAM's editors scoured the trade show exhibits to find new products aimed at both employees and guests.READ MORE GROOMING VEHICLES 2015 As the dawn of the Tier 4 Final age arrives, suppliers are developing a new generation of grooming machines. VERMONT'S GREAT SNOW GUN ROUND-UP In th...

1172 reads   LIFTS 2014: IS THAT ALL THERE IS? New aerial lift installations hit rock bottom. Is this the new normal? RENTAL GUIDE 2015 Performance and graphic trends in ski and snowboard gear.READ MORE THE HISTORY OF CATS: PART I A look back at the earliest machines used for slope grooming and the pioneers who invented ...

1243 reads   RESCUE ME Part II of II. The National Ski Patrol faces a slew of challenges, both external and internal. Is it up to the task?READ MORE WHAT'S IN YOUR PARK? SAM's 10th annual feature and event contest.READ MORE THE BUSINESS OF PARKS While it's easy to focus on the fun factor and on-snow experience, terrain p...

1691 reads   AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION Conveyor lifts have fast become the workhorses at mountain resorts. Servicing them before the season will prevent downtime and headaches. DRIVING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT Keeping employees motivated and enthusiastic will increase retention and add to your bottom line. RESCUE ME The National...

2581 reads   TALENT UNDER 30 SAM takes its annual look at some of the talent in the industry under 30 years of age. Our future looks to be in good hands.READ MORE 2014 SALARY SURVEY SAM embarked on its first-ever salary survey of the industry. The results might surprise you.READ MORE WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES Lightning has ...

2252 reads   ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 12-13 SAM's annual look at NSAA's Economic Analysis of U.S. Ski Areas reveals some surprising truths. BEST/WORST MARKETING 2013-14 With another season on the books, we take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly in marketing efforts by mountain resorts.READ MORE DOES DIRT WORK WORK? Faced...

2612 reads   GROOMING VEHICLES 2014 Grooming vehicles are becoming more sophisticated in delivering a great end product and keeping operators happy. PLEASING THE PLANNERS The recipe is simple: Happy moms = return guests. Here's how some resorts accomplish just that. SIA 2014 EDITOR'S PICKS SAM editors cruised the trade s...

3090 reads   LIFTS 2013€”MEH Recovery seems to be slow in the lift-building business. But there are bright spots. IAAPA 2013 SAM gathers some great new products and ideas from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions annual trade show.READ MORE RENTAL GEAR 2014 Manufacturers on both the Alpine and snowboard si...

3357 reads   GUESTS OF THE FUTURE New demographic studies show that the snowsports industry is going to have to tap new markets.READ MORE WHAT'S IN YOUR PARK? SAM's 9th annual terrain park contest gathers features and events from around the world. Now it's your turn to pick your favorite.READ MORE ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES ...

2358 reads   RAISING THE BAR When it comes to looking after our littlest guests, there are many ways to keep them, and the parents, happy. ICY GLASS CEILING Mountain operations have typically been a male-dominated world. But that is changing as women make their way out of the offices.READ MORE WHY IS CHANGE HARD? The sec...

2917 reads   10 UNDER 30 SAM's anticipated list of the top industry young guns.READ MORE TEACHING, NATURALLY Terrain-based teaching is changing the way some resorts are converting newcomers into lifelong enthusiasts. WHAT RENTERS WANT From self-service boot selection to reformatted shops, see how these resorts have succe...

2221 reads   BEST/WORST MARKETING, 2012-13 SAM's anticipated annual review of resort marketing efforts.READ MORE SUMMER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST A little summer maintenance on winter equipment will go a long way in the fall. THOUGHT FOR FOOD Food and beverage still remains at the bottom of the customer satisfaction scale at...

2517 reads   AND THE NUMBERS ARE... SAM's annual look at the industry's Economic Analysis.READ MORE WOMEN GOING DOWNHILL Move over, boys. Women-only programs at downhill bike parks are taking off. UNLIKELY POWER Aspen has long been at the forefront of environmental initiatives and its latest venture, involving methane, i...

2290 reads   LIFT CONSTRUCTION 2012 A BIG SURPRISE Uphill transportation at ski areas dodged a big bullet. A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE Winter resorts have upped their accountability in the climate change arena. Is it enough?READ MORE WATER GAMES As summer business continues to grow, here's a look at affordable water play o...

