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  • Pacific Group Resorts, Inc. Submits Top Bid for Jay Peak at $76 Million

    PGRI president and CEO Vern Greco shares his thoughts on the acquisition with SAM. SAM Magazine—Jay, Vt., Sept. 8, 2022—Pacific Group Resorts, Inc. (PGRI) made the highest and best final bid to buy Jay Peak, $76 million, following an auction with multiple bidders. PGRI president and CEO Vern Greco told SAM that after three years spent pursuing the acquisition, PGRI is poised to bring renewed stability to the resort and its staff, and tap into its passion and energy. The prevailing bid remains subject to approval by the United States District Court in Southern Florida during a final hearing scheduled for Sept. 16. Judge Darrin P. Gayles, who has presided over the receivership in federal...

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Report: Granby Ranch Chairlift Fatality Due to Combination of Factors

SAM Magazine—Denver, May 12, 2017—An unusual combination of circumstances led to the fatal chairlift accident on the Quick Draw Express at Granby Ranch last December 29, granbylift esizeaccording to the final report by Colorado state investigators, released Thursday afternoon.

An Inside Look at the Intrawest/Aspen/KSL Deal

SAM Magazine—Denver, May 11, 2017—The Denver Post resort business reporter Jason Blevins pored through Intrawest’s 273-page PREM 14C, a preliminary information statement relating to a merger or acquisition that the company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and found some pretty neat stuff regarding the deal—and the value of several otherwinterpark esize recent transactions as well.

Eaglecrest Hires David Scanlan as GM

SAM Magazine—Juneau, Alaska, May 11, 2017—The community-owned Eaglecrest Ski Area here has appointed David Scanlan as its new general manager. Scanlan has been the GM of Mt. scanlan esizeAbram, Maine since 2013. He is scheduled to start in his new position June 26.

Berry, Fairbank Earn NSAA Lifetime Achievement Awards

SAM Magazine—Scottsdale, Ariz., May 9, 2017—At last weekend’s National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) annual convention in Scottsdale, the organization presented 2017 Lifetime Achievement Awards to NSAA president Michael Berry and The Fairbank Group’s founder and chairman, Brian Fairbank.

U.S. Skier Visits Up in 2016-17

SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., May 10, 2017—U.S. ski areas tallied an estimated 54.7 million skier and snowboarder visits during the 2016-17 season, up 3.7 percent from last season’s skiers esize52.8 million total, according to preliminary results of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Kottke Report.

Berkshire East, Taos, and Squaw/Alpine Win Golden Eagle Awards

SAM Magazine—Scottsdale, Ariz., May 9, 2017—Berkshire East, Mass., Taos Ski Valley, N.M., and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Calif., won the 2017 Golden Eagle Awards for Environmental Excellence, presented by SKI Magazine. In addition, SKI named Onno Wieringa of Alta Ski Area, Utah, the “Hero of Sustainability” for 2017. This marks the 25th year for the GoldenEagle esizeGolden Eagle awards, which recognize resorts that actively address environmental issues.

Chris MacInnes Named President of Crystal (Mich.)

SAM Magazine—Thompsonville, Mich., May 4, 2017—Chris MacInnes has become president of Crystal Enterprises Inc., which operates Crystal Mountain, Mich. John Melcher succeeds MacInnes as COO.

Vail Resorts Names Bobby Murphy VP And GM Of Stowe

Bobby Murphy Head ShotSAM Magazine—Stowe, Vt., May 2, 2017—Vail Resorts, Inc. is appointing Bobby Murphy as vice president and general manager of Stowe Mountain Resort, effective at the close of VR’s acquisition of Stowe, which is expected in June. He will replace Barry Pius.

CWSAA Recognizes Murray, McLaughlin, and Stimming

cwsaa conferenceSAM Magazine—Lake Louise, Alberta, May 2, 2017—Three individuals were recognized for their contributions to the ski industry at last week’s Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) annual Awards Gala. Don Murray, senior VP, Ecosign, received the 2017 Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award; Stuart McLaughlin, president, Grouse Mountain, received the 2017 Jim Marshall Leadership Award; and Ryan Stimming, risk manager, Panorama, received the Lars Fossberg Excellence Award.

