January 2021

FEATURED STORY

Down But Not Out

While Covid put a lot of new lift installations on hold, our annual lift construction survey shows several independent areas moved forward with their projects. When ski resorts were forced to shut down last March, many had only recently committed to building new lifts during the summer of 2020. Others were still considering projects when they abruptly pivoted to survival mode. The result: What had been shaping up as a big year for lifts turned into something less than that. Major postponements. Alterra Mountain Company, for example, unveiled a $223 million capital improvement plan on March 10, only to announce four days later a shutdown of its entire resort network. Within w...

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Customer Service

Mountain Spy :: January 2021

A family would like to start skiing this winter.

New Products

New Products :: January 2021

A collection of new products for several different aspects of resort operations.

Saddleback Mountain is Maine’s third largest ski area.

A Gem Worth Fixing

New ownership, a dedicated crew, and a sustainable vision have Saddleback Mountain primed for success after a 5-year closure.

New Ideas

Resorts have crafted a variety of DIY solutions to Covid challenges, such as the mobile signage and temporary walls we describe here. Plus, we present our pick for the Best Idea of 2020, reaching back to pre-pandemic times.

The Burton Riglet Park at Smugglers’ Notch, Vt., will be a crucial tool for lessons at the resort this season.

Snowsports Instruction Revisited

The pandemic hastened positive changes to how snowsports schools operate.

COVID19 Pandemic

Brandemic

Communicating uncomfortable change can actually be an opportunity to enhance your resort's brand.

Lifts

Down But Not Out

While Covid put a lot of new lift installations on hold, our annual lift construction survey shows several independent areas moved forward with their projects.

Rental

Rental Buyer's Guide 2021-22

We look at the latest in alpine and snowboard rental gear, plus new opportunities in the burgeoning backcountry alpine touring and cross-country rental market.