# SAM Magazine (SAM — Ski Area Management)

> SAM is the B2B trade publication for the mountain-resort industry since 1962. 16,000+ articles on lifts, grooming, snowmaking, F&B, HR, marketing, and resort operations, plus a classifieds marketplace and a community "wanted" board.

## Content
- [Articles sitemap](https://www.saminfo.com/wp-sitemap.xml): news + magazine features, organized by department and issue
- [Google News sitemap](https://www.saminfo.com/news-sitemap.xml): Headline News + Faces and Places from the last ~48 hours
- [Classifieds](https://www.saminfo.com/classifieds/): jobs, equipment, grooming vehicles, snowmaking, real estate
- [Community board](https://www.saminfo.com/community/requests/): operator "wanted" requests (parts, vendor recs, technical help)

## API for agents
- REST base: https://www.saminfo.com/wp-json/saminfo/v1/
- Search: https://www.saminfo.com/wp-json/saminfo/v1/search?q={query}
- Articles: https://www.saminfo.com/wp-json/saminfo/v1/articles  ·  single: https://www.saminfo.com/wp-json/saminfo/v1/article/{id}
- Abilities (category `saminfo`) are exposed via the WordPress MCP Adapter; each read ability declares a full output schema.

## Licensing
- Content © SAM Magazine. Indexing and citation with attribution are permitted; bulk reuse or republication requires permission.
- Contact: karolyn@saminfo.com

## Optional
- [Full content enumeration](https://www.saminfo.com/llms-full.txt)
- [About](https://www.saminfo.com/about/)
- [Advertise](https://www.saminfo.com/advertising/)

## Recent articles (most recent 500; full archive via the sitemap and REST API)
- [Snowmaking Season Has Begun](https://www.saminfo.com/snowmaking-season-has-begun/) [Snowmaking]: SAM Magazine—Reno, Nev., Oct. 16, 2026—Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe fired up its snowmaking system in the overnight hours on…
- [Local Businessman Buys Toggenburg](https://www.saminfo.com/local-businessman-buys-toggenburg/): SAM Magazine—Fabius, N.Y., Oct. 16, 2026—Intermountain Management has sold Toggenburg Mountain to central New York businessman Douglas Wheeler, according to…
- [Opinion: In Nederland’s doomed quest to buy Eldora, Powdr should pull the plug](https://www.saminfo.com/opinion-in-nederlands-doomed-quest-to-buy-eldora-powdr-should-pull-the-plug/): October 15, 2026 It sounded good for a minute, a tiny town banding together to buy the local ski resort,…
- [Strong Fall Precedes Slow Winter Bookings Forecast for Western Mountain Destinations](https://www.saminfo.com/strong-fall-precedes-slow-winter-bookings-forecast-for-western-mountain-destinations/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., Oct. 15, 2026—Strong occupancy and rates in both September and October wrapped up the summer season…
- [2026 Mountain Tech Symposium Explores AI, Integrations, and Evolving Market](https://www.saminfo.com/2026-mountain-tech-symposium-explore-ai-integrations-and-evolving-market/) [Technology]: SAM Magazine—Hood River, Ore., Oct. 13, 2026—One hundred and eighty-nine resort IT professionals, business analysts, mountain ops leaders and technology…
- [Two New Managing Partners Join King Pine and Related Businesses](https://www.saminfo.com/two-new-managing-partners-join-king-pine-and-related-businesses/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Madison, N.H., Oct. 13, 2026—A newly established leadership structure for the Hoyt family’s group of businesses includes the addition…
- [Shareholder Files Lawsuit Against Vail Resorts](https://www.saminfo.com/shareholder-files-lawsuit-against-vail-resorts/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Oct. 13, 2026—Another shareholder has filed a derivative complaint that names Vail Resorts CEO and chairman Rob…
- [SIA Participation Study Shows Growth in Snowboarding, Alpine Skiing Flat ](https://www.saminfo.com/sia-participation-study-shows-growth-in-snowboarding-alpine-skiing-flat/): SAM Magazine—Park City, Utah, Oct. 12, 2026—Snowboarding participation grew about 9 percent in 2025-26 compared to the previous winter while…
- [Alterra Mountain Company Taps Kelly Vohs as New CEO](https://www.saminfo.com/alterra-mountain-company-taps-kelly-vohs-as-new-ceo/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Denver, Colo., Oct. 5, 2026—Alterra Mountain Company has appointed hospitality and operations leader Kelly Vohs as its new chief…
- [U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame Names Class of 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/u-s-national-ski-snowboard-hall-of-fame-names-class-of-2026/): SAM Magazine—Ishpeming, Mich., Sept. 30, 2026—The U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled its Hall of…
- [Vail Resorts Reports Tough 2026 in Full-Year Results ](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-reports-tough-2026-in-full-year-results/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Sept. 29, 2026—Vail Resorts pointed to historically low snow in the western United States during its 2026…
- [2027 I AM a Snowmaker Contest Nominations Now Open](https://www.saminfo.com/2027-i-am-a-snowmaker-contest-nominations-now-open/) [Snowmaking]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., September 29, 2026—North American ski area operators are invited to nominate their mountain’s snowmaking team for a…
- [Good Vibes at 2026 SKI NY–PORA Expo ](https://www.saminfo.com/good-vibes-at-2026-ski-ny-pora-expo/): SAM Magazine—Lake Placid, N.Y., Sept. 24, 2026—Ski Areas of New York (SKI NY) and the Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA)…
- [George Gillett Jr., Former Vail Owner and Booth Creek Founder, Dies at 87](https://www.saminfo.com/george-gillett-jr-former-vail-owner-and-booth-creek-founder-dies-at-87/): SAM Magazine—Vail, Colo., Sept. 23, 2026—George Gillett Jr., the former owner of Vail Associates who helped usher Vail and Beaver…
- [SAM Summit Series Expands to 60 Participants, Welcomes New Mentor Class](https://www.saminfo.com/sam-summit-series-expands-to-60-participants-welcomes-new-mentor-class/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Sept. 17, 2026—After eight years of connecting small cohorts of emerging mountain resort professionals with industry leaders,…
- [Anthony Lakes Secures $650,000 USDA Loan for New Rental, Repair Facility](https://www.saminfo.com/anthony-lakes-secures-650-000-usda-loan-for-new-rental-repair-facility/): SAM Magazine—North Powder, Ore., Sept. 18, 2026 (updated)—Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA) has secured a $650,000 loan from the…
- [Tariff Troubles, Again](https://www.saminfo.com/tariff-troubles-again/): The details of the trade fight have changed since last year, but the basic problem hasn’t. For ski areas and…
- [Canada West Loves Its Small Ski Areas](https://www.saminfo.com/canada-west-loves-its-small-ski-areas/): CWSAA is expanding financial support to help more small ski areas participate in industry education and risk management events.
- [Summer Business Split](https://www.saminfo.com/summer-business-split/) [Summer Operations]: SAM poll respondents from across North America had plenty of explanations—good and bad—for how business was shaping up this summer.
- [NSAA Injury Study: Good News for Incident Rates](https://www.saminfo.com/nsaa-injury-study-good-news-for-incident-rates/): Topline data from National Ski Areas Association’s 10-Year Interval Injury Study showed improvement over previous studies.
- [New England Summit 2026 Focuses on Risk, Lifts, and Winter Readiness](https://www.saminfo.com/new-england-summit-2026-focuses-on-risk-lifts-and-winter-readiness/): SAM Magazine—Newry, Maine, Sept. 16, 2026—Left to right: Dirk Gouwens, Ski Maine Association; Molly Mahara, Ski Vermont; Jessyca Keeler, Ski…
- [Slow Start to Winter Bookings for Western Mountain Destinations as Strong Summer Continues](https://www.saminfo.com/slow-start-to-winter-bookings-for-western-mountain-destinations-as-strong-summer-continues/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., Sept. 15, 2026—Lodging occupancy at western mountain destinations wobbled in August while daily rates for the…
- [Waterville Valley Building New Outdoor Adventure Zone](https://www.saminfo.com/waterville-valley-building-new-outdoor-adventure-zone/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Waterville Valley, N.H., Sept. 15, 2026—Construction is well underway on the new multi-element Outdoor Adventure Zone that will include…
- [Doppelmayr Group Reports Uptick in Revenue, Workforce in 2025-26](https://www.saminfo.com/doppelmayr-group-reports-uptick-in-revenue-workforce-in-2025-26/): SAM Magazine—Wolfurt, Austria, Sept. 15, 2026—Credit, Peter Landsman, Liftblog.comDoppelmayr Group worldwide sales revenue totaled 1.3 billion euros (roughly $1.5 billion)…
- [Ski Area Sustainability Leaders to Gather at Sun Valley Ahead of MT2030 Climate Summit](https://www.saminfo.com/ski-area-sustainability-leaders-to-gather-at-sun-valley-ahead-of-mt2030-climate-summit/) [Sustainability]: SAM Magazine—Sun Valley, Idaho, Sept. 11, 2026—SAM has partnered with the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Sun Valley Resort, Idaho,…
- [Alta Names Dave Hirasawa as General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/alta-names-dave-hirasawa-as-general-manager/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Alta, Utah, Sept. 10, 2026—Alta Ski Area has appointed Dave Hirasawa as its new general manager, succeeding Mike Maughan.…
- [Ikon Pass Adds Three Resorts in Asia, Two Bonus Mountains in US](https://www.saminfo.com/ikon-pass-adds-three-resorts-in-asia-two-bonus-mountains-in-us/): SAM Magazine—Denver, Sept. 10, 2026—Madarao Mountain Resort in Japan and Beidahu Ski Resort and Lake Songhua Resort in China have…
- [Alterra Investing $350 Million in Capital Improvements for 2026-27](https://www.saminfo.com/alterra-plans-350-million-in-capital-investments-for-2026-27/): SAM Magazine—Denver, Sept. 9, 2026—Alterra Mountain Company plans to invest more than $350 million across its portfolio for the 2026-27…
- [Summer Ops Camp Explores Gatlinburg’s Growing Attractions](https://www.saminfo.com/summer-ops-camp-explores-gatlinburgs-growing-attractions-2/): SAM Magazine—Gatlinburg, Tenn., Sept. 8, 2026—A total of 115 ski area personnel and industry suppliers from around the world gathered…
- [Indy Pass Adds More Than 30 Partners, Including Smugglers’ Notch](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-pass-adds-more-than-30-partners-including-smugglers-notch/): SAM Magazine—Jefferson, N.H., Sept. 8, 2026—Indy Pass has added more than 30 new partners, including a headlining partnership with Smugglers’…
- [Deirdre Riley Named General Manager of Attitash and Wildcat](https://www.saminfo.com/deirdre-riley-named-general-manager-of-attitash-and-wildcat/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Bartlett, N.H., Sept. 5, 2026—Vail Resorts named Deirdre Riley general manager of Attitash Mountain and Wildcat Mountain, effective Sept.…
- [Sorting It Out](https://www.saminfo.com/sorting-it-out/) [Sustainability]: Eldora’s waste-sorting overhaul became the foundation for a broader operational and cultural shift around sustainability.
- [Construction Site](https://www.saminfo.com/construction-site-september-2026/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: A handful of lift installations across North America, each with its own unique elements.
- [Shift Your Bike Park Perspective](https://www.saminfo.com/shift-your-bike-park-perspective/) [Summer Operations]: A successful bike park focuses on the experience, not on repurposing winter infrastructure.
- [No System, No Season](https://www.saminfo.com/no-system-no-season/) [Snowmaking]: Why ski areas need to rethink snowmaking infrastructure, workforce development, and capital planning for the next 20 years.
- [Happy Staff = Happy Guests](https://www.saminfo.com/happy-staff-happy-guests/) [Leadership]: Why there’s a direct correlation between employee satisfaction and guest loyalty, and how ski areas can capitalize on the opportunity.
- [Sustainable Design in the Mountain Environment](https://www.saminfo.com/sustainable-design-in-the-mountain-environment/) [Sustainability]: The Nest at Snowbird demonstrates how the unique demands of mountain resort operations influence sustainable design decisions, from waste systems…
- [Lessons in Leadership](https://www.saminfo.com/lessons-in-leadership/) [Leadership]: Summit Series mentors share leadership lessons on navigating change, building culture, developing people, and growing careers.
- [Mountain Spy :: Employment Edition](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-september-2026/) [Guest Services]: In honor of hiring season, the Spy revisits 20 years of employment-related calls.
- [Ask the AI Guy](https://www.saminfo.com/ask-the-ai-guy/) [Technology]: Real questions from real ski area personnel, answered in plain English by a real human.