NSAA Awards Sustainable Slopes Grants

nsaa sustainability awardsSAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., May 2, 2017—The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has chosen four member ski areas to receive its annual Sustainable Slopes Grants: Arapahoe Basin, Colo., Copper Mountain Resort, Colo., Granite Peak, Wis., and Mt. Bachelor, Ore.

Big Snow, Longer Season from East to West

SAM Magazine—Dover, Vt., April 28, 2017—Across much of the country, the grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and spring sports are in full swing. But dozens of mountain resorts are still open for skiing and riding—some with plans to remain open for months to come, thanks to deep snowpack and a winter that just won’t quit.sauveur esize

SANY to Host Lift Training and Maintenance Program

SAM Magazine—Jamesville, N.Y., April 28, 2017—The Ski Areas of New York Lift Training and Maintenance Program is being offered this summer at several locations around the state. The program will provide training and networking to lift maintenance staff in more than 10 critical areas of lift maintenance. SANY membership is not required in order to attend any of the classes; all New York state ski area lift personnel are invited. There is no cost to participate, and lunch will be provided at each location.I SKI NY Logo esize

Snow People - April 2017

Welcome to the April edition of Snow People, where we highlight happenings to prominent ski industry and supplier personnel.

Occupancy Flat, Revenues Rise at Western Mountain Resorts

SAM Magazine—Denver, April 24, 2017—The 2016-17 season started slowly for Western destinations, strengthened mid-season, and then lost momentum in the final weeks, according to Denver-basedaspen esize DestiMetrics. The season will likely record some year-over-year declines by the end of April. As of March 31, aggregated occupancy reservations from November through April were down 0.3 percent. Overall revenue, though, rose 6.8 percent compared to the same time last year. Four of the six winter months showed increases; November and April were down.

Kircher Buys Crystal from Boyne Resorts

SAM Magazine—Crystal Mountain, Wash., April 19, 2017—On March 31, John Kircher acquired Crystal Mountain Ski Resort in a transaction between Kircher and Boyne Resorts, Inc. Under terms of the deal, Kircher, a longtime partner in Boyne Resorts, has swapped his share of ownership for Crystal, leaving brother Steve Kircher in control of Boyne Resorts. The sale values Crystal at $40 million and occurred 20 years to the day after Boyne purchased Crystal Mountain in 1997.

Vail Resorts Selects Inntopia For Vacation Booking System

SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., April 19, 2017—Vail Resorts has named Inntopia, the e-commerce and central reservation platform for destination travel, as a key partner to offer real-time booking, lodging options, and dynamic pricing across VR’s brand websites. The Inntopia platform will be integrated throughout Vail Resorts’ North American destinations, beginning with the use of Inntopia’s inventory distribution network this summer.

Ohran, Mueller, Nicolson Earn 2017 SAMMY Leadership Awards

Woodbury, Conn., April 18, 2017—Amy Ohran, Ethan Mueller, and Christopher Nicolson have earned 2017 SAMMY Leadership Awards from SAM Magazine. The trio, nominated by their peers, has demonstrated the leadership skills needed to help steer the snowsports industry into the future. They will receive their awards during a ceremony at the NSAA National Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz., May 6.

Aspen SkiCo and KSL Capital Partners to Acquire Mammoth Resorts

SAM Magazine—Aspen and Denver, Colo., April 12, 2017—Resort ownership consolidation was already moving at an unprecedented clip, and it just keeps speeding up.mammoth KSL esize The same entity formed by Aspen Skiing Co. and KSL Capital Partners that announced its $1.5 billion acquisition of Intrawest two days ago, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mammoth Resorts—owner of Mammoth Mountain, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, and June Mountain in California.

Aspen, KSL to Acquire Intrawest

SAM Magazine—Denver, April 10, 2017—Aspen Skiing Company and KSL Capital Partners have formed a new entity and entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Intrawest in a deal valued at $1.5 billion.

