November 2006
FEATURED STORY
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The Art of the Park
This year's trends in terrain parks are all about catering to beginners and keeping it simple. Where there is pride, there is sometimes ego, but there can also be greatness. The terrain park is a unique area of the mountain, a place where guests can truly see the talent of specially trained staff and the results of an investment in expensive equipment. It's an area to be proud of, so why would it ever be anything less than great? Of course, there are many answers to that question. Money, staff, expertise, management, equipment-they can all be reasons why a terrain park is a little less than its best. But talk to any of the top park managers in the country about what makes them proud of th...
This year's trends in terrain parks are all about catering to beginners and keeping it simple.
As resorts across the continent get serious about the environment, what role can biodiesel play in daily operations?
When Peak Resorts purchased an eastern resort, the company decided to bring its successful Midwest snowmaking operations in. Did it work?
Resorts were busy this summer installing lifts, expanding terrain, and sprucing up base areas.
Which is more important to an area's operations: building real estate or improving the mountain product? It depends.
Joel Bourassa, Operations Manager of Tenney Mountain Resort, Plymouth, N.H., implores us to take on "A Snowmaking Challenge." SAM talks differing strategies at Vail and Alpino in "Many Ways to Achieve Diversity." Bob Roberts, Executive Director of the California Ski Industry Association, remembers "Alex Cushing, A Man in Full."
Vail Arsonits Plead Guilty... Norquay Sold... New Owner for Snow Ridge... New SmartStyle... Hemlock Reopens... Powder Ridge Closes... Obit... People... Supplier People... Supplier News...
Longtime ski journalist and former SAM editor John Fry has recently published "The Story of Modern Skiing," a history of the sport in the U.S. This adapted and abridged excerpt shows how much has changed in the business-and how much has not.
Areas are adding tools-and dedicated employees-to increase guest communications via the web.
SAM goes undercover to learn about season pass options for the recent college grad.
