Supporting and promoting the industry's emerging leaders has always been a top priority at SAM magazine whether that be in the pages of the magazine, on our podcast channel, or through our programs like the 10 Under 30 and the SAM Summit Series. We've compiled these resources in one convenient place so you always know where to go when looking for inspiration on your career journey. 

AWARDS AND CONTESTS

The Summit Series 

SAM's Summit Series leadership development platform offers mountain resort professionals at all levels the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, peers, and experts, and gain tangible takeaways to apply to their careers, operations, and teams. Learn more.

SAMMYs

The SAMMYs highlight innovative, inspiring, courageous, and passionate leaders who are making a difference in the industry locally or nationally. Nominations open at the end of February. Check out last year's winners and learn more.

10 Under 30

SAM Magazine is always looking for a few talented, young men and women for our annual "10 Under 30" feature, which profiles up-and-coming employees in their 20s who are rapidly making an impact in our industry. Thank you for your help in identifying these bright and industrious rising stars with the passion and fire that will ensure the success of mountain resorts across North America for years to come. View this year's 10 under 30 class and learn more. Nominations open at the end of April.

I AM a Snowmaker

The I AM a Snowmaker contest—sponsored by HKD Snowmakers—highlights the hard work, determination, and camaraderie of snowmakers, and recognizes their critical contributions to the alpine, Nordic, snowboard, and winter tubing industry. I AM a Snowmaker was launched in 2013, and has highlighted the expertise and character of a wide variety of snowmaking teams across North America. Learn more. 

Rise Up Challenge

A good lift mechanic is hard to find. Leitner-Poma of America wants to help the industry rise up to the challenge of supporting the next generation of lift mechanics, with the annual Rise Up Challenge. Six chosen resorts will create videos showcasing the rising stars on their lift maintenance crews, alongside mentors and teammates. Learn more. 

PodSAM 

Tune in to PodSAM, the podcast channel for SAM Magazine. These podcasts include interviews with industry professionals, session discussions from industry events, and conversations from our Summit Series program. 

 Go to PodSAM

LEADERSHIP ARTICLES

View the most recent articles on Leadership Development from SAM magazine.

View all leadership development articles.

NEWS

• Faces and Places

  Australian Ski Areas Association Appoints Josh Elliott as CEO

  SAM Magazine—Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 13, 2024—The Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA), which represents the interests of Australia’s ski areas and their stakeholders, has named Josh Elliott as its new chief executive officer. His appointment comes as the ASAA looks to strengthen its pos SAM Magazine—Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 13, 2024—The Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA), which represents the interests of Australia’s ski...

• Faces and Places

  Snow People — November 2024

  In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to awards, obits, and supplier news, we celebrate the people that make this industry thrive.   PEOPLE:  CHRIS INGHAM, BRECKENRIDGE RESORT, CO Chris Ingha In SAM’s Snow People, we highlight personnel moves in the mountain resort industry. From resort hires, promotions, and retirements to awards, obits, and...

• Faces and Places

  Mike Giorgio Appointed GM of Stowe Mountain Resort

  SAM Magazine—Stowe, Vt., Nov. 7, 2024—Vail Resorts appointed Mike Giorgio as general manager of Stowe Mountain Resort, effective Nov. 18. Giorgio mostly recently led six of Vail Resorts’ Midwest ski areas as regional general manager. He was based out of Mt. Brighton Resort, Mich. Credit to Va SAM Magazine—Stowe, Vt., Nov. 7, 2024—Vail Resorts appointed Mike Giorgio as general manager of Stowe Mountain Resort, effective Nov. 18. Giorgio...

• Faces and Places

  Midwest Ski Areas Association Appoints Bo Bigelow as Executive Director

  SAM Magazine—Saint Paul, Minn., Nov. 1, 2024—The Midwest Ski Areas Association (MSAA) has named Bo Bigelow as its next executive director, effective today. His predecessor Amy Reents stepped down in October after leading MSAA for more than eight years.  Bigelow will continue to serve as exec SAM Magazine—Saint Paul, Minn., Nov. 1, 2024—The Midwest Ski Areas Association (MSAA) has named Bo Bigelow as its next executive director, effective today....

• Faces and Places

  Tara Schoedinger Named as VP and GM of Northstar California

  SAM Magazine—Truckee, Calif., Nov. 1, 2024—Vail Resorts has named Tara Schoedinger vice president and general manager of Northstar California Resort, effective Nov. 11. She moves from Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Colo., where she served in the same role. At Northstar, Schoedinger takes over fo SAM Magazine—Truckee, Calif., Nov. 1, 2024—Vail Resorts has named Tara Schoedinger vice president and general manager of Northstar California...