- [Beyond Orientation: New Approaches to Staff Readiness](https://www.saminfo.com/beyond-orientation-new-approaches-to-staff-readiness/) [Leadership]: Six resorts are doing more than one-and-done onboarding to better prepare new hires and managers alike ahead of the busy…
- [Rob Perlman Returns as Steamboat President and COO](https://www.saminfo.com/rob-perlman-returns-as-steamboat-president-and-coo/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Steamboat Springs, Colo., Sept. 3, 2026—After previously spending nine years in the role, Rob Perlman has returned as president…
- [Tremblant to Invest CA$42M in Lift Served Expansion, Beginner Area](https://www.saminfo.com/tremblant-to-invest-42m-in-lift-served-expansion-beginner-area/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Tremblant, Quebec, Sept. 3, 2026—Mont Tremblant will add 62 acres of skiable terrain served by a new high-speed quad…
- [Smugglers’ Notch Undergoing Major Snowmaking Improvements](https://www.saminfo.com/smugglers-notch-undergoing-major-snowmaking-improvements/) [Snowmaking]: SAM Magazine—Jeffersonville, Vt., Sept. 2, 2026—Significant snowmaking equipment and infrastructure upgrades are underway at Smugglers’ Notch Resort, aimed at improving…
- [Loon to Add 272 Acres of Tree Skiing for 2027-28](https://www.saminfo.com/loon-to-add-272-acres-of-tree-skiing-for-2027-28/): SAM Magazine—Lincoln, N.H., Sept. 2, 2026—Loon Mountain Resort plans to add 272 acres of inbounds tree skiing for the 2027-28…
- [Mt. Ashland Names Rachel Canada as General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/mt-ashland-names-rachel-canada-as-general-manager/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Ashland, Ore., Sept. 2, 2026—Rachel Canada has been appointed as the new general manager of nonprofit Mt. Ashland Ski…
- [Indy Pass Goes Back on Sale, More Partners Forthcoming](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-pass-goes-back-on-sale-more-partners-forthcoming/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, N.H., Sept. 1, 2026—Indy Pass goes back on sale today for consumers who have been on the waitlist…
- [Lawsuits Embroil Major Ownership Groups](https://www.saminfo.com/lawsuits-embroil-major-ownership-groups/): SAM Magazine—Denver, Aug. 31, 2026—Three separate lawsuits have been filed in Colorado since March that all involve major ski area…
- [Hottest Winter on Record in Australia, Snow in Chile](https://www.saminfo.com/hottest-winter-on-record-in-australia-snow-in-chile/): SAM Magazine—New South Wales, Australia, Sept. 1, 2026—The Blue Cow area, which is closed as of Sept. 1, at Perisher…
- [Snow Pass Debuts with 14 Partner Ski Areas, Snow Triple Play Expands Options for 2026-27](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-pass-debuts-with-14-partner-ski-areas-snow-triple-play-expands-options-for-2026-27/): SAM Magazine—Vernon, N.J., Aug. 25, 2026—Snow Partners’ new Snow Pass will include access to 14 different ski areas across North…
- [More Than 500 Attend Midwest Ski Areas Association Summer Meeting and Trade Show](https://www.saminfo.com/more-than-500-attend-midwest-ski-areas-association-summer-meeting-and-trade-show/): SAM Magazine—Boyne Falls, Mich., Aug. 21, 2026—Risky business: Layne Anderson from Powder Ridge and MSAA's Bo Bigelow talk on-hill safety…
- [2026 Rise Up Challenge Sets Voting Record, Winner Announced](https://www.saminfo.com/2026-rise-up-challenge-sets-voting-record-winner-announced/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Aug. 20 2026—Josh Storino and the lift maintenance crew at Mount Snow, Vt., were voted the winners…
- [Summer Ops Camp Registration Closes Friday](https://www.saminfo.com/summer-ops-camp-registration-closes-friday/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Aug. 18, 2026—Registration for SAM’s 14th annual Summer Ops Camp—a three-day program of site visits, educational sessions,…
- [Wildfire Leaves Maverick Mountain’s Only Chairlift Likely Inoperable](https://www.saminfo.com/wildfire-leaves-maverick-mountains-only-chairlift-likely-inoperable/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Polaris, Mont., Aug. 17, 2026—Maverick Mountain’s only chairlift will likely not operate for the 2026-27 season after sustaining extensive…
- [Mount Hood Meadows Ends Summer Ops Due to Wildfire Impacts](https://www.saminfo.com/mount-hood-meadows-ends-summer-ops-due-to-wildfire-impacts/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Government Camp, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026—Mt. Hood Meadows has ended summer operations for the season due to ongoing impacts…
- [Summer Holding Steady at Western Mountain Destinations, Lower Rates Boost Early Winter Bookings](https://www.saminfo.com/summer-holding-steady-at-western-mountain-destinations-lower-rates-boost-early-winter-bookings/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo. Aug. 14, 2026—Although occupancy, daily rates, and revenue were almost unchanged from June at western mountain…
- [Wildfire Hits Maverick Mountain](https://www.saminfo.com/wildfire-hits-maverick-mountain/): SAM Magazine—Polaris, Mont., Aug. 11, 2026—The Sand Creek Fire hit the summit of Maverick Mountain last night and has reportedly…
- [Snow People — August 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-people-august-2026/): In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to…
- [Supplier News — August 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/supplier-news-august-2026/): SAM’s Supplier News roundup delivers a quick look at the latest business moves shaping the mountain resort industry. From mergers and acquisitions…
- [Antelope Butte Names Peter Johnson General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/antelope-butte-names-peter-johnson-general-manager/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Shell, Wyo., Aug. 7, 2026—Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area has appointed Peter Johnson as its new general manager. Johnson…
- [New Sessions, Activities Added to Summer Ops Camp Agenda Ahead of Aug. 12 Lodging Package Deadline](https://www.saminfo.com/new-sessions-activities-added-to-summer-ops-camp-agenda-ahead-of-aug-12-lodging-package-deadline/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Aug. 6, 2026—New sessions and activities have been added to SAM's 14th annual Summer Ops Camp, a…
- [Mount Hood Meadows Evacuates as Wildfire Threat Forces Level 3 Order; Timberline Now at Level 1](https://www.saminfo.com/mount-hood-meadows-evacuates-as-wildfire-threat-forces-level-3-order-timberline-now-at-level-1/): SAM Magazine—Government Camp, Ore., Aug. 4, 2026—Credit: Mt. Hood MeadowsMt. Hood Meadows has suspended operations and evacuated the resort after…
- [Voting is Open for the 2026 Rise Up Challenge](https://www.saminfo.com/voting-is-open-for-the-2026-rise-up-challenge/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Aug. 4, 2026—The 2026 Rise Up Challenge is underway, and voting is officially open. Now in its…
- [Eagle Point Will Not Operate for Winter 2026-27, Remediation Efforts Ongoing](https://www.saminfo.com/eagle-point-will-not-operate-for-winter-2026-27-remediation-efforts-ongoing/): SAM Magazine—Beaver, Utah, Aug. 3, 2026—Eagle Point Resort will not operate this winter due to the significant impacts of the…
- [Approval for Disputed Park City Lift Improvements Upheld](https://www.saminfo.com/approval-for-disputed-park-city-lift-improvements-upheld/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Park City, Utah, July 31, 2026—Lift replacements at Park City Mountain that had been delayed due to opposition by…
- [Road to Eagle Point Washes Out Amid Wildfire Recovery](https://www.saminfo.com/road-to-eagle-point-washes-out-amid-wildfire-recovery/): SAM Magazine—Beaver, Utah, July 31, 2026—Credit: UDOTState Route 153 through Beaver Canyon, the primary access to Eagle Point Resort, is…
- [SnoCountry Reorganizes, Malaguti Promoted to President](https://www.saminfo.com/snocountry-reorganizes-malaguti-promoted-to-president/): SAM Magazine—Lebanon, N.H., July 31, 2026—Sean MalagutiSean Malaguti has been promoted to serve as president of SnoCountry Ski Areas Association…
- [Ragged Mountain Names Wickstrom General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/ragged-mountain-names-wickstrom-general-manager/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Danbury, N.H., July 23, 2026—Ragged Mountain has named Alan "Al" Wickstrom as general manager, bringing the longtime New Hampshire…
- [Eaglecrest Board Appoints Julie Piper as Next General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/eaglecrest-board-appoints-julie-piper-as-next-general-manager/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Juneau, Alaska, July 22, 2026—The Eaglecrest board of directors selected Julie Jackson Piper to be the next general manager…
- [Bolton Valley Shuffles Leadership Team](https://www.saminfo.com/bolton-valley-shuffles-leadership-team/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Bolton Valley, Vt., July 22, 2026—Left to right: Evan DesLauriers, Lindsay DesLauriers, Tara Murphy, Nick Lemire.Bolton Valley Resort’s leadership…
- [MCP Withdraws Bid for Chile’s Andacor After Antitrust Review](https://www.saminfo.com/mcp-withdraws-bid-for-chiles-andacor-after-antitrust-review/): SAM Magazine—Durango, Colo., July 22, 2026—Valle NevadoMountain Capital Partners (MCP) has withdrawn its proposed acquisition of Chilean resort operator Andacor,…
- [Entabeni Acquires Whitney’s Inn Property](https://www.saminfo.com/entabeni-acquires-whitneys-inn-property/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, N.H., July 22, 2026—Entabeni has acquired the Whitney's Inn property at the base of Black Mountain, bringing the…
- [Wirth Named General Manager of Bretton Woods](https://www.saminfo.com/wirth-named-general-manager-of-bretton-woods/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Bretton Woods, N.H., July 21, 2026—Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa has appointed Jace Wirth as general manager of…
- [RMLA Conference Relocated to Salt Lake City, Drew Nearly 600 Attendees](https://www.saminfo.com/rmla-conference-relocated-to-salt-lake-city-drew-nearly-600-attendees/): SAM Magazine—Salt Lake City, Utah, July 20, 2026—The Rocky Mountain Lift Association (RMLA) held its annual conference in Salt Lake…
- [Western Mountain Destination Occupancy Softening, Travelers Seeking Value](https://www.saminfo.com/western-mountain-destination-occupancy-softening-travelers-seeking-value/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., July 14, 2026— Bookings at western mountain destinations for arrivals from June through November edged up…
- [Vail Resorts to Invest in Changes to Rentals, Private Lessons, Dining](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-to-invest-in-changes-to-rentals-private-lessons-dining/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., July 14, 2026—Vail Resorts believes the company’s future growth will come by offering an improved guest experience…
- [Southern Hemisphere Winter Gains Momentum, Major Andes Storm Targets Chile](https://www.saminfo.com/southern-hemisphere-winter-gains-momentum-major-andes-storm-targets-chile/): SAM Magazine—Perisher Valley, Australia, July 14, 2026—Perisher, AustraliaAfter an uneven start marked by limited natural snowfall across Australia and New…
- [NSAA Alerts Ski Areas of Website Privacy Claims Based on California Law](https://www.saminfo.com/nsaa-alerts-ski-areas-of-website-privacy-claims-based-on-california-law/): SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., July 10, 2026—The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has sent an alert to its members regarding a…
- [PORA Holds Lift Maintenance Seminar at Bear Creek](https://www.saminfo.com/pora-holds-lift-maintenance-seminar-at-bear-creek/): SAM Magazine—Macungie, Pa., July 9, 2026—Attendees at the 2026 PORA Lift Maintenance Seminar, Bear Creek Mountain Resort, June 2026.The Pennsylvania…
- [Updated North Carolina Winter Sports Safety Act Signed into Law](https://www.saminfo.com/updated-north-carolina-winter-sports-safety-act-signed-into-law/): SAM Magazine—Raleigh, N.C., July 9, 2026—The North Carolina General Assembly passed Senate Bill 648 this week and Gov. Josh Stein…
- [AI Bootcamp Expands with Sessions on Search, Strategy, and Automation](https://www.saminfo.com/ai-bootcamp-expands-with-sessions-on-search-strategy-and-automation/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., July 9, 2026—The Ski Resort AI Bootcamp is back with a new round of live sessions this…
- [Entabeni Builds Out Team, Adopts Broader Brand](https://www.saminfo.com/entabeni-builds-out-team-adopts-broader-brand/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, N.H., July 2, 2026—Entabeni has added 11 team members across operations, technology, analytics, mergers and acquisitions, accounting, and…
- [10 Under 30](https://www.saminfo.com/10-under-30-2026/) [Leadership]: These 10 rising professionals are making an outsized impact on their organizations—and on the future of the snowsports industry. From…
- [The Cool Sh*t Compendium](https://www.saminfo.com/the-cool-sh-t-compendium/) [Snowmaking]: From fan guns and hydrants to filtration systems and all-weather tech, the snowmaking world is loaded with neat products. There…
- [Making the Case](https://www.saminfo.com/making-the-case/) [Snowmaking]: What’s the best snowmaking system a ski area can deploy? Depends on who you ask. So we asked an owner/operator,…
- [System Upgrades](https://www.saminfo.com/system-upgrades/) [Snowmaking]: A collection of unique case studies about ski areas that are making transformational investments in their snowmaking systems. PAJARITO MOUNTAIN,…
- [Eagle Point Assesses Significant Damage Following Cottonwood Fire](https://www.saminfo.com/eagle-point-assesses-significant-damage-following-cottonwood-fire/): SAM Magazine—Beaver, Utah, June 30, 2026—Canyonside Lodge. (Image provided by Eagle Point Resort)Eagle Point Resort staff returned to the property…
- [Randles Headed to Hunter as New VP and GM](https://www.saminfo.com/randles-headed-to-hunter-as-new-vp-and-gm/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Hunter, N.Y., June 30, 2026—Chuck Randles has been named as the new vice president and general manager of Hunter…
- [Snow Plan](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-plan/) [Snowmaking]: A guide to understanding the various elements of the snowmaking master plan, your roadmap to long-term flake-making success.  “The secret of…
- [Construction Site :: July 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/construction-site-july-2026/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: Infrastructure projects large and small got underway across North America this spring. Little Switzerland, WI Little Switzerland is replacing one…
- [The Future of Avalanche Management](https://www.saminfo.com/the-future-of-avalanche-management/) [Risk & Safety]: As supplies of artillery ammunition dwindle and concerns for worker safety rise, the demand for remote avalanche control systems is…
- [The Summer Discoverability Gap](https://www.saminfo.com/the-summer-discoverability-gap/) [Summer Operations]: New research measures how often ski areas surface when travelers ask AI chatbots about summer, what else chatbots are recommending,…
- [Paths to Success: Adventure Trails](https://www.saminfo.com/paths-to-success-adventure-trails/) [Summer Operations]: Trails designed with kids and families in mind are proving to be strong investments for ski areas in both winter…
- [It Takes a Village](https://www.saminfo.com/it-takes-a-village/) [Resort Expansion]: Killington’s base village expansion relies on willing collaboration between resort, developer, and the local community. Killington Resort, the town of…
- [Summer Gets Selective](https://www.saminfo.com/summer-gets-selective/) [Summer Operations]: As ski areas refine their year-round strategies, operators are investing in lines of summer business that fit their markets—and abandoning those…
- [Mountain Spy :: The “You Asked What?” Edition](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-the-you-asked-what-edition/) [Guest Services]: The Spy revisits some of the funkiest calls from the archives.  Yes, we sometimes ask a question that might seem…
- [New Products :: July 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/new-products-july-2026/): Products for safety, guest convenience, and recreation for operators to consider. Kong: Marlow Gravitas Rope  The Marlow Gravitas is Kong’s new…
- [Changing the  Narrative Around Ski Industry Careers](https://www.saminfo.com/changing-the-narrative-around-ski-industry-careers/) [Leadership]: The ski industry offers unique careers for young professionals, but do they know that? For an industry that touches millions…
- [Taos Joins Global Sustainability Alliance](https://www.saminfo.com/taos-joins-global-sustainability-alliance/): A chance encounter at a Leitner-Poma dinner during the 2025 NSAA National Convention led to a significant connection for Taos…
- [Cubbage Promoted to GM of Powder Mountain](https://www.saminfo.com/cubbage-promoted-to-gm-of-powder-mountain/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Eden, Utah, June 29, 2026—Powder Mountain named Bill Cubbage as general manager of resort operations. He will oversee guest…
- [Cottonwood Fire Hits Eagle Point Resort in Utah](https://www.saminfo.com/cottonwood-fire-hits-eagle-point-resort-in-utah/): SAM Magazine—Beaver, Utah, June 25, 2026—Credit: Marc LeducThe Cottonwood Fire has reportedly caused significant property damage to Eagle Point Resort,…
- [Kids 12 and Under to Ski and Ride for Free at Giants Ridge](https://www.saminfo.com/kids-12-and-under-to-ski-and-ride-for-free-at-giants-ridge/): SAM Magazine—Biwabik, Minn., June 24, 2026—Starting in winter 2026–27, kids ages 12 and under will ski and snowboard for free…
- [Bear Den Partners Names Barrego as Executive Vice President of Strategy, Operations and Integration](https://www.saminfo.com/bear-den-partners-names-barrego-as-executive-vice-president-of-strategy-operations-and-integration/): SAM Magazine—East Burke, Vt., June 24, 2026—Hannah Barrego has been hired by Bear Den Partners as its executive vice president…
- [Ski California’s LMOE Conference Draws Nearly 400 Attendees, Expands Training Opportunities](https://www.saminfo.com/ski-californias-lmoe-conference-draws-nearly-400-attendees-expands-training-opportunities/): SAM Magazine—Reno, Nev., June 22, 2026—Despite a challenging winter season in the West, Ski California’s 2026 Lift Maintenance and Operations…
- [Barnes to Succeed Hawkes as Wisp Resort GM in Planned Leadership Transition](https://www.saminfo.com/barnes-to-succeed-hawkes-as-wisp-resort-gm-in-planned-leadership-transition/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Deep Creek Lake, Md., June 22, 2026—Erik BarnesErik Barnes will join Wisp Resort as general manager designate, ultimately succeeding…
- [Snow People — June 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-people-june-2026/): In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to…
- [Summer Bookings Slow, But Mountain Destination Lodging Outlook Remains Strong](https://www.saminfo.com/summer-bookings-slow-but-mountain-destination-lodging-outlook-remains-strong/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo. June 17, 2026—Booking pace at western mountain destinations softened in May following an April surge, but…
- [Mountain Capital Partners to Acquire Three Arizona Golf Courses](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-capital-partners-to-acquire-three-arizona-golf-courses/): SAM Magazine—Phoenix, Ariz., June 17, 2026—Sedona Golf ResortMountain Capital Partners (MCP) and affiliated fund Texas Capital Partners plan to acquire…
