Browse Our Archives

• Architecture
• Environment
• Regulation

A look at moves initiated in some western ski towns to limit woodburning stoves and fireplaces in new construction. Although a skier icon for decades, the woodburning fireplaces have resulted in some very serious environmental concerns for maintaining air quality. ...

• Architecture
• Trail Maintenance

A look at the findings of Ron Tabler, who has been studying and developing different systems of snow fencing for state highways and now for ski resorts. This feature specifically addresses the system that he has installed at Schweitzer Ski Resort in Idaho. Covers some of the applications and theories behind distributing and controlling wind-blown s...

• Tools

A review of 12 reciprocating saws for cutting metal and wood. Includes reviews of each model, photos of the individual saws and a chart of specifications and prices. ...

• Environment
• Regulation

A comprehensive look at the subject of hazardous materials in the resort context. Feature covers the roles of the authorities and regulatory agencies in the handling of these materials. Also addressed are some of the laws involved and how best to address the problems that arise from the handling of these materials. Includes a sidebar on the regulat...

An extensive look at site development with an eye towards snow storage and removal during the winter. A landscape architect and two experienced snow plow operators tour ski areas and point out what the hazards are and what works well under snow. Includes photo-illustrations and site plans. ...

• Ski Area Profiles

Both Black Mountain, Maine, and the ski hill at Lake City, Colo., would have closed down if the citizens and the ski industry had given up. They didn't. A look at how the communities in two small towns pulled together and raised the money and manpower to keep their small ski hills alive. ...

• Area Management
• Energy

Utilities are sources for advice and money-saving ideas in the use of energy. Here is how one utility is helping ski areas to become more efficient. A look at the Colorado utility company, Public Service Company, and how they are working to make areas more efficient. Topics covered include: interruptible rate structures, demand-side management, lin...

• Ski Area Profiles

An extensive profile of Whitetail, a new major ski area that will target skiers in the Washington and Baltimore regions. With suppliers anxious for new resorts, there has been tremendous support for this area by the whole industry. Feature covers permitting to installation and includes site plans, photos and specifications of the hill. Add a...

• Environment
• Regulation

A book review of several resource books that were researched by Joe Prendergast and Carrie Bowers of the American Ski Federation and produced by USIA. The books reviewed are: The Ski Industry and National Environmental Policy, The Ski Industry and Solutions for the Enviroment, The Ski Industry and Wetlands, and The Ski Industry and Public Lands. ...

A look at the ANSI B77.1 that was approved in March of 1990 and at the results a year later where areas implemented changes. Includes a detailed listing and explanation of some of the finer points that may have been overlooked. A reference that can protect areas from possible penalties. ...

• Environment
• Regulation

A recent Supreme Court decision interpreting the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) contains three key elements that are important to the ski industry: the number and nature of alternatives to be considered, the consideration of the environmental impacts themselves and the retaining of consultants. Includes some details of the case and some E...

• Marketing

A look at some of the rejuvenated plans for areas across the country to combat the poor showings of last season. Some programs are designed to add excitement to the sport while others are more deliberate. ...

• Marketing
• Ski School

A look at the marketing and selling of ski lessons and how the public perceives the value gained from these lessons. The author suggests new directions for the ski schools and how they can create a more lasting and enjoyable skiing experience. ...