2341 reads   GET READY Modern snowmaking equipment is only as good as the maintenance it receives. Here's how to improve early-season performance.READ MORE BE SAFE! A must-read account of how one man's shortcut almost cost him his life. WHAT'S YOUR CELL PLAN? Smartphones, handheld devices, you name it€”they are as comm...

2277 reads   50 DEFINING MOMENTS: 1962 TO 2012 The mountain resort industry has seen much over the past 50 years. Here are our picks for 50 moments that led us to where we are today.READ MORE THE BIG PICTURE When it comes to social media, words are out and images are in. Here's what you need to know. GET ME DOWN! While newer technologi...

2435 reads   10 UNDER 30 SAM takes its annual look at the new talent in our industry. This next generation of leaders is full of drive, enthusiasm and creativity.READ MORE DOG DAYS AREN'T OVER Toting your dog everywhere is no longer just a celebrity thing. More guests are asking for, and getting, some canine consideration on...

1697 reads   THE WAKE-UP CALL The 2011/12 season may go down in history as one of the worst for ski resorts. But there were some lessons to be learned that can help in the future. THE BIG SQUEEZE Part II of our series reporting on the latest in snowmaking technology. A SIDECOUNTRY STATE OF MIND Getting off the beaten slo...

1016 reads   Edit   Export   Clone 2010-11: BIG CROWDS, BIGGER EXPENSES We take our annual look at NSAA's Economic Analysis and find a few surprises...and some major holes.READ MORE GROOMING VEHICLES 2012 The biggest news in grooming is what lies ahead-Tier 4i compliance. Plus, a new player in grooming...

1666 reads   LIFTS 2011--EVERYONE WINS With new lifts in every region, sliders of every type are benefitting from a strong year in lift construction across North America. WHAT WE'VE GOT HERE IS A FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE With a little face time and dialogue (and a lot of beer) the vehicle maintenance guys can get along with th...

601 reads   MUD MONEY These aren't your mother's obstacle races. Military-inspired competitions are making a big mark at ski areas in the off-season. GET FIT FOR WORK Fitness and nutrition play a big role in how your employees perform.READ MORE STEEL VERSUS IRON When it comes to snowmaking pipe, there are pros and cons t...

387 reads   SKI AREA OWNERSHIP TIMELINE - 1993-2011 An update of the Ski Area Ownership Timeline first published in March 2009.READ MORE CLEANING UP Sugarbowl's maintenance building is a model of cleanliness and efficiency thanks to an in-house competition. PROCESSES, PROBLEMS AND RESOLUTIONS Expanding on public lands ta...

98 reads   MOUNTAIN SPY Mountain Spy Liz Eren takes on summer operations--a growing profit center at many resorts.READ MORE MOUNTAIN OF OPPORTUNITY Mont Saint-Sauveur in Québec has long seen the potential of summer operations as a legitimate profit center. HOW SOUND ARE WINTER RESORTS? Industry experts weigh...

122 reads   BEST/WORST MARKETING 2010/2011 SAM's annual look at the highs and lows in ski area marketing. SUMMER IN THE MOUNTAINS To find out just how important summer operations are at mountain resorts, SAMconducted a survey. The results show that summer is a very viable season.READ MORE ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHA...

95 reads   Edit   Export   Clone ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 2009-10 Despite the economy, the numbers look good for last season.READ MORE GROOMING VEHICLES 2011 New technologies in snow grooming equipment are leading to smoother rides, both inside and outside the cats. ELECTRONIC TICKETING New ticketing syst...

1448 reads   IN DEFENSE OF TERRAIN PARKS In a landmark case, terrain parks were recognized as a risk management tool, not a menace to jumpers. LIFTS 2010: QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY Construction activity picked up last summer as areas went bigger on aerial lifts and stocked up on conveyors. PARTY ON! Weddings, reunions, and o...

116 reads   WHAT'S IN YOUR PARK VI Ski areas from around the world sent in the latest and greatest designs and ideas in freestyle terrain.READ MORE A FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT OF SMALL AREAS Small ski areas on the East Coast and in Canada provide a glimpse into operations-driven business. ARE YOU SNOW WHITE OR FAUX GREEN? A new...

122 reads   THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE A recent survey of both realtors and consumers sheds light on a changing real estate market in the mountains.READ MORE UTES CAN BE BRUTES UTVs are great at tackling small ski area jobs. IT'S SHOWTIME! Events both large and small are a great way to attract customers and keep the ones ...