- [OIA Reports 2025 Outdoor Participation at All Time High, Frequency Declines](https://www.saminfo.com/oia-reports-2025-outdoor-participation-at-all-time-high-frequency-declines/): SAM Magazine—Boulder, Colo., June 17, 2026—The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report found outdoor participation reached a historic…
- [Vail Resorts Reports Declines in Q3, 2026-27 Pass Sales](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-reports-declines-in-q3-2026-27-pass-sales/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., June 10, 2026—Vail Resorts reported declines in nearly every financial metric for its 2026 fiscal third quarter…
- [Swartz Tapped to Lead Smugglers’ Notch](https://www.saminfo.com/swartz-tapped-to-lead-smugglers-notch/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Jeffersonville, Vt., June 10, 2026—Smugglers’ Notch Resort appointed Brandon Swartz as its new general manager. Swartz most recently served…
- [Colorado Resorts Endured Historic Visit Decline in 2025-26](https://www.saminfo.com/colorado-resorts-endured-historic-visit-decline-in-2025-26/): SAM Magazine—Denver, June 5, 2026—Visits to Colorado resorts declined by 24 percent in 2025-26 compared to the prior season, according…
- [New Hampshire Ski Areas Report 2025-26 as Fourth-Best Alpine Season in Two Decades](https://www.saminfo.com/new-hampshire-ski-areas-report-2025-26-as-fourth-best-alpine-season-in-two-decades/): SAM Magazine—Bretton Woods, N.H., June 5, 2026—Doug and Liz Fichera, Summit Resources, with SAM's Karolyn Towle.New Hampshire’s alpine ski areas…
- [As Expected, Vermont Ski Areas Report Strong 2025-26 Winter Season](https://www.saminfo.com/as-expected-vermont-ski-areas-report-strong-2025-26-winter-season/): SAM Magazine—Jay, Vt., June 5, 2026—JJ Toland from Sugarbush with former Jay Peak teammate and 2017 SAM "10 Under 30"…
- [Skeetawk Names Thompson as General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/skeetawk-names-thompson-as-general-manager/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Palmer, Alaska, June 4, 2026—Skeetawk Ski Area has promoted Ryan Thompson to general manager. Thompson previously served on the…
- [Six Lift Maintenance Teams Selected for 2026 Rise Up Challenge](https://www.saminfo.com/six-lift-maintenance-teams-selected-for-2026-rise-up-challenge/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., May 29, 2026—The crews from Castle Mountain, Alberta; Loveland Ski Area, Colo.; Massanutten Resort, Va.; Mount Snow,…
- [Poole to Lead Heavenly Mountain Resort](https://www.saminfo.com/poole-to-lead-heavenly-mountain-resort/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—South Lake Tahoe, Calif., May 29, 2026—Vail Resorts has appointed Trent Poole as Heavenly Mountain Resort vice president and…
- [Québec Ski Areas Report Visitation Growth, Record Revenue for 2025-26](https://www.saminfo.com/quebec-ski-areas-report-visitation-growth-record-revenue-for-2025-26/): SAM Magazine—Charlevoix, Québec, May 27, 2026—Total skier visits were up 5.1 percent year-over-year, and lift ticket revenue reached a record…
- [Bolton Valley Promotes Nick Lemire to General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/bolton-valley-promotes-nick-lemire-to-general-manager/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Bolton Valley, Vt., May 26, 2026—Nick Lemire has been promoted to the role of general manager for Bolton Valley.…
- [Juneau Assembly Scraps Eaglecrest Gondola Project](https://www.saminfo.com/juneau-assembly-scraps-eaglecrest-gondola-project/): SAM Magazine—Juneau, Alaska, May 22, 2026—The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly voted 8-1 Monday night to abandon Eaglecrest Ski…
- [Miami-Based Investment Firm Acquires Meadowlark Ski & Lake Lodge in Wyoming](https://www.saminfo.com/miami-based-investment-firm-acquires-meadowlark-ski-lake-lodge-in-wyoming/): SAM Magazine—Meadowlark Lake, Wyo., May 21, 2026—A new hospitality venture backed by Miami-based investment firm MAS Alpha Securities has acquired…
- [Chris Salhany Appointed as President of Castle Mountain Resort](https://www.saminfo.com/chris-salhany-appointed-as-president-of-castle-mountain-resort/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Pincher Creek, Alberta, May 20, 2026—Castle Mountain Resort has hired Chris Salhany as its new president as part of…
- [Winter’s Woes Melt Into Summer Surge at Western Mountain Destinations](https://www.saminfo.com/winters-woes-melt-into-summer-surge-at-western-mountain-destinations/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., May 15, 2026—As the winter season dragged across the finish line, lodging rates at western mountain…
- [Boyne Resorts Names Former Disney Executive Dan Cockerell as President of Operations](https://www.saminfo.com/boyne-resorts-names-former-disney-executive-dan-cockerell-as-president-of-operations/): SAM Magazine—Boyne Falls, Mich., May 14, 2026—Boyne Resorts has appointed Dan Cockerell to the newly created role of president of…
- [A Handful of Ski Areas Hanging on as Season Nears End](https://www.saminfo.com/a-handful-of-ski-areas-hanging-on-as-season-nears-end/): Banff Sunshine's web cam shows off mid-winter conditions in May.SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., May 12, 2026—Rocky Mountains ski areas closing in…
- [NSAA National Convention Explores Ski Industry’s Challenges and Opportunities](https://www.saminfo.com/nsaa-national-convention-explores-ski-industrys-challenges-and-opportunities/): SAM Magazine—Carlsbad, Calif., May 8, 2026—Nubs Nob Ski Area takes home the 2026 Conversion Cup.The 2026 National Ski Areas Association…
- [U.S. Skier Visits Drop 14% in 2025-26 Amid Weak Western Snowfall](https://www.saminfo.com/u-s-skier-visits-drop-14-in-2025-26-amid-weak-western-snowfall/): SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., May 5, 2026—U.S. ski areas recorded an estimated 52.6 million skier visits in the 2025-26 season, down…
- [Lee Cowie to Succeed Founder Steve Brown as accesso CEO](https://www.saminfo.com/lee-cowie-to-succeed-founder-steve-brown-as-accesso-ceo/): SAM Magazine—Twyford, United Kingdom, May 4, 2026—Chief operating officer Lee Cowie will become CEO of accesso Technology Group as part…
- [SAM Summer Ops Camp Heads to Gatlinburg](https://www.saminfo.com/sam-summer-ops-camp-heads-to-gatlinburg/): SAM Magazine—Gatlinburg, Tenn., May 4, 2026—The 14th annual SAM Summer Ops Camp is headed to Gatlinburg, Tenn., Sept. 1-3, 2026.…
- [One Staff Member Killed, Another Injured After Work Basket Falls at Mt. Hood Skibowl](https://www.saminfo.com/one-staff-member-killed-another-injured-after-work-basket-falls-at-mt-hood-skibowl/): SAM Magazine—Government Camp, Ore., May 1, 2026—Two Mt. Hood Skibowl employees were in a work carrier when it fell from…
- [Exclusive: Snow Partners to Launch New Multi-Mountain Product, Expand Snow Triple Play](https://www.saminfo.com/exclusive-snow-partners-to-launch-new-multi-mountain-product-expand-snow-triple-play/): SAM Magazine—Montville, N.J., May 1, 2026—Snow Partners is launching a new multi-mountain frequency product, Snow Pass. The pass will provide…
- [Parents Charged with Endangerment After 5-Year-Old Falls from Lift](https://www.saminfo.com/parents-charged-with-endangerment-after-5-year-old-falls-from-lift/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Claysburg, Pa., April 23, 2026—The parents of a 5-year-old boy who fell from a chairlift March 1 at Blue…
- [Vail Resorts Visits, Revenue, and Pass Sales Down](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-visits-revenue-and-pass-sales-down/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., April 23, 2026—Skier visits, lift revenue, and other season-to-date metrics reported by Vail Resorts were down for…
- [Best and Worst in Marketing 2025-26](https://www.saminfo.com/best-and-worst-in-marketing-2025-26/) [Marketing & Sales]: Execution makes all the difference in the success of this year’s ski area marketing efforts. Yell when others are whispering,…
- [Peer Reviews 2025-26](https://www.saminfo.com/peer-reviews-2025-26/) [Marketing & Sales]: Industry marketers extend kudos to their peers’ 2025-26 marketing and comms efforts. Since 2021, we’ve asked resort marketers across snow…
- [Murphy’s Law Loves a Holiday Week](https://www.saminfo.com/murphys-law-loves-a-holiday-week/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: When lifts break, teams jump into action—and what happens next deserves the headlines. It was a Saturday afternoon during Christmas week,…
- [European Allure](https://www.saminfo.com/european-allure/): The combination of multi-mountain passes, rapidly rising prices at North American resorts, and the search for uncrowded slopes is increasingly…
- [Maximizing Every Flake](https://www.saminfo.com/maximizing-every-flake/) [Snowmaking]: When winter doesn’t deliver on schedule, ski areas adapt surface management strategies to get open and stay open. In case you hadn’t…
- [An Age-Old Lift Problem](https://www.saminfo.com/an-age-old-lift-problem/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: With each passing year, the need to replace aging lifts across North America becomes more urgent.  The ski industry in North…
- [Balanced Leadership](https://www.saminfo.com/balanced-leadership/) [Leadership]: Leaders can get more out of their people by balancing results and relationships. Successful project management is more about people…
- [New Products :: May 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/new-products-may-2026/): New operations and guest experience products for operators to consider. SkiHill: Climber LV 800 Pro  The SkiHill Climber LV 800…
- [Global Skier Visits Hit Record 399M for 2024-25](https://www.saminfo.com/global-skier-visits-hit-record-399m-for-2024-25/): SAM Magazine—Grenoble, France, April 21, 2026—Global skier visits reached a record 399 million in the 2024-25 season, surpassing the previous…
- [2026 Lift Maintenance Seminar Popular, Impactful](https://www.saminfo.com/2026-lift-maintenance-seminar-popular-impactful/): SAM Magazine—Hancock, Mass., April 21, 2026—Packed house for older fixed grip roundtable.The 49th annual Lift Maintenance Seminar (LMS) returned to…
- [National Ski Patrol Conducting Its First Survey of Ski Area Leaders](https://www.saminfo.com/national-ski-patrol-conducting-its-first-survey-of-ski-area-leaders/): SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., April 20, 2026— National Ski Patrol (NSP) is surveying more than 300 ski area senior leaders to…
- [CCSAA Conference 2026: Networking and Snow Farming at Canmore](https://www.saminfo.com/ccsaa-conference-2026-networking-and-snow-farming-at-canmore/): SAM Magazine—Canmore, Alberta, April 20, 2026—Climate/snowpack presentation. Credit: Reese Brown.The Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) Annual Conference drew 72…
- [Mountain Spy :: Summer Edition](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-summer-edition/) [Guest Services]: The Spy reopens 20 years of case files to ask, “Have we gotten better at selling summer?” Twenty years of…
- [Leveling Up the Documentation Game](https://www.saminfo.com/leveling-up-the-documentation-game/): How Mount St. Louis Moonstone turned record-keeping into a game people want to play.  There are two universal truths in…
- [Menu Triage](https://www.saminfo.com/menu-triage/) [Food & Beverage]: How proactive menu changes can help when conditions are variable. This is the final installment of a three-part series on…
- [Nearly 2,000 Ski and Snowboard Instructors Join Labor Suit Against Vail Resorts](https://www.saminfo.com/nearly-2-000-ski-and-snowboard-instructors-join-labor-suit-against-vail-resorts/): SAM Magazine—Denver, April 17, 2026—Nearly 2,000 current and former ski and snowboard instructors have joined a collective action Fair Labor…
- [Beyond the Season Pass](https://www.saminfo.com/beyond-the-season-pass/) [Marketing & Sales]: Multiday packs, single-day deals, and beginner bundles are helping ski areas reach casual skiers and grow visits. Over the past…
- [Lessons Learned on a 13,000-Mile Revival Road Trip](https://www.saminfo.com/lessons-learned-on-a-13-000-mile-revival-road-trip/): The idea, sketched out hastily in the late fall, was to visit four ski areas whose futures were, at some…
- [Thoughts and Predictions](https://www.saminfo.com/thoughts-and-predictions/): SAM readers look into the crystal ball. After four straight seasons with more than 60 million U.S. skier visits, 2025-26…
- [Snow People — April 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-people-april-2026/): In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to…
- [Supplier News Roundup](https://www.saminfo.com/supplier-news-roundup-april-2026/) [Sustainability]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., April 16, 2025—SAM’s Supplier News roundup delivers a quick look at the latest business moves shaping the…
- [Summer Looking Strong as Western Mountain Lodging Limps into Winter Season Finale](https://www.saminfo.com/summer-looking-strong-as-western-mountain-lodging-limps-into-winter-season-finale/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., April 13, 2026—Economic news conspired with abysmal snowfall and record-breaking warm temperatures during March to continue…
- [Rathbun Now CEO of Purgatory Resort Holdings After Leadership Restructure](https://www.saminfo.com/rathbun-now-ceo-of-purgatory-resort-holdings-after-leadership-restructure/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Durango, Colo., April 13, 2026—A new leadership structure at Purgatory Resort includes general manager Dave Rathbun moving into the…
- [Special Report: Black Mountain’s Revival, Led by Its Disrupter-in-Chief](https://www.saminfo.com/special-report-black-mountains-revival-led-by-its-disrupter-in-chief/): Indy Pass and Entabeni Systems owner Erik Mogensen has transformed this legacy ski area and designated it as his laboratory.…
- [SAM Calls for Nominations for “10 Under 30” Emerging Leaders](https://www.saminfo.com/sam-calls-for-nominations-for-10-under-30-emerging-leaders/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., April 13, 2026—Nominations are now open for SAM’s annual “10 Under 30,” presented with support from Snow…
- [Edelmann to Succeed Howard as Vail Mountain VP and COO](https://www.saminfo.com/edelmann-to-succeed-howard-as-vail-mountain-vp-and-coo/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Vail, Colo., April 8, 2026—Shaydar Edelmann has been appointed as vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. He succeeds Beth…
- [NSAA Honors Campbell, Link with Industry Awards](https://www.saminfo.com/nsaa-honors-campbell-link-with-industry-awards/): SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., April 6, 2026—Pat Campbell and Geraldine LinkThe National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) will recognize two longtime industry…
- [2026 Rise Up Challenge Nominations Now Open](https://www.saminfo.com/2026-rise-up-challenge-nominations-now-open/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., April 6, 2026—Nominations are now open for the sixth annual Rise Up Challenge. Hosted by SAM and…
- [Ikon Pass Adds SilverStar, Giants Ridge](https://www.saminfo.com/ikon-pass-adds-silverstar-giants-ridge/): SAM Magazine—Denver, April 2, 2026—SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia has joined Ikon Pass as a partner resort and Giants…
- [Indy Adds 7 Alpine, 3 Cross Country Ski Areas Ahead of Public Sales Period](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-adds-7-alpine-3-cross-country-ski-areas-ahead-of-public-sales-period/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, N.H., March 31, 2026—Indy Pass has added seven new alpine ski area partners in the Midwest, Alps, and…
- [Mont-Sainte-Anne Details Lift Replacements, Other Improvements](https://www.saminfo.com/mont-sainte-anne-details-lift-replacements-other-improvements/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Beaupré, Québec, March 31, 2026—Rendering of the new gondola cabins. Credit: Doppelmayr.Mont-Sainte-Anne has ordered three new lifts to replace…
- [Vail, Alterra Named in Antitrust Class Action over Pass Pricing](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-alterra-named-in-antitrust-class-action-over-pass-pricing/): SAM Magazine—Denver, Colo., March 27, 2026—Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company have been named in a federal antitrust class-action lawsuit…
- [Hansen Promoted to President and COO of Crystal Mountain (Wash.)](https://www.saminfo.com/hansen-promoted-to-president-and-coo-of-crystal-mountain-wash/): SAM Magazine—Pierce County, Wash., March 27, 2026—Linnea Hansen has been named the new president and COO of Washington’s Crystal Mountain, effective…
- [MCP Details $37.5M in Planned Capital Improvements](https://www.saminfo.com/mcp-details-37-5m-in-planned-capital-improvements/): SAM Magazine—Durango, Colo., March 27, 2026—Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) plans to invest more than $37.5 million in capital improvements across…
- [Berkshire East and Catamount Join Bear Den, New Mountain Alliance Formed](https://www.saminfo.com/berkshire-east-and-catamount-join-bear-den-new-mountain-alliance-formed/): SAM Magazine—Charlemont, Mass., March 23, 2026—Berkshire East and Catamount Resorts in Massachusetts have joined Bear Den Partners, formalizing an ownership…
- [Introducing the 2026 SAMMY Leadership Award Honorees](https://www.saminfo.com/introducing-the-2026-sammy-leadership-award-honorees/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., March 23, 2026—The SAMMY Leadership Award Class of 2026 includes four terrific leaders whose spheres of influence…
- [Gondola Cabin Falls at Swiss Ski Resort, Killing Passenger](https://www.saminfo.com/gondola-cabin-falls-at-swiss-ski-resort-killing-passenger/): SAM Magazine—Engelberg, Switzerland, March 18, 2026—A gondola cabin fell from the line this morning and tumbled down a slope at…
- [Western Destinations Lodging Trends Continued in February](https://www.saminfo.com/western-destinations-lodging-trends-continued-in-february/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., March 16, 2026—Fickle February snowfall led to significant disparities in winter occupancy between two different regions…
- [Mogensen Takes Full Ownership of Black Mountain (N.H.)](https://www.saminfo.com/mogensen-takes-full-ownership-of-black-mountain-n-h/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, N.H., March 12, 2026—Indy Pass director and Entabeni Systems CEO Erik Mogensen has bought out early investors to…
- [Smith to Step Down as Alterra CEO](https://www.saminfo.com/smith-to-step-down-as-alterra-ceo/): SAM Magazine—Denver, March 11, 2026—Jared Smith plans to step down from his role as chief executive officer of Alterra Mountain…
- [Vail Resorts Cites Mild Winter in Rockies for Tough Q2 Results](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-cites-mild-winter-in-rockies-for-tough-q2-results/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., March 10, 2026—Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz pointed to “the most difficult weather environment in the Rockies…
- [Utah’s Powder Mountain to Invest $40M in Public Side of Resort](https://www.saminfo.com/utahs-powder-mountain-to-invest-40m-in-public-side-of-resort/): SAM Magazine—Eden, Utah, March 10, 2026—SunDown Lodge RenderingPowder Mountain will invest $40 million in a terrain expansion and base-area improvements…
- [Riding High](https://www.saminfo.com/riding-high/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: New aerial transport systems can reshape the future of mountain towns.
