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May 2006

FEATURED STORY

  • Catch the Virus

    Word-of-mouth marketing can be a resort's best friend or worst enemy. With the Internet, there are ways to create your own good word. There's a secret new marketing strategy circulating through the ski industry. It's basically free, almost always entertaining, and rarely involves a visit to the doctor. In the old days, marketing was considered a function of your organization, and managing your message was an art. You used "visible" methods, such as printed materials, press releases and ads, TV, and radio spots to build brand awareness and generate sales leads. It worked, but the majority of these tools were expensive and inefficient. As the old adage went, "50 percent of marketing dollars...

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Third Year Was the Charm

This year's Economic Analysis shows that many ski areas are learning how to improve their bottom line.

Rethinking the Resort Model

This author tells us why he thinks winter resorts should find a niche or go back to nature.

Construction Site :: May 2006

A look at what is on the plate for the coming construction season.

Diversifying Pats

Pats Peak started many years ago with an annual Diversity Day. Now, diversity is an everyday affair.

Speak Out :: May 2006

"Move the SIA Show to Denver" by Chris Diamond. "On Liability for NSP Members" by Larry Daniels. "ASTM Standards Are the Solution, Not the Problem" by Jasper Shealy. "Whose Snow Cats?" by Steve Bauer. Corrections.

Industry Reports :: May 2006

Intrawest Sells Real Estate at Mammoth... New Statutes for Utah and West Virginia... Silverton Opens for Unguided Skiing... Steamboat Auctions Summit Properties... U.S. Has Most Expensive Lift Ticket... Wolf Creek Development Gets Access... Pennsylvania Resorts Adding Amenities... Obituaries... People... Supplier News... Supplier People... SAM Survey Results

A Mixed Bag

In case we forgot, weather is king and will make the difference between good and great seasons.

Who Needs Sleds?

In 1994, HoliMont Ski Club, N.Y., banned all vehicles from the hill during public operating hours to avoid collissions. But the benefits go far beyond that.

Shift the Risk

If you're planning on holding special events this summer or next season, here's what you need to know.

Taking the Mystery Out of Customer Service

Camelback's mystery shopper program has helped take its customer focus to a new level.

Compost Happens

Keystone composts the vegetable waste at its high-end restaurants as part of an overall effort to shrink its trash flow.

Blue Pages :: May 2006

Liability Waivers Grow in Colorado... Mammoth Shaken by Patroller Deaths... Mountains of Travel... Why a New Prez and COO at Intrawest?... Of Ski Domes and Winter Theme Parks... You Think Your Opponents are Tough... Slope Rage Goes Worldwide.

Catch the Virus

Word-of-mouth marketing can be a resort's best friend or worst enemy. With the Internet, there are ways to create your own good word.

The Best/Worst Ads of 2005/2006

An annual look at the good, the bad and the ugly in ski resort advertising.

Going Underground

If new snowmaking pipe is on the agenda this summer, forget those trenches-directional drilling may be the better solution.