FIGHTING FRAUD Scammers have grown more resourceful--so have resorts. REAL ESTATE GETS REAL The current state of the real estate market is a wake-up call for resorts.READ MORE WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Thanks to advancing technology in equipment, off-piste skiing and snowboarding are more popular than ever...and many resorts are answering the ...

BEST/WORST ADVERTISING 2010 Our annual look at the hits and misses in winter resort media campaigns.READ MORE NEXT-GEN SNOWMAKING Automating your snowmaking saves time, money and labor.READ MORE RESORT ECONOMICS 101 Despite the recession, the 2008/2009 season held up because of decent snowfall. Still, there are areas of concern. THE VFD...

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ADULTS The social media world is a fast-paced, ever-changing universe. Are you dialed in?READ MORE GROOMING VEHICLES 2010 Two major new grooming vehicles hit the market, plus a new pipe cutter. GETTING SCHOOLED Ski school participation is waning across the board. How do we get more people to sign up to try our sport? CA...

FEARLESS PREDICTIONS When we entered the new millennium, we asked a few experts to predict the future. Here we revisit these experts for an update. SUMMER IN THE AIR Many ski areas are turning into adventure parks during the summer months. LIFTS 2009--NOT MUCH TO SAY Lift construction crews were relatively quiet in 2009 as the economy shel...

WHAT'S IN YOUR PARK V? Now in its fifth year, SAM's annual terrain park contest is bigger than ever this year with over 30 entries. It's up to you to pick the winners.READ MORE CRISIS MARKETING Guests this season can look forward to deals like never before as ski areas try to lure customers during hard economic times.READ MORE AHE...

MANAGING FOR PEAK DAYS IN LEAN TIMES As businesses across the country tighten their belts, creative staffing has become a top priority.READ MORE TUNE-UP TIME The snow will be flying before we know it, and here are what some areas do to get ready.READ MORE CLEARING THE WAY A round-up of key snow removal equipment. WITH ENERGY, LESS IS MO...

SEEKING THE HEART AND SOUL OF SNOWSHOE When it comes to the message you want to convey about your resort, is everyone on the same page? REINVENTING SUMMER Revenue-generating summer attractions don't have to break the bank. CAT WOMEN When it comes to grooming operations, it's no longer a man's world.READ MORE A SPLICE IN TIME Are wire r...

SPEAK-OUT - CORRECTION Correction to "The H-2B Dilemma" (March 2009).READ MORE A SLIGHTLY SKEPTICAL LOOK AT GLOBAL WARMING What is hype and what is real when it comes to global warming?READ MORE BEST/WORST ADVERTISING: 2008/09 Our annual look at some of the highlights, and low points, in print and web advertising for both skiing and snowbo...

SKI AREA OWNERSHIP TIMELINE SAM takes a look back over the last 20 years of ski area ownership. FANTASTIC VOYAGES Two massive lift projects on both sides of the border are engineering marvels.READ MORE BUILDING GREEN SAM attended the annual Greenbuild International Conference and gathered the latest information on environmental b...

1335 reads   THE OBAMA FACTOR What should we expect from our new president? Here are a few likely scenarios. LIFTS 2008 -- AN AVERAGE YEAR While lift construction in 2008 was more or less average, the scale of some of the projects was far from it. FAKIN' IT It might be worth taking a new look at artificial sliding surfac...

  INDUSTRY REPORTS BELLEAYRE CUTS BACK... SKIERS GETTING OLDER... OBITS... PEOPLE... SUPPLIER NEWS WHAT'S IN YOUR PARK, IV It's time for our annual terrain park contest, in which you get to pick the best idea, feature or program in the world of shred.READ MORE A SITE OF THEIR OWN As terrain parks become entities unto themse...

LITTLE GREEN GIANTS A resort doesn't have to be big to have an impact on the environment. See what two smaller areas are doing to go green.READ MORE 2008-2009 MEDIA DIRECTORY The annual roundup of special winter sports sections in major metropolitan newspapers and industry-specific magazines across North America. BRIGHT IDEAS A roundup of ...

  SNOWMAKING 2008 A roundup of the latest in snowmaking technology, which emphasizes ease and efficiency. THE OLYMPIC BUMP Hosting an Olympics in your backyard really can make a difference in attracting potential participants.READ MORE TOWER OF POWER Jiminy Peak's wind turbine has been up and running for a full season now. ...

