Browse Our Archives

SAM interviews new NSAA president, Michael Berry, and highlights recommendations for the new by-laws. A look at the changes in the home office and direction of NSAA. ...

• Grooming
• Terrain

At Grand Targhee, Wyoming, crews are building neat rows of moguls that skiers find delightful. A tested and proven method of carving evenly-spaced, evenly-sized moguls on most trails. Process is explained in detail by the area's grooming shift leader. ...

• Lifts
• Regulation
• Safety
• Lift Maintenance

With the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board (CPTSB) looking at ways to achieve quality assurance, the focus is on the ISO 9000 series. The meaning of proposed changes as well as other alternatives are explored. Includes direct citations from ANSI and CPTSB codes. ...

Fitness centers at ski areas are discovering that clients are more sophisticated and demanding. They want the latest and best in the fitness arsenal. A look at the latest trends and costs for area fitness centers. ...

• Personnel Issues

As the work force gets older, more claims are being filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) based on age discrimination and settlements are getting larger. Article includes explanations of the statutes and precedents, as well as specific steps to help ski areas avoid committing unintentional acts of age discrimination. ...

• Personnel Issues

Like all other businesses, the ski industry must face a growing number of sexual harassment claims. This article outlines lessons to be learned and prudent steps to take. ...

• Lifts

Nationally, lift construction is down again, but the West is up. A complete look at the number of new ski lifts for 1992. Includes charts and tables with breakdowns by region,VTFH, previous years and manufacturers, with complete specifications for new lifts. ...

• Business
• Insurance

Ten questions were asked of representatives from two major insurance carriers for the ski industry. Topics covered include: reserves, establishment of rates, future rate trends, deductibles and letters of credit. ...

One of the patroller's most versatile tools can be easily constructed for less money than commercial types. A look at the differences between commercial backboards and conventional boards, with plans and directions for custom fabrication of spinal backboards. ...

• Lifts
• Ski School

Vail, Colorado, installed three conveyor belts to transport children uphill and converted platter pulls for flat terrain transport. (Magic Carpet) A look at this new and effective way of solving an age-old problem for young, beginning skiers. Includes a sidebar on other flat-land lifts at Vail. ...

• Racing

Five profitable applications of computers at a small ski area, including ski school, food service, ski patrol, rental shop and weather forecasting. ...

• Lift Maintenance

Eleven years ago, Deer Valley, Utah, painted the towers and lift equipment with water-based paints. The ease of maintenance and effectiveness of the paint has led Deer Valley to use water-based paints on their $6 million lift expansion. Includes details on application techniques. ...

Colorado's Amendment Two bars anti-discrimination laws against gays and lesbians--a major blow to ski towns that rely on tourism and convention revenues. The ACLU and other various organizations have vowed to overturn the amendment, which passed by a 53 to 47-percent vote. ...

• Conferences / Trade Shows
• International
• Lifts

A first meeting in North America of the international organization of cableway supervisory authorities, known as ITTAB. Hosted by the CPTSB, the reunion was touted as a grand success. ...

• Ski Area Profiles

Four small areas in Colorado are making a comeback after having been shut down temporarily. Eldora, Cuchara, Conquistador or Mountain Cliffe resort, and Powderhorn all expect to be back in full operation for the upcoming season. Includes background and profiles of the four areas. ...

• Racing

A letter to the editor defending the use of Macintosh computers in ski area operations, including applications, software, advantages and costs. ...

• Marketing

A look at how ski areas can market to the 2,300 ski clubs listed in the United States, which are not unionized and remain somewhat isolated from the marketing plans of most areas. Covers programs for the clubs and how to market and subsidize them. ...

A survey conducted at Mount Snow, Vt., detailed young skiers' knowledge of fatalities and how it affected their skiing. Results showed that skiers who were aware of fatalities skied more cautiously and had fewer accidents. Explores openly discussing the inherent danger of skiing, for educational purposes. ...

• Area Management

A look at the subject of refunds: when to give them out and when not to. Examines how employees should be empowered to decide when to give refunds and how to prepare them for difficult customers. When handled properly, refunds don't have to cost as much. ...

• Business

The ski industry in regions hardest hit by the recession are posting the best returns of the season. It seems that weather and capital improvements will protect a ski area against a weak economy. ...