January 2019

FEATURED STORY

Summer Rising

Summer visits and revenues are increasingly important, but rapid growth is also challenging resorts in unimagined ways. First in a series. Think “ski areas” and you think winter, snow, lifts, and après, right? Not so fast. In the past decade, ski areas have emerged as notable players in the destination travel summer market, and in every month outside of the winter season, too. In this renaissance, of sorts, for the mountain destination travel industry, resorts are evolving from snowsport-centric winter playgrounds to sophisticated, year-round destinations in a way that’s broadening their guest demographics, changing how their committed winter visitors view their product, and tur...

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Peter Landsman January 2019

Lifts

A Big Year for Lifts

Humongous installations, the first eight-pack bubble, and four new direct-drive lifts highliht an active construction season.

Staff Report January 2019

Business

Consolidation, Round Two: Threats and Opportunities

Thoughts on consolidation.

At Stowe Mountain Resort, Vt., the Spruce Peak area has a variety of multi-use buildings and outdoor spaces that host concerts and festivals in summer. This space turns into an ice skating rink in winter.

Claire Humber, Jason Hoover, Maura Trumble January 2019

Summer Ops 2.0: The Adventure Continues

When everyone has "stuff," how can a resort offer a unique experience? Differentiation through programming and branding are key.

The Rossignol Cande electric mountain bike in action.

Don Stefanovich January 2019

Electric Bikes: Fad or Future?

Like fat skis for powder, e-bikes are revolutionizing mountain biking. Surprisingly, some MTB hotbeds are on board. So is the Forest Service.

Tom Foley January 2019

Summer Rising

Summer visits and revenues are increasingly important, but rapid growth is also challenging resorts in unimagined ways. First in a series.

Moira McCarthy January 2019

Conversion

Non-Profit Ski Areas

Local ski hills are the breeding ground for new skiers and riders. Increasingly, non-profits are taking control and running the show. First of a series.