  INDUSTRY REPORTS HISTORIC SEASON FOR U.S. SKI TEAM... TAOS OPENS TO SNOWBOARDERS... PRINCETON SKI SHOP CLOSES... MINTURN OK'S PRIVATE AREA... POWDER RIDGE TO REMAIN CLOSED... TWO SKI AREAS HIT THE MARKET... OBITS... PEOPLE... SUPPLIER NEWS IT'S GOOD TO BE BIG This year's Economic Analysis doesn't hold many surprises, except i...

  WHEN IT'S TIME TO CHANGE Getting people to adapt to change in the workplace requires patience, communication and a clear vision.READ MORE GROOMING VEHICLES 2008 Here's the latest and greatest in grooming equipment, which includes a couple of brand-new offerings. BEST IN SHOW This season's SIA.08 show offered aisles and ai...

1385 reads   BUILDING GREEN With the latest technologies and building practices, staying green during construction is not as hard as it used to be--and the payback is much faster.READ MORE LIFTS 2007--IT WAS A GOOD YEAR Lift manufacturers were busy last year installing almost 25 percent more uphill transportation than the pr...

77 reads   PRICING IT RIGHT Is there such a thing as too much of a discount? WHAT'S IN YOUR PARK, III Once again, the best and the brightest in the freestyle terrain world have sent in their entries for our annual terrain park contest. TOOLS OF THE TRADE Creating great and safe freestyle terrain requires an arsenal of sp...

  THE PRIVATE SKI AREA: A MARXIST VIEW Here's one look at the trend in private ski clubs.READ MORE VIDEO MARKETING: THIS SEASON'S HOTTEST TREND With high-speed internet becoming more accessible than ever before, video viewing is a great way to connect with customers.READ MORE PIPE DREAMS Ductile iron is a great way to comba...

  GETTING A GRIP You might be surprised to find out that detachable grips have been around for a long time. Not surprisingly, the miners had a big hand in them. DRAWING A CROWD All across North America, ski areas are drawing in customers with innovative events. Here's a photo tour of some of the most creative and successful. ...

  MOUNTAIN SPY SAM goes undercover.READ MORE THE BEST AND WORST OF PRINT ADS 2006-2007 Our annual look at what worked and what flopped in print advertising for ski resorts this past year. THE BEST AND WORST WEBSITES OF 2006-2007 We've expanded our best and worst section to include websites. Except here, we use an insid...

  GROOMING VEHICLES 2007 Both Prinoth and PistenBully introduce new machines and a third manufacturer is poised to it the market. THE NEXT STEPS With global warming looming large, what can ski resorts do to stem the tide beyond the traditional conservation programs?READ MORE MOMS WANNA ROCK, TOO If you think that terrain pa...

  DIVING IN The first article in a special section on summer entertainment. Here we look at the lure of waterparks. MAKE SUMMER SIZZLE SAM hit the road to the annual IAAPA show to find out what's hot for the warmer months and what some ski areas were looking at. A BLAST FROM THE PAST Mountains have the edge on selling gravi...

118 reads   FAN GUNS-IN THE EAST? When Peak Resorts purchased an eastern resort, the company decided to bring its successful Midwest snowmaking operations in. Did it work? TERRAIN PARK CONTEST ENTRIES Again this year, we asked ski areas from all over the world to send us pictures of what people liked to slide on, jump over, ...

  THOUGHTS FROM CHAIRMAN BILL New NSAA chairman bill Jensen speaks to SAM about the state of the industry and his vision for the future. 2006-2007 MEDIA DIRECTORY The annual roundup of special winter sports sections in major metropolitan newspapers and industry-specific magazines across North America. PLAYING RENEW...

  THE COST OF CAPITAL Looking to make some improvements at your area? Here's how to figure out what expenditures make sense. TEN THINGS YOUR WEBSITE SHOULD HAVE (BUT PROBABLY DOESN'T) When it comes to websites these days, it's all about the user. Does your site have what your visitors want? SNOWMOBILES AND ATVS 2006 Whether...

  THIRD YEAR WAS THE CHARM This year's Economic Analysis shows that many ski areas are learning how to improve their bottom line. CATCH THE VIRUS Word-of-mouth marketing can be a resort's best friend or worst enemy. With the Internet, there are ways to create your own good word.READ MORE THE BEST/WORST ADS OF 2005/2006 An...

  RESORT MAKEOVERS These days, resorts are making a big effort to offer up lifestyle, as well as winter sports. Here's how seven areas are appealing to customers.READ MORE GROOMING VEHICLES 2006 Our annual look at the machines that groom our slopes. The big news? A new big guy on the block, while two other manufacturers go smal...