January 2025
January 2025
FEATURED STORY
-
Cooling Off
Despite fewer lifts being built, it was still a busy construction season as ski areas continue to upgrade their on-mountain transport. After two gangbuster years of new lift installations at North American ski areas, 2024 was comparatively slower, yet historically strong with 47 new aerial lifts constructed. That’s a 17.5 percent decline from 2023—but still the third most installations in the past 10 years and the fifth most since 2000. Continent-wide, installed vertical transport feet per hour (VTFH) fell nearly 28 percent, signaling the average lift was smaller in 2024 than in the previous two years. However, the 91,056 total VTFH ranks as the third most this century. While mo...
Thanks for your interest in reading SAM Magazine. We hope you enjoy the select articles from this issue available in their entirety here. If you'd like to read the rest, we can make that happen. Subscribe to SAM before January 31st to receive your issue, and future issues of SAM. Email karolyn@saminfo.com with questions. 
The rich are getting richer, boomers are still skiing, the newcomer pipeline issue, Terrain Park Contest winners, and more.
Strategies to recover negative customer experiences, turning potential naysayers into loyal customers.
Race programs can add to revenue, boost a resort’s image, and help develop lifelong skiers.
A geothermal-powered resort in Alaska offers sustainability insights and inspiration.
SAM sat down with the new National Ski Areas Association president and CEO, Mike Reitzell.
An expansion of staggering scope, once dreamt of in the original plans for Deer Valley more than 50 years ago, is coming to life.
When change seems to be all we do, how do we manage it to our advantage?
The growing popularity of electric vehicles drives resorts to navigate investments in charging infrastructure.
Why so many ski areas are adding to their footprint, and the logistics behind these terrain expansions.
Best practices in snow reporting, as told by an OG snow reporter who used to walk uphill both ways…in the snow.
Analysis of a fall survey on summer operations at North American ski areas offers insights on activities and programming, profitability, and growth goals.
Ski area operators from Europe, Australia, and Japan share insights about the activities and trends shaping their non-winter business.
Despite fewer lifts being built, it was still a busy construction season as ski areas continue to upgrade their on-mountain transport.
“I’m going to teach my partner how to ski. Do you have any tips?” Hint: They did not.
Staffing, the guest experience, and sustainability drive a menu of ski area food and beverage tweaks and improvements.