- [Storing Snow Through the Summer](https://www.saminfo.com/storing-snow-through-the-summer/) [Snowmaking]: Once an oddity, storing snow from one season to the next is becoming a viable strategy. By the time the…
- [Oregon Legislature Passes Waiver Reform Bill](https://www.saminfo.com/oregon-legislature-passes-waiver-reform-bill/): SAM Magazine—Salem, Ore., March 6, 2026—Oregon State HouseOregon lawmakers finally passed a bill that strengthens the enforceability of liability waivers…
- [Mountain Spy :: First Tracks](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-first-tracks/) [Guest Services]: The Spy revisits calls from never-evers to celebrate 20 years of undercover missions.  It’s Mountain Spy’s 20th anniversary year, and…
- [From Pain Points to Payoff](https://www.saminfo.com/from-pain-points-to-payoff/) [Technology]: Six ski area case studies show how targeted tech investments moved the needle on operations, risk, and efficiency. At most…
- [Technology Temp Check](https://www.saminfo.com/technology-temp-check/) [Technology]: What ski areas are saying about software, systems, and strategy. Results from the 2025-26 SAM Technology Survey show ski areas…
- [2026 Groomer Report](https://www.saminfo.com/2026-groomer-report/) [Grooming]: Snowcat manufacturers continue to refine their machines and after-sale support. Within the steel and aluminum construction of grooming machines lives digital…
- [A Big Move for Antelope Butte](https://www.saminfo.com/a-big-move-for-antelope-butte/): Giving season passes to kids jumpstarted the nonprofit ski area’s road to financial viability. The early returns were decent at…
- [Strength in Stability](https://www.saminfo.com/strength-in-stability/): As visitation stabilizes at historic highs, the 2024-25 Economic Analysis shows ski areas strengthening margins, increasing per-visit revenue, and reinforcing balance…
- [Positive Friction](https://www.saminfo.com/positive-friction/): So-called frictionless service may not be all it’s cracked up to be.  Over the past decade, business consultants have touted the…
- [It’s Who You Know](https://www.saminfo.com/its-who-you-know/): Knowing the key people—internally and externally—is essential in managing emergency communications. Roughly 15 years ago, I was contacted by a Vermont…
- [Skiing  Doesn’t Come in a Box](https://www.saminfo.com/skiing-doesnt-come-in-a-box/): An argument for what truly makes the skiing experience special. For most of its history, the ski industry was never…
- [Betting on Snow?](https://www.saminfo.com/betting-on-snow/) [Snowmaking]: More snowmaking after a snow drought? By mid-February, winter in the West felt upside down. Rain had fallen at destination…
- [Over-Snow Vehicles](https://www.saminfo.com/over-snow-vehicles-2/) [Grooming]:  How the SAM “Groomer Report” began. Former SAM technical editor Nils Ericksen wrote an article called “Over-Snow Vehicles — a Survey”…
- [Ikon Pass Adds Partners, Benefits, and Other Changes for 2026-27](https://www.saminfo.com/ikon-pass-adds-partners-benefits-and-other-changes-for-2026-27/): SAM Magazine—DENVER, March 5, 2026—Alterra Mountain Company’s 2026-27 Ikon Pass suite of products goes on sale March 12 with new…
- [Mountain Collective Pass Adds Referral Bonus for 2026-27](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-collective-pass-adds-referral-bonus-for-2026-27/): SAM Magazine—Aspen, Colo., March 5, 2026—The 2026-27 Mountain Collective pass is on sale and has retained all the resort destinations…
- [Special Report: Schmitz Brothers Resorts, Big Business in the Heartland](https://www.saminfo.com/special-report-schmitz-brothers-resorts-big-business-in-the-heartland/): If it’s done strategically, Wisconsin resort leader Rick Schmitz sees ‘no better investment’ than owning the snow for greater Milwaukee…
- [Vail Resorts Adds Young Adult and Teen Epic Pass Options for 2026-27](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-adds-young-adult-and-teen-epic-pass-options-for-2026-27/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., March 4, 2026—Vail Resorts (VR) launched sales of the 2026-27 Epic Pass with new options for customers…
- [Pats Peak Snowmaking Expansion Includes Multifold Increases to Pumping Capacity, Water Storage](https://www.saminfo.com/pats-peak-snowmaking-expansion-includes-multifold-increases-to-pumping-capacity-water-storage/) [Snowmaking]: SAM Magazine—Henniker, N.H., March 3, 2026—Pats Peak will undergo a significant expansion of its snowmaking system this summer that will…
- [Pomerelle Sold to Longtime Mountain Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/pomerelle-sold-to-longtime-mountain-manager/): SAM Magazine—Albion, Idaho, March 3, 2026—Pomerelle Mountain Resort in southern Idaho has been sold to mountain manager Zach Alexander and…
- [Shanty Creek Acquired by New Ownership Group](https://www.saminfo.com/shanty-creek-acquired-by-new-ownership-group/): SAM Magazine—Bellaire, Mich., March 3, 2026—After more than 20 years of ownership, Trinidad Resort & Club, LLC, has sold Shanty…
- [Burke Mountain Revival Has Begun](https://www.saminfo.com/burke-mountain-revival-has-begun/): SAM Magazine—Burke, Vt., March 2, 2026—Gabe Porter Henry leads an on hill tour.After nearly a decade in receivership, Vermont’s Burke…
- [Kissing Bridge Hires Matt Thomas as General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/kissing-bridge-hires-matt-thomas-as-general-manager/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Glenwood, N.Y., March 2, 2026—Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort has hired Matt Thomas as its new general manager. Thomas…
- [ORDA Commits $15.9 Million for Upgrades at Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre](https://www.saminfo.com/orda-commits-15-9-million-for-upgrades-at-whiteface-gore-and-belleayre/): SAM Magazine—Lake Placid, N.Y., Feb. 25, 2026—The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) board of directors approved $15.9…
- [Indy Pass Adds 16 Partners, Launches Auto-Renewal Requirement for 2026-27 Sales](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-pass-adds-16-partners-launches-auto-renewal-requirement-for-2026-27-sales/): SAM Magazine—Granby, Colo., Feb. 25, 2026—Indy Pass has added 16 new alpine and cross-country ski area partners and will open…
- [Snow People — January 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-people-january-2026/): In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to…
- [Transformative Big Sky Leader Taylor Middleton Dies at 68](https://www.saminfo.com/transformative-big-sky-leader-taylor-middleton-dies-at-68/): SAM Magazine—Big Sky, Mont., Feb. 23, 2026—Taylor Middleton, the longtime Big Sky Resort executive who led the Montana destination through…
- [Alterra Names Flueck as Chief Customer Officer, Ikon Pass President](https://www.saminfo.com/alterra-names-flueck-as-chief-customer-officer-ikon-pass-president/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Denver, Feb. 18, 2026—Alterra Mountain Company has appointed David Flueck as chief customer officer and president, Ikon Pass. Flueck…
- [Presidents’ Day Weekend 2026: A Holiday of Extremes](https://www.saminfo.com/presidents-day-weekend-2026-a-holiday-of-extremes/): SAM Magazine—Happy Valley, Ore., Feb. 18, 2026—Loveland's Annual Mountaintop Matrimony.From record-breaking revenues in the East to "miracle" snowfalls in the…
- [Special Report: Sundance: Revival in Redford’s Shadow](https://www.saminfo.com/special-report-sundance-revival-in-redfords-shadow/): This rustic, soulful resort is an anomaly, but the well-capitalized, strategic rebirth of Robert Redford’s legacy is chock full of…
- [Little Switzerland to Invest $4 Million on Two New Chairlifts](https://www.saminfo.com/little-switzerland-to-invest-4-million-on-two-new-chairlifts/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Slinger Wis., Feb. 16, 2026—Little Switzerland Ski Area will install two new Skytrac quad chairlifts this summer to replace…
- [January Lodging a Tale of Two Regions in West](https://www.saminfo.com/january-lodging-a-tale-of-two-regions-in-west/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., Feb. 16, 2026—While severely dry conditions and warm temperatures took a serious toll on mountain lodging…
- [Powderhorn Launches Limited Three-Year Pass Tied to 60th Anniversary, Lift Investment](https://www.saminfo.com/powderhorn-launches-limited-three-year-pass-tied-to-60th-anniversary-lift-investment/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: SAM Magazine—Mesa, Colo., Feb. 11, 2026—Rendering of the new Wild West Express lift.As it approaches its 60th anniversary season, Powderhorn…
- [Bear Den Partners Acquires Majority Ownership of Smugglers’ Notch](https://www.saminfo.com/bear-den-partners-acquires-majority-ownership-of-smugglers-notch/): SAM Magazine—Jeffersonville, Vt., Feb. 11, 2026—Bear Den Partners has acquired a majority ownership interest in Smugglers’ Notch Resort from Bill…
- [Attendance Up at NSAA Eastern Conference](https://www.saminfo.com/attendance-up-at-nsaa-eastern-conference/): SAM Magazine—Killington, Vt., Feb. 9, 2026—Colleagues took time to connect sharing stories and highlights from the season. A banner winter…
- [Oregon’s Snow Drought Leads to Indefinite Closures](https://www.saminfo.com/oregons-snow-drought-leads-to-indefinite-closures/): SAM Magazine—Happy Valley, Ore., Feb. 6, 2026—Mt. Ashland Ski AreaThe historic snow drought gripping the Pacific Northwest claimed more operational…
- [The 2026 I Am a Snowmaker Contest Winner](https://www.saminfo.com/the-2026-i-am-a-snowmaker-contest-winner/): SAM Magazine—Killington, Vt., Feb. 3, 2026—Nearly 7,500 total votes were cast for the six competing snowmaking teams during the 13-day…
- [Andrew Nicolas Appointed CEO of Prinoth U.S. Snow Grooming Division](https://www.saminfo.com/andrew-nicolas-appointed-ceo-of-prinoth-u-s-snow-grooming-division/) [Grooming]: SAM Magazine—Tooele, Utah, Jan. 26, 2026—Prinoth named Andrew Nicolas as CEO of its U.S. snow grooming division in December. In…
- [Jack Frost Big Boulder Appoints Tony Torsell as General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/jack-frost-big-boulder-appoints-tony-torsell-as-general-manager/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Blakeslee, Pa., Jan. 23, 2026—Vail Resorts has hired Tony Torsell as general manager of Jack Frost Big Boulder, effective…
- [Le Massif to Reopen After Reaching Agreement with Workers’ Union](https://www.saminfo.com/le-massif-to-reopen-after-reaching-agreement-with-workers-union/): SAM Magazine—Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Jan. 23, 2026—Unionized workers returned to work today and Le Massif de Charlevoix will reopen for winter operations…
- [Feast, Famine Conditions Shape MLK Business](https://www.saminfo.com/feast-famine-conditions-shape-mlk-business/): SAM Magazine—Happy Valley, Ore., Jan. 21, 2026—MassanuttenThe 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend presented a stark geographical divide across…
- [$100M Investment, Major Changes Coming to Mont-Sainte-Anne](https://www.saminfo.com/100m-investment-major-changes-coming-to-mont-sainte-anne/): SAM Magazine—Beaupré, Quebec, Jan. 21, 2026—Mont-Sainte-Anne and operator Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) have reached an agreement with the…
- [Boyne Resorts Launches Independent Charitable Foundation](https://www.saminfo.com/boyne-resorts-launches-independent-charitable-foundation/): SAM Magazine—Boyne Falls, Mich., Jan. 21, 2026—Boyne Resorts has launched the Boyne Forever Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) public charity that…
- [Le Massif Closes Indefinitely as Workers Strike Continues](https://www.saminfo.com/le-massif-closes-indefinitely-as-workers-strike-continues/): SAM Magazine—Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Quebec, Jan. 20, 2026—Le Massif de Charlevoix has closed for a second time amid an ongoing, indefinite strike…
- [Snowvana Adds New England to 2026 Lineup](https://www.saminfo.com/snowvana-adds-new-england-to-2026-lineup/): SAM Magazine—Bend, Ore., Jan. 20, 2026—Snowvana will make its East Coast debut when the consumer ski and snowboard expo comes…
- [2026 “I AM a Snowmaker” Voting is Now Open](https://www.saminfo.com/2026-i-am-a-snowmaker-voting-is-now-open/) [Snowmaking]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Jan. 20, 2026—Online voting for the videos produced by six chosen ski areas competing in the 2026…
- [NSAA 2026 Western Conference Draws Nearly 700](https://www.saminfo.com/nsaa-2026-western-conference-draws-nearly-700/): SAM Magazine—Snowbird, Utah, Jan. 16, 2026—NSAA president Mike Reitzell and Snowbird president Dave Fields at the first track breakfast.A challenging…
- [Season Opened Slowly at Most Western Destinations](https://www.saminfo.com/season-opened-slowly-at-most-western-destinations/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., Jan. 16, 2026—Low snowfall led to a lackluster December for mountain town lodging operations across most…
- [Andrew Gast Tapped as Eldora President and GM](https://www.saminfo.com/andrew-gast-tapped-as-eldora-president-and-gm/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Nederland, Colo., Jan. 16, 2026—Powdr Corp. has hired Andrew Gast to serve as president and general manager of Eldora…
- [Vail Resorts See 20 Percent Drop in Visits Through New Year’s Holiday](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-see-20-percent-drop-in-visits-through-new-years-holiday/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Jan. 15, 2026—Skier visits for Vail Resorts (VR) destinations were down 20 percent for the season through…
- [Jackson Hole Ski Patrol Vote Against Unionization Remains Unresolved After Ballot Challenges](https://www.saminfo.com/jackson-hole-ski-patrol-vote-against-unionization-remains-unresolved-after-ballot-challenges/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, Wyo., Jan. 13, 2026—Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrollers voted against unionizing in a National Labor Relations Board…
- [Nederland Board Moves Forward on Eldora Mountain Resort Acquisition](https://www.saminfo.com/nederland-board-moves-forward-on-eldora-mountain-resort-acquisition/): SAM Magazine—Nederland, Colo., Jan. 13, 2026—The Town of Nederland’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted Jan. 6 to approve an asset…
- [Live Sessions Set for 2026 Ski Resort AI Bootcamp](https://www.saminfo.com/live-sessions-set-for-2026-ski-resort-ai-bootcamp/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Jan. 13, 2026—The Ski Resort AI Bootcamp will return in 2026 with four new virtual live sessions…
- [Telluride Patrol Union Approves New Contract](https://www.saminfo.com/telluride-patrol-union-approves-new-contract/): SAM Magazine—Telluride, Colo., Jan. 9, 2026—The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol union, on strike since Dec. 27, accepted the latest offer…
- [Special Report: Swiss Valley: A Michiana Revival](https://www.saminfo.com/special-report-swiss-valley-a-michiana-revival/): On the cusp of turning 65, the Wiseman family’s Swiss Valley has done more than persevere, it's found a Perfect…
- [Holiday Business Boomed in East, Midwest and Canada, Went Bust in West](https://www.saminfo.com/holiday-business-boomed-in-east-midwest-and-canada-went-bust-in-west/): SAM Magazine—Happy Valley, Ore., Jan. 8, 2026—Killington Resort The two-week 2025-26 holiday period was a tale of haves vs. have-nots.…
- [Minnesota Ski Areas Generated $359 Million Economic Impact in Winter 2024-25](https://www.saminfo.com/minnesota-ski-areas-generated-359-million-economic-impact-in-winter-2024-25/): SAM Magazine—St. Paul, Minn., Jan. 7, 2026—Minnesota’s 18 operating ski areas generated $359.1 million in total economic value to the…
- [Special Report: SAM Technology Survey Shows Tech’s Rising Strategic Role at Ski Resorts](https://www.saminfo.com/special-report-sam-technology-survey-shows-techs-rising-strategic-role-at-ski-resorts/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Jan. 7, 2026—Resorts are investing more in technology and increasingly treating it as a strategic priority, according…
