Browse Our Archives

• Racing

Killington, Vt., uses computer technology to integrate and manage information and to generate profits. Phillip Varney of the area's management information systems explains. Topics include all computer facets of S-K-I and different software options. ...

• Racing

Article addresses media kits on disk and the services and advantages of Jay Melnick's Colorado Travelbank, a computerized system that is online with ski area information. ...

Discusses the cost and time benefits of switching from packetted condiments to a island pump station or condiment counter in ski area food and beverage operations. Topics include layout, cost savings analysis and other ideas. ...

• Area Management
• Ski School

A response from Bill Hetrick, president of PSIA, on the responsibilities of PSIA versus the ski areas. Author sets forth a detailed listing of responsibilities for each organization along with the PSIA's mission statement and charter. Topics noted are the American Teaching System (ATS) and hiring criteria. ...

• Area Management
• Marketing

A report on the credibility of this season's snow reporting. A key points is NESAC's move to standardize ski condition reporting before all credibility is lost. The notion of a lack of ethics is referred to as a lack of consistency. ...

• Environment

A recap of a speech given by Snow Country editor John Fry on how to tackle the environmental anti-growth opposition to ski areas, including several modifications to the behavior of the ski industry that would enable it to cohabitate with environmental protectionists. ...

• Marketing

An editorial on business-related goals of U.S. Skiing and the U.S. Ski Team, viewed as a major move into the sports marketing arena which will ultimately have little effect on the sport or its everyday participants. ...

The head of the National Skier Opinion Survey (NSOS) tells where first-time skiers get their baptism in the sport, using data from the NSOS to support his position. Includes charts and graphs. ...

• Obituary

In honor of Bob Bugg, who died in August. We present a retrospective look at his thirty years of work, including past cover art and other illustrations accompanied by a short biography. ...

• Area Management
• Marketing

Tapply recounts stories of fifteen ski areas he audited by calling for information, using central reservations, arranging for transportation, spending time at area-operated day lodges, renting ski equipment, placing children in day care, taking lessons, waiting in ticket lines and contacting guest services employees, among other things. This featur...

• Environment

Disposing of vehicle hazardous waste is a growing problem. Here are some ideas and suggestions about how it's done in Mammoth Mountain, California. Topics include: oil sampling, soot problems,oil-change intervals, oil filtration, anti-freeze, fuel filters,oil disposal and waste storage. ...

This article shows the major attributes that distinguish the various insurance programs. Includes charts and tables listing the suppliers, coverages, types, exclusions and limits. ...

• Environment
• Recycling

Grand Targhee, Wyoming, embarked on a major program of environmental responsibility that paid off in good cost savings and good P.R. Recycled products from S.A.F.E. and Mobil E.A.L. include motor oil, hydraulic oil, cardboard and office paper. ...

• Energy
• Environment

Colorado ski areas are converting vehicles to natural gas for environmental and cost-saving reasons. Topics include: American fuel, price/performance advantage, performance at altitude, on-site fueling, conversions and how to convert to natural gas. Includes illustrations, flow charts and graphs ...

• Lift Maintenance
• Safety

Passenger evacuation can be done easily with a few modifications, including converting a lift's communication line. Includes instructions for a conversion and lists current problems of detachables.  ...

At Breckenridge,Colorado, maintenance crews have learned that special care is needed when dealing with hydraulic hoses on grooming vehicles.Topics include: replacing hydraulic assemblies, mix-and-match hoses, preventing hydraulic failure, avoiding contamination, following proper installation procedures, superior performance hoses and more. A...

• Personnel Issues

Vail Associates in Colorado adopted a program to encourage employees to save money, boost revenue and earn merchandise for themselves. Launched by Jerry Oliver and administered by Maritz Performance Improvement Co., an estimated $1.3 million was saved in a single season. ...

• International
• Lifts

Notes from the OITAF and NACS Congress in Barcelona on June 7, where Karl Trutsch was named OITAF's new president. The "Heavy Metal Tour," involving trips to five manufacturing plants was a great success. ...

• Resort Development

Aspen Skiing Company, Colorado, has announced plans of a pending merger with its long-time rival Aspen Highlands.Topics include forecasts and a list of the current players, Marvin Davis, Gerald Hines and Jim Crown. ...

• Personnel Issues

Vail/ Beaver Creek Colorado, has identified a screening program for filling 2,800 seasonal jobs that attracts desirable workers locally, nationally and internationally to all departments of Vail Associates. This year, Vail will require drug testing for all new employees. ...