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NSAA and PSIA have formed a task force to address the relationship between ski instruction and skier dropouts, and to identify issues facing PSIA such as whether they should be involved in marketing, giving equipment advice and selling ski lessons. ...

Studies show that often overlooked local markets may be a bigger and better source of business than many ski area operators realize, as sampling errors may cause resorts to underestimate the size of local markets. ...

• Snowmaking

The Japanese are applying new technology to an old idea with good results for a high price, investing huge sums of money to lay down crushed ice for reliable early skiing. The article explains why and how they do it, including flow charts, illustrations and specs. ...

Good, reliable data has been developed that will facilitate future area valuations. Article identifies four indicators of market value, establishes a valuation methodology which yields a reasonable range of projection parameters and includes charts. (Second in a two-part series.) ...

• Resort Development

Maine's Sunday River reached into ski history for its latest "innovation" in people-movers when they purchased a train for winter service. Article details the introduction, operation and logistics of the venture as well as barriers that had to be overcome. Sidebar: Ski Trains in Colorado's Future, by Claire Walter. ...

The look of a financial statement has a lot to do with how effectively a ski area can borrow money. Feature includes some advice, an instructive case study, charts, graphs and key figures. ...

Software (BSS), Engine power and hydraulic equipment (Prinoth), Portable Actuator (TurboCristal), Summer Seat Covers (Ski Area Supplies), Snow pedestals (HTM Hydrotech), Hands free video (Head-Trip), Electrical lab testing, Snow gun bracket system (Sno.economics), Automatic Snowmaking (Sno.engineering), Ski ticket hanger (John Amann Sons Co.), Spee...

• Ski Area Profiles

Caberfae, Mich., never died--it just faded away temporarily. Now, reborn and revitalized with new peaks, trails, lifts and amenities, this Michigan area is again a force. Article covers history and recent events in the life of this historic area. ...

Too often, restrooms and toilets are taken for granted at ski resorts when, as important customer services, they can significantly reflect on the bottom line. Article covers toilet stalls, counters, doors, mid-day cleaning, restroom location, lighting, ventilation, floor materials, towels vs. blowers, lockers and benches, baby changing and graffiti...

• Environment

Sugarbush, Vt., needed an inexpensive and environmentally safe toilet at mid-mountain.The use of Clivus Multrum recycling toilets proved to be less expensive than costly septic systems. First operated as a demonstration project under the state's rigorous environmental guidelines, the toilets have since gained approval of all authorities, recording ...

• Grooming
• Ski School
• Terrain

At Attitash, New Hampshire, ski school director Tom Chasse designed a terrain garden with bumps, curves and obstacles for intermediate and advanced skiers to work on specific skills. Two groomers took eight hours to create this park, called "Attitash Adventure Workshop Terrain Course." ...

• Marketing

In December, 1993, Killington, Vt., hosted a fashion model search for the Elite modeling agency, which was looking to tap into the healthy and glamorous appeal of skiing. Over 100 contestants entered the event, hoping for a shot at a modeling position with the agency. Killington granted a contract to the winner to become a spokesmodel for the area....

Linda Goodspeed reflects on past and present stays in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. A look back at the writer's experience of the Olympic years in light of the civil war that has torn the country apart since that time. ...

Discusses the merits of small customer response cards in orientation packages. The return is effective, low-cost feedback. ...

• Racing

Offers advice on following topics: unnecessary expansion of work, unauthorized computer use, loss of data, viruses, waiting, learning/ training, lack of standardization, overkill / over-sophistication, pursuit of perfection, fiddling and futzing. ...

Article outlines the risks of E. Coli bacteria in food service, citing guidelines and appropriate measures to ensure a safe environment. ...

An attempt to distinguish perceived from actual on-hill conflict between snowboarders and skiers. Includes testimonials from several ski resorts. ...

• Obituary

Two obituaries paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of I. William Berry, the venerable ski writer who died in February, 1994. ...

Editorial looks at the state of affairs at NSAA 15 months after reorganization. Kudos are given to the NSAA leadership, particularly chairman Chris Diamond and president Michael Berry, but concern is expressed over potential fault lines developing over differing needs of large and small ski areas. ...