- [Telluride Partially Reopens as Patrol Strike Continues](https://www.saminfo.com/telluride-partially-reopens-as-patrol-strike-continues/): SAM Magazine—Telluride, Colo., Jan. 5, 2026—After nine days of the resort being closed entirely during a strike by its unionized…
- [Le Massif Shuttered with Workers’ Strike, Partial Reopening Planned](https://www.saminfo.com/le-massif-shuttered-with-workers-strike-partial-reopening-planned/): SAM Magazine—Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Quebec, Jan. 5, 2026—Following the expiration of their collective agreement, roughly 300 union-represented employees at Le Massif de…
- [What’s New in Rental Gear for 2026-27](https://www.saminfo.com/whats-new-in-rental-gear-for-2026-27/) [Rental & Retail]: Suppliers balance innovation and consistency in the latest rental gear as rentals claim a bigger share of the market. The…
- [Back Down to Earth](https://www.saminfo.com/back-down-to-earth/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: Tariffs and inflation were among the primary causes for a dip in North American lift installations. Lift construction returned to…
- [Wild Weather Tees Up Tumultuous Start to Holiday Ski Season](https://www.saminfo.com/wild-weather-tees-up-tumultuous-start-to-holiday-ski-season/): ​SAM Magazine—Happy Valley, Ore., Dec. 30, 2025—Jay PeakExtreme and erratic weather defined the first week of the 2025 Christmas-to-New Year…
- [Mountain Spy :: January 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-january-2026/) [Guest Services]: The Spy reopens the case files to celebrate 20 years of undercover calls.  This year is the 20th anniversary of…
- [Winter Widows: A Survival Guide](https://www.saminfo.com/winter-widows-a-survival-guide/): A look at the realities and joys of loving someone married to the mountain. I met my husband in the White…
- [Where Climate Meets Community](https://www.saminfo.com/where-climate-meets-community/) [Sustainability]: Mountain communities are facing climate impacts on multiple fronts, and ski areas are responding with climate strategies that scale outward.…
- [Keeping Track in Rental](https://www.saminfo.com/keeping-track-in-rental/) [Rental & Retail]: Rental departments generate a lot of data. Here’s how three ski areas stay on top of it all. Rental shops…
- [Avalanche Kills Mammoth Mountain Ski Patroller](https://www.saminfo.com/avalanche-kills-mammoth-mountain-ski-patroller/): SAM Magazine—Mono County, Calif., Dec. 29, 2025—A 30-year-old Mammoth Mountain ski patroller died Sunday from injuries sustained in an avalanche…
- [Global Trends in Summer Ops](https://www.saminfo.com/global-trends-in-summer-ops/) [Summer Operations]: An expert look at what summer travelers want and what’s working at mountain destinations worldwide.  As traveler expectations evolve— shaped…
- [Under New Ownership](https://www.saminfo.com/under-new-ownership/): Is it up to the independents to determine the future health of skiing? A handful of intriguing ownership models have…
- [Idea Files :: January 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/idea-files-january-2026/): An all-Canada edition with a custom Panther mixer; hands-free water stations; and a downspout boot dryer. Panther Mixer Castle Mountain,…
- [Education for the Real World](https://www.saminfo.com/education-for-the-real-world/) [Leadership]: As enrollment dips, SAM degree and certificate programs are modernizing curriculum and evolving in step with the industry to keep the…
- [Rope Tow Renaissance](https://www.saminfo.com/rope-tow-renaissance/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: Speed, culture, and economics are pushing resorts to reconsider the most old-school lift on the mountain. It was a cold…
- [Safety Culture Pays Off](https://www.saminfo.com/safety-culture-pays-off/) [Risk & Safety]: How an employee-led safety committee at Holiday Valley has made measurable impacts on culture and the bottom line.  In 2017,…
- [Telluride Resort to Close in Response to Planned Patrol Strike](https://www.saminfo.com/telluride-resort-to-close-in-response-to-planned-patrol-strike/): SAM Magazine—Telluride, Colo., Dec. 26, 2025 [Updated 12/29/25]—After months of contract negotiations, the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association (TPSPA) authorized…
- [Menus That Tell a Better Story](https://www.saminfo.com/menus-that-tell-a-better-story/) [Food & Beverage]: Menus work best when treated as a strategic communication tool, not an afterthought. This is Part 2 of a three-part…
- [Marketing the Magic](https://www.saminfo.com/marketing-the-magic/) [Marketing & Sales]: Resorts are embracing emotion-driven marketing, inspiring guests via video, social posts, and unique mountain activities. Ski resorts are adapting marketing…
- [The Olympic Bump](https://www.saminfo.com/the-olympic-bump-2/): Every four years, the Winter Olympics play on the TVs of millions of Americans. Can you guess which sport gets…
- [The Cost of Efficiency is Authenticity](https://www.saminfo.com/the-cost-of-efficiency-is-authenticity/) [Technology]: A fearful marketer’s view on AI. I am a one-person marketing department at a relatively small family-owned ski area. That…
- [Washington Recreation Groups Issue Joint Winter Recreation Update](https://www.saminfo.com/washington-recreation-groups-issue-joint-winter-recreation-update/): SAM Magazine—Wenatchee, Wash., Dec. 19, 2025—After major storms brought torrential rain and damaging winds that washed out roads and depleted…
- [Contract Negotiations Set to Resume Between Telluride Resort and Patrol Union](https://www.saminfo.com/contract-negotiations-set-to-resume-between-telluride-resort-and-patrol-union/): SAM Magazine—Telluride, Colo., Dec. 19, 2025—Communication between Telluride Resort and the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association (TPSPA) will resume following…
- [Report Details Economic Impact and Visitor Demographics of Idaho Ski Areas](https://www.saminfo.com/report-details-economic-impact-and-visitor-demographics-of-idaho-ski-areas/): SAM Magazine—Kellogg, Idaho, Dec. 17, 2025—Idaho ski areas recorded 2.4 million skier visits in 2024-25, the fifth straight season with…
- [Weather and Economy Hit Western Lodging Results](https://www.saminfo.com/weather-and-economy-hit-western-lodging-results/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo. Dec. 16, 2025—Below average snowfall and faltering consumer confidence negatively impacted November booking activity at Western…
- [Flooding Shuts Down Washington and Oregon Ski Areas; Federal Emergency Declared](https://www.saminfo.com/flooding-shuts-down-washington-and-oregon-ski-areas-federal-emergency-declared/): SAM Magazine—Seattle, Wash., Dec. 16, 2025—A series of severe atmospheric rivers beginning on Dec. 9 brought the Pacific Northwest ski…
- [Quebec Order Prevents Mont-Sainte-Anne from Opening Lifts to Start Season](https://www.saminfo.com/quebec-order-prevents-mont-sainte-anne-from-opening-lifts-to-start-season/): SAM Magazine—Beaupré, Quebec, Dec. 15, 2025—Quebec regulators have ordered the closure of four aerial lifts at Mont-Sainte-Anne (MSA), postponing the…
- [Snow People – December 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-people-december-2025/): In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to…
- [The 2025 SAM Terrain Park Contest Winners](https://www.saminfo.com/the-2025-sam-terrain-park-contest-winners/) [Grooming]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Dec. 11, 2025—The 20th SAM Terrain Park Contest saw 40 percent more votes than last year and…
- [Vail Resorts Q1 2026 Report: Steady Business, More Marketing](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-q1-2026-report-steady-business-more-marketing/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Dec. 11, 2025—Vail Resorts reported 4 percent year-over-year resort net revenue growth in the 2026 fiscal first…
- [Club Med Tremblant to Open in 2028](https://www.saminfo.com/club-med-tremblant-to-open-in-2028/): SAM Magazine—Mont-Tremblant, Québec, Dec. 9, 2025—Mont-Tremblant will be home to a new ski in, ski out Club Med resort in…
- [Vail Resorts Loosens Advance-Purchase Lift Ticket Window](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-loosens-advance-purchase-lift-ticket-window/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Dec. 9, 2025—Vail Resorts will now offer skiers and riders a discount on lift tickets purchased four…
- [Sky Tavern Names Chris “Toph” Brown as New CEO](https://www.saminfo.com/sky-tavern-names-chris-toph-brown-as-new-ceo/): SAM Magazine—Reno, Nev., Dec. 2, 2025—The Sky Tavern board of directors has appointed Chris "Toph" Brown as the Nevada ski…
- [Black Mountain, Town of Jackson Reach Settlement](https://www.saminfo.com/black-mountain-town-of-jackson-reach-settlement/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, N.H., Dec. 1, 2025—Black Mountain and the Town of Jackson have reached a settlement, ending a months-long clash…
- [Megève Ski Area Joins Ikon Pass](https://www.saminfo.com/megeve-ski-area-joins-ikon-pass/): SAM Magazine—Haute-Savoie, France, Dec. 1, 2025—Alterra Mountain Company added France’s Megève Ski Area as an Ikon Pass partner for 2025-26.…
- [Pacific Group Resorts Acquires SilverStar](https://www.saminfo.com/pacific-group-resorts-acquires-silverstar/): SAM Magazine—Vernon, British Columbia, Nov. 25, 2025—Pacific Group Resorts (PGR) has acquired SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon, British Columbia, from…
- [Vail Resorts Taps Lululemon Executive Burgoyne as CRO](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-taps-lululemon-executive-burgoyne-as-cro/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Nov. 25, 2025—Vail Resorts has appointed Celeste Burgoyne as executive vice president and chief revenue officer, effective…
- [CDA Wins 25-Year Contract Renewal to Operate La Plagne](https://www.saminfo.com/cda-wins-25-year-contract-renewal-to-operate-la-plagne/): SAM Magazine—Paris, Nov. 25, 2025—After a competitive tender process, Compagnie des Alpes (CDA) has secured a new 25-year Public Service…
- [Mad River Glen Exercises Right to Buy 1,100 Acres Surrounding the Ski Area](https://www.saminfo.com/mad-river-glen-exercises-right-to-buy-1-100-acres-surrounding-the-ski-area/): SAM Magazine—Waitsfield, Vt., Nov. 24, 2025—The Mad River Glen co-op board of trustees voted unanimously to exercise its right of…
- [Wisconsin’s Whitecap Mountains Files for Bankruptcy](https://www.saminfo.com/wisconsins-whitecap-mountains-files-for-bankruptcy/): SAM Magazine—Upson, Wis., Nov. 24, 2025—Whitecap Mountains Resort has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for…
- [Jackson Hole Ski Patrol Files Petition to Unionize](https://www.saminfo.com/jackson-hole-ski-patrol-files-petition-to-unionize/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, Wyo., Nov. 21, 2025—Ninety-three percent of eligible Jackson Hole Ski Patrol employees backed a petition filed with the…
- [Special Report: Nederland’s Eldora Purchase: Brave But Risky Business](https://www.saminfo.com/special-report-nederlands-eldora-purchase-brave-but-risky-business/): The town of Nederland’s efforts to buy neighboring Eldora Mountain Resort, with the support of an advisory group called 303…
- [Winter Lodging Trends Mirror Summer for Western Destinations](https://www.saminfo.com/winter-lodging-trends-mirror-summer-for-western-destinations/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo. Nov. 20, 2025—The 2025 summer season closed on Oct. 31 in better shape than it started…
- [Snowbound and Snowvana Draw Good Crowds, Future Changes Ahead](https://www.saminfo.com/snowbound-and-snowvana-draw-good-crowds-future-changes-ahead/): SAM Magazine—Boston, Mass., Nov. 19, 2025—The stalwart consumer ski and snowboard shows still play an important—and in some cases a…
- [Porter-Henry Named as Burke Mountain General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/porter-henry-named-as-burke-mountain-general-manager/): SAM Magazine—East Burke, Vt., Nov. 19, 2025—Burke Mountain Resort has named industry veteran Gabe Porter-Henry as its new general manager,…
- [Eastern Ski Areas Opening, Delayed Openings in the West](https://www.saminfo.com/eastern-ski-areas-opening-delayed-openings-in-the-west/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., November 19, 2025—More than a dozen North American ski areas have opened for the season, some for…
- [Breckenridge Ski Patrol Union Reaches Tentative Deal with Resort, Averting Strike](https://www.saminfo.com/breckenridge-ski-patrol-union-reaches-tentative-deal-with-resort-averting-strike/): SAM Magazine—Breckenridge, Colo., Nov. 17, 2025—The Breckenridge Ski Patrol Union (BSPU) and Vail Resorts reached a tentative agreement after a…
- [Vail Resorts Partners with Uber on New Ski-Trip Service](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-partners-with-uber-on-new-ski-trip-service/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Nov. 17, 2025—Vail Resorts has partnered with Uber on a new “Uber Ski” service that bundles ride-hail…
- [Black Mountain Files Federal Suit After Town Board Revokes Liquor Approval](https://www.saminfo.com/black-mountain-files-federal-suit-after-town-board-revokes-liquor-approval/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, N.H., Nov. 17, 2025—Black Mountain has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Town of Jackson selectboard of unlawfully…
- [Sommet Saint-Sauveur First to Open for Lift-Served Skiing in East as Midwest, South Get Started](https://www.saminfo.com/sommet-saint-sauveur-first-to-open-for-lift-served-skiing-in-east-as-midwest-south-get-started/): SAM Magazine—Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, Nov. 11, 2025—Sommet Saint-Sauveur began making snow in earnest on Nov. 6 and got enough down to…
- [Killington Commits $100K in Hurricane Relief for Jamaican Staff, Unveils New ‘Upward & Outward’ Initiative](https://www.saminfo.com/killington-commits-100k-in-hurricane-relief-for-jamaican-staff-unveils-new-upward-outward-initiative/): SAM Magazine—Killington, Vt., Nov. 7, 2025—Killington Resort / Pico Mountain has launched a new charitable and sustainability program, Upward & Outward,…
- [Ragged Mountain Sold to Local Investor Group](https://www.saminfo.com/ragged-mountain-sold-to-local-investor-group/): SAM Magazine—Danbury, N.H., Nov. 6, 2025— SF Mountain Co., LLC (SFMC), a group of local investors with lifelong ties to…
- [Brandi Hammon Named President of Powder Mountain](https://www.saminfo.com/brandi-hammon-named-president-of-powder-mountain/): SAM Magazine—Huntsville, Utah, Nov. 5, 2025—Powder Mountain has appointed Brandi Hammon as president, overseeing all resort operations, real estate, and…
- [White Pine Appoints Adams and Bevilacqua to Lead Resort Operations](https://www.saminfo.com/white-pine-appoints-adams-and-bevilacqua-to-lead-resort-operations/): SAM Magazine—Pinedale, Wyo., Nov. 4, 2025 —White Pine Ski Resort has named Dalan Adams as general manager and Austin Bevilacqua as assistant general manager.Dalan Adams…
- [Six Snowmaking Teams Selected for 2026 “I AM a Snowmaker”](https://www.saminfo.com/six-snowmaking-teams-selected-for-2026-i-am-a-snowmaker/) [Snowmaking]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., November 4, 2025—Teams from Boyne Mountain, Mich.; Burke Mountain, Vt.; Killington Resort, Vt.; Poley Mountain, New Brunswick;…
- [Indy Pass Reports Jump in Sales, Redemptions](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-pass-reports-jump-in-sales-redemptions/): SAM Magazine—New York City, Oct. 30, 2025—Indy Pass director Erik Mogensen speaks during the Indy Pass press event.The number of…
- [Terrain Park Contest 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/terrain-park-contest-2025/) [Grooming]: Commitment to the craft rings clear in SAM's 20th Terrain Park Contest.
