• Why The 10.9 Percent Drop In Skiers For 1989?
    A review of the results from studies by the National Sporting Goods Association and the American Sports Data company on the levels of participation for skiing and other sports. Early indications point to the weather as the main culprit for the decline in participation in skiing, although there are other factors. Includes a table of the study results and an inquiry into the cause of the decline.
  • Saalbach Snubs Snowmaking
    Management of Saalbach/ Hinterglemm, Austria, put their faith in natural snow for the 1991 World Championship. Following three consecutive poor snow years, this is seen as a substantial risk. As a back-up, the resort region has assembled a few fan guns and has hardwired several of the slopes to accommodate the snow guns.
  • NSAA Convention: Highlights And Headlines
    An overview of events and highlights from the 29th annual NSAA convention and trade show. The ski industry puts a good face on a sub-par season and plans for next year. Article includes several assorted charts and tables of the numbers for the past season.
  • Growth Issues At Colorado Ski Country Annual Meeting
    A report on the events and highlights from the annual meeting of Colorado Ski Country USA at the Broadmoor, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
  • Attendance Down, New Ideas Up At Cross Country Convention
    An overview of the events and highlights of the annual Cross Country Ski Areas Association convention at Wasatch Mountain, Utah. Of note was the emerging importance of guided mountain bike tours.
  • Lift Maintenance: Periodic Load Testing
    An overview of the proposed amendment to the ANSI B77 standards that would require periodic load testing for aerial tramways and lifts. The idea has received favorable reviews and may be adopted in the near future. This article outlines some of the regulations that are currently in effect.
  • Sepp Ruschp, 1908-1990
    An obituary for Sepp Ruschp, who died recently in Stowe, Vermont. Sepp was a respected leader in the ski industry, known for his standards of excellence in teaching skiing.
  • How Many New Skiers? Or The Murky Path Of Promotional Math
    USIA bought baseline research for tomorrow and tried to whip it into a sales pitch for today. SAM attempts some perspective on the research and suggests new long-term initiatives. Includes an extensive look at the "Ski It to Believe It" marketing campaign.