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November 2021

November 2021

FEATURED STORY

  • 2021 Terrain Park Contest

    SAM's showcase of freestyle fabrication is back for its 16th year, with resort submitted entries in three categories, including a new one: "Park edits."  Winter 2020-21 was a strange one, but it didn’t stop terrain park crews from building creative and progressive elements for their faithful to enjoy. The following examples from all over North America are evidence of that. From tried-and-true features that continue to be refined to unique multi-element set-ups and a growing focus on flow, last winter’s park scene did not disappoint.To celebrate it all, the 16th annual terrain park contest is back—with a twist. We replaced the “Terrain Park Events” category with “Terrain Park...

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Tame the Tech Frontier

Choosing the right software and other technology for your operation requires thorough assessment and a thoughtful approach.

Tech Planning :: Assessments

Questions to help you conduct internal and supplier assessments.

2021 Terrain Park Contest

SAM's showcase of freestyle fabrication is back for its 16th year, with resort submitted entries in three categories, including a new one: "Park edits."

Skiing's Prickliest Problem: Housing, Part 2

An examination of proven and potential solutions to the industry's growing employee housing crunch.

A ski with a view at Frisco Nordic Center, Colo.

The New Nordic Customer

Data and analysis fromthe recent Cross Country Ski Areas Association consumer survey reveals there's opportunity in the Nordic skiing business.

Magic Mountain, Vt. dressed in white.

It's Alive: Small Ski Areas, Reanimated

These three ski areas have been brought back from the brink in a big way.

Construction Site :: November 2021

Transformative lifts, major snowmaking improvements, and other infrastructure projects highight the 2021 construction season.

SAM Idea Files :: November 2021

Clever solutions from Mount Pleasant, Pa., for outdoor seating and sled storage.

Unpack Your Assumptions

A look at operational assumptions that Covid disproved.

Take Advantage of Email

A guide to kickstart your email marketing and reap the profitable benefits. (Psst, we're talking to you, small ski areas.)

Guest service extends to the  lift lines at Deer Valley.

Load 'Em Up

Smooth and efficient lift loading and unloading makes for a safer more enjoyable guest experience.

New Products :: November 2021

SAM collected a handful of new products designed to enhance the guest experience.

What, Me Worry? You Bet.

Covid sinks down the list of ops concerns as wildfires, climate change, and other enduring worries rise.

News and Views :: November 2021

Ride the capital wave, hot takes on fast tracks, DEI action, and more.

Publishers Memo :: November 2021

Winter is Coming News of snow blanketing parts of the U.S. at press time has us all excited about the prospect of a good season ahead. Everything is hopeful. Let’s pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy that familiar feeling. Now, on to BusinessThe pandemic is still on our worry list, but with vaccines available, fewer restrictions, and Covid pla...