- [Saddleback, Big Sky Tops in SKI Reader Survey](https://www.saminfo.com/saddleback-big-sky-tops-in-ski-reader-survey/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Oct. 28, 2025—The results from the 2026 SKI Reader Resort Survey put Saddleback, Maine, ranked top in…
- [Perks of Employment](https://www.saminfo.com/perks-of-employment/) [Leadership]: Resorts share their winning and valued benefits, recognition programs, and other morale boosters. A nice benefits package can help attract…
- [Construction Site :: November 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/construction-site-november-2025/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: From new (and big) lifts to renovations, terrain expansions, and snowmaking upgrades, these major projects were nearing completion as winter grew closer. …
- [The Power of Personality-scaping](https://www.saminfo.com/the-power-of-personality-scaping/) [Marketing & Sales]: How to turn your mission, voice, and story into a mountain brand that stands apart in a world of sameness. For guests…
- [The Mountains Are for Everyone](https://www.saminfo.com/the-mountains-are-for-everyone/) [Accessibility]: From improved staff training to quiet rooms, ski areas across North America are prioritizing accessibility and inclusion.  For years, adaptive…
- [Go Time: Early Season Snowmaking](https://www.saminfo.com/go-time-early-season-snowmaking/) [Snowmaking]: The right equipment, a well-aligned plan, and an engaged team help resorts get open quickly and efficiently. Snow guns roared…
- [Thinking Thoroughly, By Design](https://www.saminfo.com/thinking-thoroughly-by-design/): Some problems just can’t be solved with a quick fix. For these sticky wickets, design thinking can be the solution. …
- [Mountain Spy :: November 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-november-2025/) [Guest Services]: The Spy asks: “I’m coming for your (beer) festival. Is Uber available for a ride home?” A lot of ski…
- [Capex Under OBBB … and Beyond](https://www.saminfo.com/capex-under-obbb-and-beyond/): The OBBB extended some useful provisions for business, but tariffs, inflation, and borrowing costs make budgeting complicated. When we first started reporting…
- [Linda Goodspeed,  Longtime SAM Contributor, Says Farewell](https://www.saminfo.com/linda-goodspeed-longtime-sam-contributor-says-farewell/): A longtime SAM writer bids farewell. After 35-plus years contributing to SAM, I have decided to finally hang up my…
- [Pre-Season Pep Talk](https://www.saminfo.com/pre-season-pep-talk/) [Mountain Ops]: Pre-season pep talks from industry leaders. The busy (never say frantic or scrambling) lead-up to opening day is an exciting…
- [Keystone Wins Race to Open on 90 Minutes Notice](https://www.saminfo.com/keystone-wins-race-to-open-on-90-minutes-notice/): SAM Magazine—Keystone, Colo., Oct 27, 2025—On Saturday morning, Arapahoe Basin announced it would open for the season Sunday at 8:30…
- [MT2030 Summit Brings Mountain Communities to Breckenridge for Climate Action](https://www.saminfo.com/mt2030-summit-brings-mountain-communities-to-breckenridge-for-climate-action/) [Sustainability]: SAM Magazine—Breckenridge, Colo., Oct. 23, 2025—Six-hundred mountain community stakeholders gathered in Breckenridge, Colo., for the Mountain Towns 2030 Climate Solutions Summit,…
- [Early Turns and Snow Guns Signal Start of the 2025-26 Season](https://www.saminfo.com/early-turns-and-snow-guns-signal-start-of-the-2025-26-season/) [Snowmaking]: SAM Magazine—Shrewsbury, Mass., Oct. 22, 2025—The first turns of the 2025-26 season are in the books. Ski Ward in Massachusetts…
- [Camelback Names New Leaders](https://www.saminfo.com/camelback-names-new-leaders/): SAM Magazine—Tannersville, Pa., Oct. 21, 2025—Camelback Resort has appointed two veteran hospitality executives to lead the year-round Poconos destination.Jason Bays…
- [Ikon Pass Expands Access in Asia with Nine New Destinations](https://www.saminfo.com/ikon-pass-expands-access-in-asia-with-nine-new-destinations/): SAM Magazine—Denver, Colo., Oct. 21, 2025—The Ikon Pass will significantly expand its footprint in Asia for winter 2025-26, adding nine…
- [Killington Plans $22M in Improvements for 2026](https://www.saminfo.com/killington-plans-22m-in-improvements-for-2026/): SAM Magazine—Killington, Vt., Oct. 17, 2025—Killington Resort plans to invest $22 million in on-mountain infrastructure next year, including a new…
- [Southern Hemisphere Results Mixed for 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/southern-hemisphere-results-mixed-for-2025/): SAM Magazine—Perisher Valley, Australia, Oct. 14, 2025—The Southern Hemisphere’s 2025 season has ended, with a mix of winners and losers,…
- [Price Sensitivity Is Limiting Growth at Western Destinations](https://www.saminfo.com/price-sensitivity-is-limiting-growth-at-western-destinations/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., Oct. 14, 2025—The summer season at Western mountain destinations (May-October) appears set to finish slightly up…
- [SAM Names 2025–26 Summit Series Mentors and Mentees](https://www.saminfo.com/sam-names-2025-26-summit-series-mentors-and-mentees/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Oct. 14, 2025—The Summit Series returns this fall with a new class of mentors, mentees, and a…
- [Timberline Prices to Rise Due to Oregon’s ‘Broken’ Liability System](https://www.saminfo.com/timberline-prices-to-rise-due-to-oregons-broken-liability-system/): SAM Magazine—Government Camp, Ore., Oct. 9, 2025—As insurers exit Oregon and available insurance premiums skyrocket in response to the state’s…
- [2026 I AM a Snowmaker Contest Nominations Now Open](https://www.saminfo.com/2026-i-am-a-snowmaker-contest-nominations-now-open/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Oct. 8, 2025—Nominations are now open for the 11th annual “I AM a Snowmaker” contest, hosted by…
- [Khara Benoit Appointed GM at Whaleback Mountain](https://www.saminfo.com/khara-benoit-appointed-gm-at-whaleback-mountain/): SAM Magazine—Enfield, N.H., Oct. 3, 2025—Whaleback Mountain has named Khara Benoit as its new general manager. Benoit has spent the past four…
- [Snow People – October 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-people-october-2025/) [Leadership]: In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to…
- [Year-End Results for Vail Resorts Signal Changes Ahead](https://www.saminfo.com/year-end-results-for-vail-resorts-signal-changes-ahead/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Sept. 30, 2025—In his comments about Vail Resorts’ fourth quarter and full year results reported yesterday, CEO…
- [Tech, Collaboration, and Big Ideas at Mountain Technology Symposium](https://www.saminfo.com/tech-collaboration-and-big-ideas-at-mountain-technology-symposium/): SAM Magazine—Tannersville, Pa., Sept. 29, 2025—Nearly 160 ski area and supplier personnel descended on Camelback Resort last week for the…
- [Snow Triple Play Pass Partners with Mountain Collective, Adds Kissing Bridge](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-triple-play-pass-partners-with-mountain-collective-adds-kissing-bridge/): SAM Magazine—Montville, N.J., Sept. 26, 2025—Snow Partners, parent company of Mountain Creek Resort, Big Snow American Dream, and the Snow…
- [Powderhorn to Install Refurbished Detachable Quad for 2026-27](https://www.saminfo.com/powderhorn-to-install-refurbished-detachable-quad-for-2026-27/): SAM Magazine—Mesa, Colo., Sept. 25, 2025—Subject to approval of the U.S. Forest Service, Powderhorn Mountain Resort will replace the 1972…
- [Fire Destroys Sugarbush Resort Golf Clubhouse](https://www.saminfo.com/fire-destroys-sugarbush-resort-golf-clubhouse/): SAM Magazine—Warren, Vt., Sept. 25, 2025—A fire late Wednesday night destroyed the clubhouse at Sugarbush Resort Golf Club, which housed…
- [Industry Veteran Greg Fisher Named General Manager of Little Switzerland](https://www.saminfo.com/industry-veteran-greg-fisher-named-general-manager-of-little-switzerland/): SAM Magazine—Slinger, Wis., Sept. 24, 2025—Schmitz Brothers Resorts has hired longtime ski industry leader Greg Fisher as the new general…
- [Les Sommets Appoints Three to Executive Team](https://www.saminfo.com/les-sommets-appoints-three-to-executive-team/): SAM Magazine—Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, Sept. 23, 2025—Les Sommets, which owns and operates five resorts in Quebec, has promoted three long-standing employees…
- [Black Mountain Community Corp Closes on Ski Area Land Acquisition](https://www.saminfo.com/black-mountain-community-corp-closes-on-ski-area-land-acquisition/): SAM Magazine—Jackson, N.H., Sept. 23, 2025—After Indy Pass and Entabeni Systems acquired the Black Mountain ski area business and its…
- [Ski NY/PORA Expo Draws 350 to Holiday Valley for Networking, Education](https://www.saminfo.com/ski-ny-pora-expo-draws-350-to-holiday-valley-for-networking-education/): SAM Magazine—Ellicottville, N.Y., Sept. 18, 2025—L to R: Brandon Quinn from GetSkiBots, NSAA's Earl Saline, Ski Big Bear (Pa.) GM…
- [Park City Bike Patrol Votes to Unionize After Summer Campaign](https://www.saminfo.com/park-city-bike-patrol-votes-to-unionize-after-summer-campaign/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Park City, Utah, September 17, 2025—On Aug. 28, Park City Mountain bike patrollers voted to unionize with the Communications Workers…
- [Indy Pass to End Sales Sept. 18, Adds Final Resorts](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-pass-to-end-sales-sept-18-adds-final-resorts/): SAM Magazine—Granby, Colo., Sept. 16, 2025—Indy Pass will end sales for the 2025-26 season at midnight on Thursday, Sept. 18,…
- [U.S. Ski & Snowboard HOF Names Class of 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/u-s-ski-snowboard-hof-names-class-of-2025/): SAM Magazine—Ishpeming, Mich., Sept. 16, 2025—The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame has named eight to its Class of…
- [Booking Pace Slips in August, Summer and Winter Show Rate Sensitivity](https://www.saminfo.com/booking-pace-slips-in-august-summer-and-winter-show-rate-sensitivity/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., Sept. 12, 2025— Western mountain lodging operators kept summer revenues in positive territory despite a softer August…
- [Indy Pass Partners with Winter Sports Retailers to Add New Pass Benefits](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-pass-partners-with-winter-sports-retailers-to-add-new-pass-benefits/): SAM Magazine—Granby, Colo., Sept. 11, 2025—Indy Pass has partnered with the independent ski and snowboard retailers association Winter Sports Retailers…
- [New England Summit Helps Ski Areas Prep for Winter 2025-26](https://www.saminfo.com/new-england-summit-helps-ski-areas-prep-for-winter-2025-26/): SAM Magazine—Portland, Maine, Sept. 10, 2025—Ski Maine hosted the annual New England Summit in Portland this year, bringing approximately 320…
- [Alterra Commits $400M to Resort Upgrades, Employee Housing for 2025-26](https://www.saminfo.com/alterra-commits-400m-to-resort-upgrades-employee-housing-for-2025-26/): SAM Magazine—Denver, Sept. 10, 2025 — Alterra Mountain Company is spending more than $400 million on capital projects, guest amenities, and…
- [Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Invests $6 Million in Tubing Center and Snowmaking for 2025-26 Season](https://www.saminfo.com/mt-rose-ski-tahoe-invests-6-million-in-tubing-center-and-snowmaking-for-2025-26-season/): SAM Magazine—Reno, Nev., Sept. 10, 2025—Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has invested $6 million this season to add the new Wildslide…
- [Inside “Summer Ops Camp” at Whistler Blackcomb](https://www.saminfo.com/inside-summer-ops-camp-at-whistler-blackcomb/): SAM Magazine—Whistler, British Columbia, Sept. 9, 2025—The fourteenth annual SAM Summer Ops Camp convened Sept. 2-4, at the world-class indoor…
- [HTI Group Acquires Stake in HKD Snowmakers](https://www.saminfo.com/hti-group-acquires-stake-in-hkd-snowmakers/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Sept. 3, 2025—HTI Group is joining the HKD Snowmakers ownership team of Charles Santry, Anni Dupré Santry,…
- [Jury Sides with Skier Injured in Fall from Chairlift](https://www.saminfo.com/jury-sides-with-skier-injured-in-fall-from-chairlift/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Sept. 3, 2025—An Oklahoma woman who was left paralyzed from the waist down after she fell from…
- [Warm-Up Act](https://www.saminfo.com/warm-up-act/) [Risk & Safety]: A few minutes of simple exercise every day can prevent aches, pains, and career-shortening injuries. Why has it become the…
- [Wind Hold](https://www.saminfo.com/wind-hold/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: Aerial lifts are susceptible to wind, but experience, technology, and teamwork help manage the risks. One of the most confounding…
- [A Worrisome “New Normal”](https://www.saminfo.com/a-worrisome-new-normal/): Ski areas are experiencing lower guest satisfaction and loyalty. They should not be complacent about it. For the fourth year…
- [Construction Site :: September 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/construction-site-september-2025/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: Projects include new lifts, a rebuilt lodge, and a snowmaking upgrade.  Lutsen Mountains, MN   A fast-moving fire claimed one…
- [Indy Pass Confirms 43 New Partners, Learn-to-Turn Details](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-pass-confirms-43-new-partners-learn-to-turn-details/): SAM Magazine—Granby, Colo., Aug. 28, 2025—Indy Pass has added 43 alpine and cross-country partner ski areas for the 2025–26 season, bringing its…
- [“Our Plan is Our Power”](https://www.saminfo.com/our-plan-is-our-power/): How two small areas grew their bottom lines, engaged staff and customers, and future-proofed their businesses. How can small areas, or…
- [After the Ice](https://www.saminfo.com/after-the-ice/) [Mountain Ops]: It took grit, teamwork, and lots of chainsaws to recover from a devastating March storm that hit northern Michigan and enveloped…
- [New Products :: September 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/new-products-september-2025/): New ideas to optimize operations and enhance guest engagement. Snow Secure: Snow Storage System Snow Secure’s patented snow storage system…
- [Margins in Plain Sight](https://www.saminfo.com/margins-in-plain-sight/) [Food & Beverage]: Edit your menu listings and layout to protect your margins and drive sales. This is Part 1 of a three-part…
- [AI on the Hill](https://www.saminfo.com/ai-on-the-hill/) [Technology]: How ski areas are experimenting with artificial intelligence ops tools. At ski areas exploring the potential of artificial intelligence, early use…
- [Mountain Spy :: September 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-september-2025/) [Guest Services]: The Spy asks: “I’ve never ridden a bicycle. Can I learn to mountain bike at your bike park?” Ski and…
- [Status Quo for J-1 Visas, for Now](https://www.saminfo.com/status-quo-for-j-1-visas-for-now/): Ski area recruiting via the J-1 visa program shaped up well for this winter, but the future is less certain.…
- [News & Views :: September 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/news-views-september-2025/): A budget pass boom; Nederland's Eldora gambit; Kottke conclusions; early SIA data; and more. Budget Pass Boom Starting at 419…
- [Ikon Pass Expands in Italy, Adds Five Valle d’Aosta Resorts](https://www.saminfo.com/ikon-pass-expands-in-italy-adds-five-valle-daosta-resorts/): SAM Magazine—Denver, Aug. 27, 2025—Ikon Pass holders will gain access to Valle d’Aosta’s five ski areas for winter 2025-26, including…
- [Indy Reopens Sales, Launches Learn-to-Turn Pass](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-reopens-sales-launches-learn-to-turn-pass/): SAM Magazine—Granby, Colo., Aug. 19, 2025—With the addition of dozens of new resorts, Indy Pass will go back on sale…
- [Rise Up Challenge 2025 Winner Named](https://www.saminfo.com/rise-up-challenge-2025-winner-named/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Aug. 18, 2025—Maddie Baldwin and the lift maintenance crew at Bogus Basin, Idaho, were voted the winners…
- [Snow Triple Play to Launch Sept. 1 with 15 Partner Ski Areas](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-triple-play-to-launch-sept-1-with-15-partner-ski-areas/): SAM Magazine—Montville, N.J., Aug. 18, 2025—A new multi-mountain ski and snowboard product, the Snow Triple Play, will go on sale…
- [MSAA Summer Meeting and Tradeshow a Success](https://www.saminfo.com/msaa-summer-meeting-and-tradeshow-a-success/): SAM Magazine—Lake Geneva, Wis., Aug. 15, 2025—It was Bo Bigelow’s first major event as executive director of the Midwest Ski…
- [Western Mountain Properties Cut Rates, Spur Summer Booking Rebound](https://www.saminfo.com/western-mountain-properties-cut-rates-spur-summer-booking-rebound/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., Aug. 14, 2025—Western mountain lodging properties reversed a June slowdown in July by lowering daily rates…
- [Rock Fire Closes Tamarack Resort, Threatens Surrounding Community](https://www.saminfo.com/rock-fire-closes-tamarack-resort-threatens-surrounding-community/): SAM Magazine—Valley County, Idaho, Aug. 14, 2025—A lightning-sparked wildfire that ignited late Aug. 12 is burning about 1.5 miles south…
- [Voting Opens for 2025 Rise Up Challenge](https://www.saminfo.com/voting-opens-for-2025-rise-up-challenge/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Aug. 4, 2025—The 2025 Rise Up Challenge is underway, and voting is officially open. Now in its…
- [Jean Mikulas Hired as Red Lodge Mountain President and General Manager](https://www.saminfo.com/jean-mikulas-hired-as-red-lodge-mountain-president-and-general-manager/): SAM Magazine—Red Lodge, Mont., July 31, 2025—Red Lodge Mountain has hired Jean Mikulas as its new president and general manager.…
- [SNOW PEOPLE – July 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-people-july-2025/): In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to…
- [Whiteface Joins Mountain Collective for 2025-26 Season](https://www.saminfo.com/whiteface-joins-mountain-collective-for-2025-26-season/): SAM Magazine—Wilmington, N.Y., July 22, 2025—Whiteface Mountain will join the Mountain Collective pass for the 2025-26 season, expanding the multi-resort…
- [Leelanau Conservancy to Acquire Sugar Loaf Ski Area (Mich.)](https://www.saminfo.com/leelanau-conservancy-to-acquire-sugar-loaf-ski-area-mich/): SAM Magazine—Leeland, Mich., July 21, 2025—The Leelanau Conservancy plans to acquire and revitalize the defunct Sugar Loaf ski area in…
- [Vermont Adaptive, Bart Adaptive to Merge, Expanding Access in Southern Vermont](https://www.saminfo.com/vermont-adaptive-bart-adaptive-to-merge-expanding-access-in-southern-vermont/): SAM Magazine—Killington, Vt., July 17, 2025—Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and the Bart Adaptive Sports Center plan to merge, forming…
- [Western Destinations Saw Mixed Lodging Results in June](https://www.saminfo.com/western-destinations-saw-mixed-lodging-results-in-june/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., July 16, 2025—The booking pace at Western mountain destinations ticked up slightly in June, the first…
- [Ski Career Event Seeks Industry Support](https://www.saminfo.com/ski-career-event-seeks-industry-support/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Henniker, N.H., July 14, 2025—In less than 24 hours, more than 120 students in career and technical education (CTE)…
- [Local Groups Agree to End Longtime Opposition of Palisades Tahoe Development Plan](https://www.saminfo.com/local-groups-agree-to-end-longtime-opposition-of-palisades-tahoe-development-plan/): SAM Magazine—Olympic Valley, Calif., July 10, 2025—The massive planned base area development at Palisades Tahoe appears to be moving forward…
- [Town of Nederland to Acquire Eldora](https://www.saminfo.com/town-of-nederland-to-acquire-eldora/): SAM Magazine—Nederland, Colo., July 9, 2025—The Town of Nederland has signed a letter of intent to buy Eldora Mountain Resort…
- [Ski Area Leaders to Convene at Arapahoe Basin Ahead of MT2030 Summit](https://www.saminfo.com/ski-area-leaders-to-convene-at-arapahoe-basin-ahead-of-mt2030-summit/) [Sustainability]: SAM Magazine—Keystone, Colo., July 7, 2025— Ski area representatives attending the Mountain Towns 2030 Climate Summit this October are invited…
- [J-1 Seasonal Worker Program Proceeding Smoothly—For Now](https://www.saminfo.com/j-1-seasonal-worker-program-proceeding-smoothly-for-now/): SAM Magazine—Longmont, Colo., July 7, 2025—While Washington has been focused on Trump's megabill, the administration has continued to pursue its…
- [10 Under 30](https://www.saminfo.com/10-under-30-4/) [Leadership]: Meet the class of 2025: These next-gen leaders bring fresh thinking, heart, and hustle to every corner of the mountain…
- [MCP to Acquire Controlling Stake in Chilean Resort Company Andacor](https://www.saminfo.com/mcp-to-acquire-controlling-stake-in-chilean-resort-company-andacor/): SAM Magazine—Durango, Colo., July 3, 2025—Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) plans to acquire a controlling stake of Andacor S.A., the longtime…
- [Oregon Liability Waiver Reform Dies in Legislature](https://www.saminfo.com/oregon-liability-waiver-reform-dies-in-legislature/): SAM Magazine—Salem, Ore., July 2, 2025 — Bipartisan efforts to restore the enforceability of recreational liability waivers in Oregon failed…
- [Idaho Supreme Court Reverses Course in Sun Valley Liability Case](https://www.saminfo.com/idaho-supreme-court-reverses-course-in-sun-valley-liability-case/): SAM Magazine—Boise, Idaho, June 30, 2026—The Idaho Supreme Court has reversed its precedent-breaking December 2023 ruling in Milus v. Sun…
- [Idea Files :: July 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/idea-files-july-2025/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: A portable mock control panel for training lift operators. CONTROL PANEL TRAINER Monarch Mountain (Colo.) lift operations supervisor Robert Clarkson…
- [Mountain Blueprints](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-blueprints/): For 50 years, Paul Mathews and Ecosign have helped mountain resorts across continents and generations evolve and endure. Paul Mathews launched…
- [Construction Site :: July 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/construction-site-july-2025/) [Lifts & Ropeways]: These ski areas got an early start to their major construction projects. Snowshoe, WV Alterra-owned Snowshoe is replacing its Shavers…
- [Greasing the Gears](https://www.saminfo.com/greasing-the-gears/) [Summer Operations]: When the necessary elements align, downhill bike parks can take off. In the past decade, mountain biking’s growing popularity has pushed many ski…
- [Tech Uplift](https://www.saminfo.com/tech-uplift/) [Technology]: These four resorts are modernizing their tech stacks, softening internal resistance to create experiences with less friction. “Update! We upgraded our…
- [Getting Trails Ready for Winter](https://www.saminfo.com/getting-trails-ready-for-winter/) [Grooming]: It pays to do work during the summer so trails can open with less snow come winter. In the last…
- [Dressing for Success](https://www.saminfo.com/dressing-for-success/): Rental outerwear can improve the guest experience and the bottom line. The relatively small rental apparel market seems poised for…
- [The Dos and Don’ts of Flash Sales](https://www.saminfo.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-flash-sales/) [Marketing & Sales]: How to create urgency and FOMO, drive volume and revenue, and make your customers pay more attention. There are a…
- [The Challenges  of Selling Summer](https://www.saminfo.com/the-challenges-of-selling-summer/) [Summer Operations]: Guests really enjoy summer in the mountains. So why don’t they return more often?
