SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Nov. 2, 2020—Last month, 180 current and up-and-coming ski area leaders participated in the Summit Series Bootcamp: Resilient Leadership Training. Due to overwhelming positive feedback and additional demand, SAM and High Peaks Group are conducting the Bootcamp again for those that missed it the first time.  Sponsored by MountainGuard

The program is an interactive, online course designed specifically for ski industry managers at all levels.

This second round of the program is timely as winter 2020-21 is about to begin. It’s a busy time for ski area personnel, but the flexible nature of the training means it can fit into anyone’s schedule. Managing teams during the pandemic calls for a new and different set of leadership skills. Resilient Leadership Training will help resort managers, supervisors, and directors prepare themselves and staff for the challenges ahead.

Participants will:

1. Gain perspective on and understanding of the challenges and opportunities leaders face this season.

2. Build capacity to stay grounded and realistic during uncertainty while fostering trust and confidence.

3. Develop approaches to defuse high-stress situations and communicate transparently and compassionately with guests and staff.

4. Create a culture that inspires solution-based thinking from your teams.

The program includes 30 lessons (3-5 minutes on average) introducing key topics, tactics, and strategies. Participants proceed through them at their own pace, day or night, as their schedule permits. A progress checker and weekly reminders keep participants on pace and allows them to come back to where they left off.

In addition, recorded discussions with top leaders on crisis management, thought-provoking exercises, and supplemental readings augment the lessons. And, as a bonus, those that finish receive a certificate of completion suitable for sharing on social media. 

Resilient Leadership Training has been created by organizational development and leadership experts with input from ski industry veterans. They include:

Paul Thallner, High Peaks Group CEO and Summit Series leader

John Vermeesch, JAV Leadership Solutions

Steve Wright, General Manager, Jay Peak, Vt.

John Rice, General Manager, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Calif.

Tanya James, Positive Change & Development, Pty Ltd.

Here is some feedback from those who have already taken the course:

"I did not know what to expect when I started this course—to be honest, I was busy and not sure I had the time—but I made the time, and was hooked. Whether you are new to the ski industry, or have been working at an area or for the ski industry for 50 years, this was a great course and reminder of what we each can accomplish." 

- Mary Bozack, MountainGuard

"The course was extremely helpful and provided insight on how I process my thoughts, emotions and decision making. It gave me hope for myself, knowing others are experiencing these same processes inside themselves. Thank you very much for putting this all together. I feel stronger and more resilient than I realized prior to taking the course. Keep up the great work." -Andrew Lanoue, Interactive Marketing Coordinator, Jay Peak, Vt.

"The flexibility of this course was the best part about it. It was so easy to fit modules into the little bits of downtime throughout the day." 

- Rylee Meyer, Lift Ops Manager, Red River Ski Area, N.M.

"For me, listening to the stories and experiences of the speakers were the most helpful. The practical examples they shared resonated with me well.  Overall, a great course!"

- Marshall Clark, Manager, Smugglers’ Notch, Vt.

“I really enjoyed the course! The topics covered are so relatable to the COVID times we are all dealing with, but they will benefit participants outside of these times, too, given all the uncertainties we face in the ski industry on a daily basis.”   

- Stephen Remillard, Sr., National Sales Manager, Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

“This is exactly what I needed heading into this unprecedented winter.” 

- Tom Royther, Marketing Manager, Ober Gatlinburg, Tenn.

A special thanks to MountainGuard for their continued support of the Summit Series and leadership development.

Register here: https://www.saminfo.com/summit-series-bootcamp.