SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., Jan. 3, 2022—The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has cancelled its in-person Western and Eastern Winter Conferences and Tradeshows, scheduled for mid-January at Snowmass, Colo., and early-February at Killington, Vt., respectively. The cancellations come as Covid cases surge across the country. Member feedback about critical staffing shortages, exacerbated by infection and quarantine, and a desire to curb the spread of the virus were a few of the factors considered in the decision. 

“This was a very hard decision to make, but when I put my ski area operator hat on, it becomes clear,” NSAA president and CEO Kelly Pawlak told SAM. “What I am hearing is that ski areas need to focus on their staff right now, getting them hired, keeping them healthy, and providing as many services as possible to support the large demand.”

Supplier registration for both events was strong, but ski area registration has been slow. Full refunds will be given to registrants and sponsors within 7-10 days. NSAA is working on lodging refunds as well. 

NSAA will be developing a virtual alternative for the meetings, offering a selection of the planned sessions online in February. More information will be provided in the coming weeks. 

The NSAA National Convention in Nashville, May 11-15, 2022, is still expected to be held in person.