- [Coming Home](https://www.saminfo.com/coming-home/): A Colorado GM looks back at the Pennsylvania mom-and-pop where it all began, sees what’s changed, and appreciates what hasn’t.…
- [Letter to the Editors :: July 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/letter-to-the-editors-july-2025/): In response to “The Child Care Gap,” May 2025, SAM I’m so grateful to writer Annie Fast for taking the…
- [What Over Industrialized Skiing Gets Wrong](https://www.saminfo.com/what-over-industrialized-skiing-gets-wrong/): What “Big Glisse” gets wrong. I first realized industrialized skiing was in trouble when the ink on my business cards…
- [Mountain Spy :: July 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-july-2025/) [Guest Services]: The Spy asks: “I have an infant. Can I bring her on the chairlift?” Ski resorts often tout their family-friendliness…
- [Outside Festival and Summit Draws 35,000, Aims to Get More People Outside](https://www.saminfo.com/outside-festival-and-summit-draws-35-000-aims-to-get-more-people-outside/): SAM Magazine—Denver, June 30, 2025—Outside’s second-annual Festival and Summit, May 29–June 1, drew roughly 35,000 visitors to Denver’s Civic Center Park.…
- [Amanda Buswell Promoted to Regional GM of Hoyt Family Businesses](https://www.saminfo.com/amanda-buswell-promoted-to-regional-gm-of-hoyt-family-businesses/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Madison, N.H., June 26, 2025—Longtime team member Amanda Buswell has been promoted by the Hoyt family—owners of King Pine…
- [ISAA Welcomes New Leadership, Conference at Grand Targhee Sets Attendance Record](https://www.saminfo.com/isaa-welcomes-new-leadership-conference-at-grand-targhee-sets-attendance-record/): SAM Magazine—Alta, Wyo., June 26, 2025—The Intermountain Ski Areas Association (ISAA) hosted its annual conference atAward Winners, Paul Etcheverry, Tim…
- [Mt. Buller Ski Patrol Adds Therapy Dog in Emotional Support Pilot](https://www.saminfo.com/mt-buller-ski-patrol-adds-therapy-dog-in-emotional-support-pilot/): SAM Magazine—Victoria, Australia, June 24, 2025—Mt. Buller added a new staff member to its ski patrol, 5-month-old Nova Scotia Duck…
- [PGR Names New GMs at Wintergreen and Mount Washington (B.C.)](https://www.saminfo.com/pgr-names-new-gms-at-wintergreen-and-mount-washington-b-c/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Park City, Utah, June 24, 2025—Pacific Group Resorts (PGR) has promoted Zach Marlowe and Mike Manara to serve as…
- [Taos Ski Valley Promotes John Kelly to CEO, Norden to Become Board Chair](https://www.saminfo.com/taos-ski-valley-promotes-john-kelly-to-ceo-norden-to-become-board-chair/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Taos Ski Valley, N.M., June 20, 2025—Taos Ski Valley named longtime executive John Kelly as its new chief executive…
- [Safehold Pulls Out of Oregon as Waiver Bill Progresses](https://www.saminfo.com/safehold-pulls-out-of-oregon-as-waiver-bill-progresses/): SAM Magazine—Salem, Ore., June 19, 2025—Safehold Special Risk will no longer insure ski area clients in Oregon due to the…
- [Indy Pass, Entabeni Expand Executive Team](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-pass-entabeni-expand-executive-team/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Granby, Colo., June 19, 2025—Indy Pass and Entabeni Systems have hired four senior executives to their C-suite: Alex Lahood…
- [Letter to the Editors :: May 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/letter-to-the-editors-may-2025/) [Leadership]: Thanks for the mentoring I wanted to take a moment to thank SAM, MountainGuard, and High Peaks Group for pairing…
- [Schroetel Named Red Mountain President, Katkov and Thompson Stepping Down](https://www.saminfo.com/schroetel-named-red-mountain-president-katkov-and-thompson-stepping-down/): SAM Magazine—Rossland, British Columbia, June 18, 2025—Red Mountain Resort is undergoing a major leadership transition as longtime CEO Howard Katkov…
- [Hermitage Club Names Josh DeBottis as Bill Benneyan’s Successor](https://www.saminfo.com/hermitage-club-names-josh-debottis-as-bill-benneyans-successor/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Wilmington, Vt., June 18, 2025—The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain has appointed Joshua DeBottis as its incoming executive director…
- [Inbound International Visits, Occupancy at Western Destinations Continue to Decline for Summer](https://www.saminfo.com/inbounds-international-visits-occupancy-at-western-destinations-continue-to-decline-for-summer/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., June 17, 2025—Booking reticence for summer vacations persists while bookings by international visitors from Canada, western…
- [Utah Ski Areas Record Third-Most Skier Visits in State’s History](https://www.saminfo.com/utah-ski-areas-record-third-most-skier-visits-in-states-history/): SAM Magazine—Salt Lake City, Utah, June 12, 2025—Utah’s 15 alpine ski resorts recorded 6,503,635 skier visits during the 2024–25 winter…
- [Ski California LMOE Conference Draws Record Attendance](https://www.saminfo.com/ski-california-lmoe-conference-draws-record-attendance/): SAM Magazine—South Lake Tahoe, Calif., June 12, 2025—The 2025 Ski California Lift Maintenance & Operations Education (LMOE) Conference drew a…
- [Ski NH Marks End of Winter Season with Annual Conference](https://www.saminfo.com/ski-nh-marks-end-of-winter-season-with-annual-conference/): SAM Magazine—North Conway, N.H., June 10, 2025—Nearly 400 snowsports operators and industry suppliers gathered at Cranmore Mountain Resort, June 3–5,…
- [Australia Ski Season Off to Strong Start](https://www.saminfo.com/australia-ski-season-off-to-strong-start/): SAM Magazine—New South Wales, Australia, June 9, 2025—After a couple of disappointing winters in Australia, the 2025 season is off…
- [Ski Vermont Annual Meeting Highlights Strong Season](https://www.saminfo.com/ski-vermont-annual-meeting-highlights-strong-season/): SAM Magazine—Warren, Vt., June 6, 2025—A total of 205 resort and supplier members gathered at Sugarbush Resort for the Ski…
- [Q3 Visits Down, Early Pass Sales Soft for Vail Resorts](https://www.saminfo.com/q3-visits-down-early-pass-sales-soft-for-vail-resorts/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., June 6, 2025 —Vail Resorts’ fiscal Q3 results were a mixed bag. While net income for the quarter…
- [New Live Sessions for the Ski Resort AI Bootcamp](https://www.saminfo.com/new-live-sessions-for-the-ski-resort-ai-bootcamp/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., June 5, 2025—The Ski Resort AI Bootcamp is back with a new round of live sessions this…
- [Colorado Reports 13.8M Skier Visits for Third Best Season on Record](https://www.saminfo.com/colorado-reports-13-8m-skier-visits-for-third-best-season-on-record/): SAM Magazine—Denver, June 5, 2025—Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) projected 13.8 million skier visits in Colorado for this season, ranking…
- [Expansion to Double the Size of Doppelmayr Canada Headquarters](https://www.saminfo.com/expansion-to-double-the-size-of-doppelmayr-canada-headquarters/): SAM Magazine—Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, June 3, 2025—Doppelmayr Canada plans to nearly double the size of its headquarters in Saint-Jérôme, Québec, over…
- [SNOW PEOPLE – June 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-people-june-2025/) [Leadership]: In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to…
- [Burke Brings Tom Day Out of Retirement, Appoints Advisory Staff](https://www.saminfo.com/burke-brings-tom-day-out-of-retirement-appoints-advisory-staff/): SAM Magazine—Burke, Vt., June 2, 2025—The new owners of Burke Mountain have coaxed industry veteran Tom Day out of retirement…
- [Strong Winter Celebrated, Concerns Discussed at Revived Eastern Canada Ski Areas Conference](https://www.saminfo.com/strong-winter-celebrated-concerns-discussed-at-revived-eastern-canada-ski-areas-conference/): SAM Magazine—Gatineau, Quebec, May 30, 2025—More than 560 attendees gathered in Gatineau for the Eastern Canada Ski Areas Conference and…
- [A Handful of North American Resorts Target June Skiing](https://www.saminfo.com/a-handful-of-north-american-resorts-target-june-skiing/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., May 28, 2025—As June approaches, all but four North American ski areas have sent up last chair…
- [Katz Returns as Vail Resorts CEO](https://www.saminfo.com/katz-returns-as-vail-resorts-ceo/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., May 27, 2025—Kirsten Lynch has stepped down as chief executive officer of Vail Resorts, and Rob Katz,…
- [Six Lift Maintenance Teams Selected for 2025 Rise Up Challenge](https://www.saminfo.com/six-lift-maintenance-teams-selected-for-2025-rise-up-challenge/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., May 22, 2025—The crews from Bogus Basin, Idaho; Burke Mountain, Vt.; Crotched Mountain, N.H.; Giants Ridge, Minn.;…
- [Aspen One Promotes Rigney and Cross, and Other Leadership Updates](https://www.saminfo.com/aspen-one-promotes-rigney-and-cross-and-other-leadership-updates/): SAM Magazine—Aspen, Colo., May 22, 2025—Aspen One, the parent company of Aspen Skiing Company, has promoted John Rigney, Susan Cross,…
- [Vail Resorts Adds Austrian Partners to Epic Pass](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-adds-austrian-partners-to-epic-pass/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., May 22, 2025—Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass will include access to resorts in Austria’s Saalbach, Zell am See-Kaprun,…
- [NSAA 2025 National Convention: Big Crowd, Hot Topics](https://www.saminfo.com/nsaa-2025-national-convention-big-crowd-hot-topics/): SAM Magazine—Marco Island, Fla., May 16, 2025—The heavy rain that was forecast for most of the National Ski Areas Association…
- [NSAA Honors 2025 Industry Standouts with Annual Awards](https://www.saminfo.com/nsaa-honors-2025-industry-standouts-with-annual-awards/): SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., May 14, 2025—Boreal MountainThe National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) recognized standout resorts and individuals for excellence in…
- [National Ski Patrol and Snow Angel Foundation Partner on Safety Awareness](https://www.saminfo.com/national-ski-patrol-and-snow-angel-foundation-partner-on-safety-awareness/): SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., May 13, 2025—The National Ski Patrol (NSP) and Snow Angel Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing on-mountain…
- [Climate, Tech, and Tourism Center Stage at Interalpin](https://www.saminfo.com/climate-tech-and-tourism-center-stage-at-interalpin/): SAM Magazine—Innsbruck, Austria, May 12, 2025—Interalpin returned to Innsbruck, Austria, May 6–9 for its 25th edition, marking 50 years since…
- [Tepid Winter Finish and Summer Start for Western Destinations](https://www.saminfo.com/tepid-winter-finish-summer-start-for-western-destinations/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., May 13, 2025—Winter lodging results in the Western U.S. ended largely flat for the season, and…
- [U.S. Ski Areas Report 61.5M Skier Visits for 2024-25, Second Best Season on Record](https://www.saminfo.com/u-s-ski-areas-report-61-5m-skier-visits-for-2024-25-second-best-season-on-record/): SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., May 12, 2025—U.S. ski areas reported a total of 61.5 million skier visits for 2024-25, a 1.7…
- [Snow Triple Play Card to Target Casual Participants, Independent Resorts](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-triple-play-card-to-target-casual-participants-independent-resorts/): SAM Magazine—Vernon, N.J., May 9, 2025—Starting in 2025-26, Snow Partners will offer the Snow Triple Play Card (S3P), a new…
- [Accesso Acquires Technology of 1RISK](https://www.saminfo.com/accesso-acquires-technology-of-1risk/): SAM Magazine—Twyford, UK, May 7, 2025—Accesso Technology Group has acquired the 1RISK suite of software solutions, including the company’s cloud-based…
- [Bear Den Partners Closes on Burke Mountain Acquisition](https://www.saminfo.com/bear-den-partners-closes-on-burke-mountain-acquisition/): SAM Magazine—Burke, Vt., May 6, 2025—The Bear Den Partners ownership group closed on its purchase of Burke Mountain Resort on…
- [World Women’s Snowsports Organization Concludes Inaugural Summit](https://www.saminfo.com/world-womens-snowsports-organization-concludes-inaugural-summit/): SAM Magazine—Kaprun, Austria, May 6, 2025—The World Women’s Snowsports Organization (WWSO) hosted its inaugural Summit, April 20–26, 2025, in Kaprun,…
- [Windham President Chip Seamans Retires; Kristen Leach Named Successor](https://www.saminfo.com/windham-president-chip-seamans-retires-kristen-leach-named-successor/): SAM Magazine—Windham, N.Y., April 30, 2025—Chip Seamans, a 39-year ski industry veteran who has served as president of Windham Mountain…
- [Mount Southington Introduces Youth-Focused Sport and Sustainability Program](https://www.saminfo.com/mount-southington-introduces-youth-focused-sport-and-sustainability-program/): SAM Magazine—Southington, Conn., May 1, 2025—Mount Southington partnered with local schools to introduce students to both winter sports and sustainability…
- [Vail Reports Lift Revenue Gains, Non-Passholder Visitation Lags](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-reports-lift-revenue-gains-non-passholder-visitation-lags/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., April 29, 2025—Vail Resorts reported a 3.1 percent decline in skier visits across its 37 North American…
- [The Immigration Situation](https://www.saminfo.com/the-immigration-situation/): Ski areas that employ international workers are likely to feel a staffing crunch in the months and years ahead due…
- [Best and Worst in Marketing 2024-25](https://www.saminfo.com/best-and-worst-in-marketing-2024-25/) [Marketing & Sales]: A mix of inspired brilliance and uninspired misses round out a comparatively less splashy year in ski area marketing. The…
- [Peer Reviews 2024-25](https://www.saminfo.com/peer-reviews-2024-25/) [Marketing & Sales]: Resort marketers gives props to other ski areas’ 2024-25 marketing efforts. Each year in the May issue, we invite resort…
- [A Bold New Chapter](https://www.saminfo.com/a-bold-new-chapter/): While Monarch Mountain’s No Name Basin expansion makes the ski area much bigger, the goal is for it not to…
- [Partnering for Change](https://www.saminfo.com/partnering-for-change/) [Sustainability]: Municipal partnerships and an increased focus on advocacy boost sustainability efforts for mountain resorts and their communities. The collaboration between…
- [Adopting Automation](https://www.saminfo.com/adopting-automation/) [Snowmaking]: How two ski areas took the leap into automated snowmaking, and what the results have shown. In response to increasingly…
- [The Wisdom of Whistler Blackcomb](https://www.saminfo.com/the-wisdom-of-whistler-blackcomb/) [Summer Operations]: How the largest resort in North America mastered summer, and how you can, too. The simple secret of Whistler Blackcomb’s…
- [The Child Care Gap](https://www.saminfo.com/the-child-care-gap/): Limited child care options may be deterring families and impacting guest retention. Child care at ski resorts has always been…
- [Marriage Partners](https://www.saminfo.com/marriage-partners/) [Summer Operations]: It takes commitment for resorts to realize the many benefits the wedding business can bring. The tradition of the dowry…
- [Doppelmayr USA Promotes Keith Johns to CEO](https://www.saminfo.com/doppelmayr-usa-promotes-keith-johns-to-ceo/): SAM Magazine—Salt Lake City, Utah, April 24, 2025—Doppelmayr USA promoted Keith Johns to the role of chief executive officer. He…
- [Grandma’s A Ripper, Too](https://www.saminfo.com/grandmas-a-ripper-too/) [Marketing & Sales]: Why and how to embrace intergenerational participation in resort marketing. Visitation to ski resorts worldwide is composed of six (soon…
- [Dig Deep on Data](https://www.saminfo.com/dig-deep-on-data/) [Technology]: Use AI to mine your data cache and unlock operational insights.  Resort operators accumulate vast amounts of data across operations…
- [Mastering Your Mindset](https://www.saminfo.com/mastering-your-mindset/) [Leadership]: Mindset is a leadership tool that sets the tone for your whole team. Mindset is a powerful thing. It influences…
