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A commentary on the inefficiencies of USIA. Promises have not been kept and the future is uncertain. Although not calling for dissolution, this editorial demands a restructuring and an attempt at reconfiguring the national association into an organization that promotes and supports the ski industry. ...

• Research

Three authors of the three national surveys that count total skiers as a percentage of the national population explain their methodologies. The results of the National Sporting Goods Association, American Sports Data and Leisure Trends/Gallup surveys range from five million to 14 million skiers. This feature lets each author plead his case to the r...

• Ski Area Profiles

The story of fan snowmakings' conceptual beginnings, its development and its patent battles is inextricably bound up in the business life of the author of this article, Jim VanderKelen. This article was finished posthumously for Jim VanderKelen. Includes original patent schematics. ...

• Business
• Research

Another bad year, but not the worst in ski history. In fact, there were a few bright spots. Skier visits were down, operating profit was down, average before-tax profit was down, average total revenue was down and days of operation were down, but gross fixed assets and operating costs were up. Includes tables on ski area profitability, key factors ...

• Tools

A specialized tool that does its job very well, the chop saw has a place in almost all shops. For precise cutting jobs, the chop saw is inexpensive but critical. A review of nine different chop saws, their features, advantages and disadvantages. Includes a chart of specifications and photos. ...

• Marketing

Sixty-six areas sent press kits for SAM's evaluation team to examine. Here's what they discovered and how they judged the output. Topics covered include: press releases, release format, press kit checklist, the best and worst press kits, saving money and the competition. ...

Padded posts by Gilman Corp., seven-pocket vests by Ski Area Suppliers, lightweight fencing by Tenax, control manifolds by Yellowstone Track Systems, Tyromont rescue products by Reliable Racing Supply, snow pack combo bars by FallLine, bungee jumps by Air Boingo, over-snow transporters by Tucker, artificial ski surfaces by Ski Mat, ticketing contro...

• Area Management
• Business
• Resort Development

The process of creating a strategic business plan is a series of steps that can help a business know where it is going. This is the second in a two-part series (Part I in SAM, January 1992). Topics covered are: Process overview, situation analysis, management philosophy, principles and values, goals, objectives, strategies and action steps, physica...

The engineering challenge for Doppelmayr at Keystone, Colo., was to link two gondolas of different design, store the carriers off-line and provide maintenance facilities without disrupting skier traffic on one of the country's busiest hubs. The solution: bury the facility underground. The facility received an Engineering Excellence Award that named...

• Snowmaking

A look at guided tours of snowmaking facilities and their operations. Born out of a program that takes Ski-Wees for five-minute rides in grooming vehicles, more areas are educating the public on behind-the-scenes operations of ski areas. Programs are in place at Jay Peak and Mount Snow, Vt., and Butternut, Mass. ...

• Consumer Equipment
• Rental

A look into the proposed production of an affordable boot-binding-ski package that would reduce the set-up time in rental shops as well as free rental shops from a major liability. Proposed systems by Raichle and Look would be the first of their kind. Includes a brief look at the rental market from the manufacturer's point of view. Problems and cos...

• Resort Development

When Aspen needed affordable housing, its Japanese sister city, Shimukappu, came to the rescue with big bucks. The mayor of Shimukappu, Mr. Kannon, decided that to repay Aspen for all their aid in developing his area back home, he would loan the area the three to five million dollars that was needed to finance the project. ...

• Ski School

A look into the use of personal radios by ski school instructors for private lessons. Instructor Tom Murphy of Crested Butte, Colo., used this technique for returning private clients with whom he has already established a rapport. Murphy says that, when used properly, radios allow for more direct feedback and communication, causing fewer stoppages ...

Six responses from six recognized experts in the fields of equipment testing, manufacturing, marketing, research, designing and retailing, to the question "Are the extreme technological advances in gadgetry in ski equipment a barrier to participation?" Responses all acknowledge a problem, but see it from different perspectives. ...

A look at Carl Ettlinger's longstanding research on knee injuries as a result of skiing. The study, which has been ongoing for almost 20 years, will require donations from the ski industry in the neighborhood of $250,000 to continue. An address and contact name is provided for willing donors. ...

• Marketing

A look at some of the January promotions that were offered this year to boost skier days in between the major vacation periods of December and February. Some involved corporate sponsorship, some offered free meals and others offered free lessons for parents. A look at which promotions worked and which didn't. ...