- [F&B Tech Heats Up](https://www.saminfo.com/f-b-tech-heats-up/) [Technology]: To take advantage of tech in F&B, involve your staff in the planning, decision-making, and implementation. “What’s the next big thing…
- [Mountain Spy :: May 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-may-2025/) [Guest Services]: The Spy asks: “I’ve heard the food is expensive. Is it worth it?” There’s the amount you pay for a…
- [Breaking Down the Cost Barrier](https://www.saminfo.com/breaking-down-the-cost-barrier/): Ski Cooper raised its financial performance by lowering ticket prices. At the annual Colorado Ski Country USA meeting in June 2024,…
- [Snow Gains, Market Pains](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-gains-market-pains/): Weather was a win for resorts this season, but inflation, recession fears, and trade tensions could make next year a…
- [Pulse Check](https://www.saminfo.com/news-views-may-2025/): Operators across North America are cautiously eyeing the months ahead amid a swirl of economic uncertainty, tariff pressure, labor constraints,…
- [New Board-Game Themed Experience Planned at Les Sybelles](https://www.saminfo.com/new-board-game-themed-experience-planned-at-les-sybelles/): SAM Magazine—Fontcouverte-la Toussuire, France, April 22, 2025— Les Sybelles, one of Europe’s largest ski areas, is working with French company…
- [Boyne Resorts Introduces Company-Wide Season Pass Products](https://www.saminfo.com/boyne-resorts-introduces-company-wide-season-pass-products/): SAM Magazine—Boyne, Mich., April 21, 2025—Boyne Resorts has launched season pass products that provide access to all 10 of its…
- [Group with Local Ties Offers $11.5 Million for Burke Mountain](https://www.saminfo.com/group-with-local-ties-offers-11-5-million-for-burke-mountain/): SAM Magazine—Burke, Vt., April 21, 2025—Bear Den Partners has submitted a purchase and sale agreement to acquire Burke Mountain for…
- [Economy and Weather Dampen Western Destination Visits](https://www.saminfo.com/economy-and-weather-dampen-western-destination-visits/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo. April 18, 2025—Uneven snow conditions and tumultuous economic policies in March and April converged to make…
- [Big Sky Chair Sale Raises $162K for Charity](https://www.saminfo.com/big-sky-chair-sale-raises-162k-for-charity/): SAM Magazine—Big Sky, Mont., April 18, 2025—Through the sale of 125 carriers from the historic Explore 2 lift, Big Sky…
- [Ski Areas Stretch Winter Ops Well into Spring](https://www.saminfo.com/ski-areas-stretch-winter-ops-well-into-spring/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., April 16, 2025—While many North American ski areas have already stopped spinning lifts for the season, plenty…
- [Aspen Snowmass Investing Nearly $80 Million in Improvements this Summer](https://www.saminfo.com/aspen-snowmass-investing-nearly-80-million-in-improvements-this-summer/): SAM Magazine—Aspen, Colo., April 15, 2025—It’s going to be a busy summer at Aspen Snowmass as the resort will take…
- [POWDR Takes Mt. Bachelor Off Market](https://www.saminfo.com/powdr-takes-mt-bachelor-off-market/): SAM Magazine—Bend, Ore., April 7, 2025—After putting Mt. Bachelor on the market in August 2024, POWDR has decided it’s going…
- [Vail Resorts to Close HR Unit, Cut 64 Broomfield Jobs](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-to-close-hr-unit-cut-64-broomfield-jobs/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., April 4, 2025—Vail Resorts filed a notice with the state of Colorado Tuesday that it is closing…
- [Eldora GM Brent Tregaskis to Retire, Brian Dobias to Serve as Interim](https://www.saminfo.com/eldora-gm-brent-tregaskis-to-retire-brian-dobias-to-serve-as-interim/): SAM Magazine—Nederland, Colo., April 4, 2025—Longtime resort leader Brent Tregaskis will retire as Eldora Mountain Resort president and general manager,…
- [Le Massif de Charlevoix Joins Ikon Pass for 2025-26 season](https://www.saminfo.com/le-massif-de-charlevoix-joins-ikon-pass-for-2025-26-season/): SAM Magazine—Denver, April 3, 2025—Le Massif de Charlevoix in Quebec will join the Ikon Pass for the 2025-26 season, expanding…
- [SAMMY Leadership Award Class of 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/sammy-leadership-award-class-of-2025/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., April 1, 2025—Four remarkable leaders have been recognized with a 2025 SAMMY Leadership Award for their vision,…
- [SAM Seeks Nominations for 2025 ‘10 Under 30’](https://www.saminfo.com/sam-seeks-nominations-for-2025-10-under-30/): SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., March 27, 2025—Nominations are now open for SAM’s annual “10 Under 30,” supported by Snow Operating. The…
- [NSAA to Honor Chris Cushing, Chip Perfect](https://www.saminfo.com/nsaa-to-honor-chris-cushing-chip-perfect/) [Leadership]: SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., March 27, 2025—The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has named two longtime ski industry leaders as the…
- [Snow People – March 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-people-march-2025/) [Leadership]: In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to…
- [Ragged Mountain Listed for Sale](https://www.saminfo.com/ragged-mountain-listed-for-sale/): SAM Magazine—Danbury, N.H., March 21, 2025—Ragged Mountain Resort has been listed for sale, along with more than 2,000 acres of…
- [SAM Taps Whistler Blackcomb to Host 2025 Summer Ops Camp](https://www.saminfo.com/sam-taps-whistler-blackcomb-to-host-2025-summer-ops-camp/) [Summer Operations]: SAM Magazine—Whistler, British Columbia, March 18, 2025—SAM’s Summer Ops Camp will be held at Whistler Blackcomb, Sept. 2-4, 2025, offering…
- [Occupancy, Booking Pace Slip at Western Mountain Destinations](https://www.saminfo.com/occupancy-booking-pace-slip-at-western-mountain-destinations/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., March 13, 2025—Snowfall, rates, and fluctuations in economic policies all contributed to declines in both booking…
- [Vail Resorts Reports Solid Early Winter Results, Sees Softer Spring](https://www.saminfo.com/vail-resorts-reports-solid-early-winter-results-sees-softer-spring/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., March 11, 2025—Vail Resorts reported increases in visits, net income, and EBITDA for its fiscal second quarter,…
- [Occupied Gondola Cabin Falls at Kicking Horse [UPDATED]](https://www.saminfo.com/occupied-gondola-cabin-falls-at-kicking-horse/): SAM Magazine—Golden, British Columbia, March 10, 2025 [updated March 11, 11:40 a.m. EDT]—A gondola cabin with eight passengers inside fell…
- [Judge Finds Toggenburg Owner Violated New York’s Antitrust Law](https://www.saminfo.com/judge-finds-toggenburg-owner-violated-new-yorks-antitrust-law/): SAM Magazine—Fabius, N.Y., March 10, 2025—A New York State judge has ruled that Intermountain Management, owner of Labrador Mountain and…
- [Epic Pass Tops $1,000, Expands Verbier Access for 2025-26 Season](https://www.saminfo.com/epic-pass-tops-1-000-expands-verbier-access-for-2025-26-season/): SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., March 6, 2025—The cost of an Epic Pass will top $1,000 for the first time since the…
- [Canadians Draw a Line in the Snow](https://www.saminfo.com/canadians-draw-a-line-in-the-snow/): Could cross-border tourism face a lasting freeze as the tariff war continues? President Trump’s Feb. 1 executive order imposing a…
- [Ikon Pass Adds Ischgl and Others, Discontinues Base Plus Pass for 2025-26 Season](https://www.saminfo.com/ikon-pass-adds-ischgl-and-others-discontinues-base-plus-pass-for-2025-26-season/): SAM Magazine—Denver, March 6, 2025—The 2025-26 Ikon Pass will introduce new resort access, expanded benefits, and a notable change to…
- [New Products :: March 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/new-products-march-2025/): Weather, operations, and marketing products and services for resort operators to consider.  CHS Snowmakers: Chairlift Water Tender  The Chairlift Water…
- [Idea Files :: March 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/idea-files-march-2025/): A salvaged utility sled and a Mandarin responsibility code. Utility Sled In winter 2023, lift mechanic Sean Antonio at Bear…
- [A Sensible Collaboration](https://www.saminfo.com/a-sensible-collaboration/) [Risk & Safety]: At Big Sky Resort, patrollers and instructors gain from working with each other to improve safety, skills, and culture. It…
- [Taking Control  of Water](https://www.saminfo.com/taking-control-of-water/) [Mountain Ops]: Use best management practices to manage stormwater and prevent operational disasters. When Mike Taylor purchased New York’s Holiday Mountain Ski…
- [The Influencer  Equation](https://www.saminfo.com/the-influencer-equation/) [Marketing & Sales]: As influencer programs become commonplace at resorts, six ski area marketers offer their insights. From traditional media visits and FAM…
- [Remaining Resilient](https://www.saminfo.com/remaining-resilient/): A review of the NSAA 2023-24 Economic Analysis shows that the U.S. ski industry continued its post-Covid resilience, posting solid…
- [2025 Groomer Report](https://www.saminfo.com/2025-groomer-report/) [Grooming]: New technology plays an increasingly large role in modern snowcat development and operation. When we break it all down, a…
- [Build Your Own AI Assistant](https://www.saminfo.com/build-your-own-ai-assistant/) [Technology]: The surprisingly simple process of creating a customized AI assistant with ChatGPT. As the ski industry evolves, small teams find…
- [Equipment Checks](https://www.saminfo.com/equipment-checks/) [Risk & Safety]: How to avoid staff injuries and save a bunch of money by making sure skis and boards are safe to use.…
- [Bite-Size Your Sustainability Efforts](https://www.saminfo.com/bite-size-your-sustainability-efforts/) [Sustainability]: Tackle the hard truths about going green in your F&B. The sound of sustainability resonates so beautifully when it echoes…
- [Mountain Spy :: March 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-spy-march-2025/) [Guest Services]: The Spy asks: “In what conditions should I use a helmet?” THE QUESTION:  “In what conditions do I need to wear…
- [Party Time](https://www.saminfo.com/party-time/) [Marketing & Sales]: Unique events drive business in the early and late season. In December 2023, when Jay Peak, Vt., unveiled its first…
- [News & Views :: March 2025](https://www.saminfo.com/news-views-march-2025/): Vail Resorts’ PR challenges, and more. In Desperate Need of a Win By Dave Meeker, Editor, SAM Even before roughly…
- [Mountain Collective 2025-26 Pass Adds Benefits, Loses A-Basin](https://www.saminfo.com/mountain-collective-2025-26-pass-adds-benefits-loses-a-basin/): SAM Magazine—Aspen, Colo., March 4, 2025—For the 2025-26 season, the Mountain Collective Pass will once again offer two days of…
- [Vance Sugarbush Visit Sparks Protests, and an Unofficial Resort Response](https://www.saminfo.com/vance-sugarbush-visit-sparks-protests-and-an-unofficial-resort-response/): SAM Magazine—Warren, Vt., March 3, 2025—United States Vice President JD Vance went on a ski trip to Sugarbush Resort this…
- [Snow Was the Answer for Presidents’ Week Business](https://www.saminfo.com/snow-was-the-answer-for-presidents-week-business/): SAM Magazine—Wardsboro, Vt., March 3, 2025—Many regions of the United States, especially those that experienced somewhat lackluster snowfall and mild…
- [Indy Pass Adds Six Ski Areas for 2025-26 Season](https://www.saminfo.com/indy-pass-adds-six-ski-areas-for-2025-26-season/): SAM Magazine—Granby, Colo., March 1, 2025—Indy Pass will include six new ski area partners in 2025-26, including the first Southern…
- [Tyrol Basin Owner Arrested for Assaulting Guest](https://www.saminfo.com/tyrol-basin-owner-arrested-for-assaulting-guest/): SAM Magazine—Vermont, Wis., Feb. 26, 2025—Tyrol Basin owner Nathaniel McGree was arrested Monday night, Feb. 24, following an altercation with…
- [Alterra Adds Neville and Forbes to Executive Leadership Team](https://www.saminfo.com/alterra-adds-neville-and-forbes-to-executive-leadership-team/): SAM Magazine—Denver, Feb. 24, 2025—Alterra Mountain Company has appointed Diane Neville as chief people officer (CPO) and Will Forbes will…
- [Idaho Supreme Court Rehears Arguments in Ski Area Liability Ruling](https://www.saminfo.com/idaho-supreme-court-reconsiders-ski-area-liability-ruling/): SAM Magazine—Boise, Idaho, Feb. 24, 2025—The Idaho Supreme Court is reconsidering its December 2023 decision in Milus v. Sun Valley…
- [High Winds Cause Lift Incidents at Three Northeast Ski Areas](https://www.saminfo.com/high-winds-cause-lift-incidents-at-three-northeast-ski-areas/): SAM Magazine—Winhall, Vt., Feb. 21, 2025—Over Presidents' Day weekend, separate wind-related incidents at three ski areas in the Northeast led…
- [Matt Neubauer Named Mission Ridge GM](https://www.saminfo.com/matt-neubauer-named-mission-ridge-gm/): SAM Magazine—Wenatchee, Wash., Feb. 20, 2025—Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort named Matt Neubauer as its new general manager. He…
- [Sunday River Ski Patrollers File for Union Election](https://www.saminfo.com/sunday-river-ski-patrollers-file-for-union-election/): SAM Magazine—Newry, Maine, Feb. 20, 2025—The paid ski patrollers at Sunday River took steps to unionize on Monday, filing a…
- [Booking Pace Dropped Sharply at Western Destinations in January](https://www.saminfo.com/booking-pace-dropped-sharply-at-western-destinations-in-january/): SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., Feb. 18, 2025—In a notable change from December, Western mountain destinations saw bookings cool down in…
- [Crested Butte Lift Maintenance Union, Vail Resorts Reach Agreement](https://www.saminfo.com/crested-butte-lift-maintenance-union-vail-resorts-reach-agreement/): SAM Magazine—Crested Butte, Colo., Feb. 14, 2025—The unionized lift mechanics at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) reached a contract agreement…
- [In the Northeast, Super Bowl Sunday is a Tough Sell for Ski Areas](https://www.saminfo.com/in-the-northeast-super-bowl-sunday-is-a-tough-sell-for-ski-areas/): SAM Magazine—Boston, Feb. 7, 2025—Super Bowl Sunday, once the first Sunday of February and nowadays the second Sunday, takes place…
- [Good Season Leads to Good Vibes at NSAA’s Eastern Conference](https://www.saminfo.com/good-season-leads-to-good-vibes-at-nsaas-eastern-conference/): Dinner at The Hermitage Club: Mike Reitzell, NSAA, Bill Bennyan, Hermitage Club and Jon Schaefer, Berkshire East.SAM Magazine—West Dover, Vt.,…
- [Sandia Peak Closes Temporarily Due to Snow Conditions](https://www.saminfo.com/sandia-peak-closes-temporarily-due-to-snow-conditions/): SAM Magazine—Albuquerque, N.M., Feb. 6, 2025—Sandia Peak Ski Area suspended winter operations as of Tuesday, Feb. 4, citing warm temperatures…
- [Mechanical Failure Leads to Lift Evacuation at Cannon](https://www.saminfo.com/mechanical-failure-leads-to-lift-evacuation-at-cannon/): SAM Magazine—Franconia, N.H., Feb. 6, 2025—Yesterday morning, a mechanical failure on the Peabody Express quad forced the evacuation of 64…
- [Outside Interactive Acquires Inntopia to Create Adventure Travel Platform](https://www.saminfo.com/outside-interactive-acquires-inntopia-to-create-adventure-travel-platform/): SAM Magazine—Boulder, Colo., Feb. 6, 2025—Outside Interactive Inc., a leading creator of outdoor content and experiences, has acquired travel and…
- [The 2025 I Am a Snowmaker Contest Winner](https://www.saminfo.com/the-2025-i-am-a-snowmaker-contest-winner/): SAM Magazine—Mount Snow, Vt., Feb. 4, 2025—Nearly 12,000 total votes were cast for the five competing snowmaking teams during the…
- [PGRI Acquires Controlling Interest in Powderhorn](https://www.saminfo.com/pgri-acquires-controlling-interest-in-powderhorn/): SAM Magazine—Park City, Utah, Feb. 4, 2025—Park City-based Pacific Group Resorts Inc., has acquired controlling interest in Powderhorn Mountain Resort…
- [Snowvana Sets Northwest Dates, Adds Wisconsin Show](https://www.saminfo.com/snowvana-sets-northwest-dates-adds-wisconsin-show/): SAM Magazine—Bend, Ore., Feb. 4, 2025—Snowsport festival operator Snowvana will return to Seattle and Portland and debut a new show…