OZRE, EPR, and CNL Complete $830 Million Resort and Attractions Sale

SAM Magazine—Kansas City, Mo., April 6, 2017—Och-Ziff Real Estate, EPR Properties, and CNL have completed the sale of CNL’s ski area and attractions portfolios. The deal leaves Ski Resort Holdings LLC, owned by funds affiliated with OZRE, with 14 former CNL ski resort properties. EPR, the REIT that has funded Peak Resorts, adds ozrelogo esizeNorthstar California resort to its portfolio, along with 15 of CNL’s water and amusement parks, and five smaller family entertainment centers.

Killington Anticipates World Cup to Return for Two More Years

SAM Magazine—Killington, Vt., April 4, 2017—[UPDATED] Killington has entered into a two-year agreement with USSA to get a FIS World Cup event back to the resort over Thanksgiving weekend in 2017 and 2018. The spot on the race schedule has not been firmed up by FIS yet, but the resort hopes FIS will confirm it as a stop on the calendar at the federation's meeting in May. This comes after a tremendously successful initial foray in 2016, when the event drew an estimated 30,000 spectators.

March 2017 Snow People

Welcome to the March edition of Snow People, where we highlight happenings to prominent ski industry and supplier personnel.

Kässbohrer ATV to Move Regional Headquarters to Lost Valley, Maine

SAM Magazine—Auburn, Maine, March 30, 2017—Kässbohrer ATV, Inc., the North American Division of German parent company Kässbohrer AG and distributor of PistenBully snow grooming equipment, has chosen Lost Valley ski area in Pisten bully Kassbohrer esizeAuburn, Maine, as the site of the company’s future regional headquarters, which will include construction of a new facility.

Charles Blier to Join Prinoth North America

SAM Magazine—Granby, Quebec, March 28, 2017—Industry veteran Charles Blier has been named Prinoth’s vice president of sales, snow grooming North America. He will start in this new role April 3.Blier esize

Copper Gets Green Light for Capital Improvements

SAM Magazine—Copper Mountain, Colo., March 28, 2017—Several improvements for both winter and summer are on the docket at Copper Mountain in Colorado. The resort plans to install a new high-speed quad chairlift and RFID gates at the lifts in time for the 2017-18 winter season. New warm-season activities include an alpine coaster, obstacle course, and a mountain biking trail.

Wyoming Passes Skier Safety Statute

SAM Magazine—Cheyenne, Wyo., March 22, 2017—Wyoming has become the 29th state to adopt ski safety legislation after Gov. Matt Mead signed the Wyoming Ski Safety Act into law earlier this month. According to an NSAA report, the bill defines inherent risks involved with skiing and snowboarding, immunizes ski areas from claims resulting from these risks, and places operational requirements on ski areas to improve mountain safety.

U.S. Forest Service Webinar Today: ADA/Summer Uses

SAM Magazine—Washington, D.C., March 22, 2017—Today, the Forest Service will host an ADA webinar for ski area and agency personnel from 2 to 3 p.m. EST. The subject of the USFSlogo esizewebinar is Accessibility for Resorts and Areas with Four Season Uses.

Winter Park Succession: CEO DeFrange Retires, Foulkes Steps In

SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., March 21, 2017—At the end of the day on Friday, March 31, Winter Park Resort president and CEO Gary DeFrange will retire from the post garydefrange esizehe’s held since 1997. Intrawest COO Sky Foulkes will succeed DeFrange as president.

FIS Pulls Aspen from World Cup Calendar

SAM Magazine—Aspen, Colo., March 21, 2017—FIS should be thrilled with Aspen after the resort hosted a tremendously successful World Cup finals event that drew huge crowds, AspenWC esizehad excellent TV ratings, and garnered compliments from competitors, right? Not according to FIS secretary general Sarah Lewis.

M.A.X. Pass Adds Six More Ski Areas

SAM Magazine—Denver, March 20, 2017— The list of accessible ski areas on the M.A.X. Pass continues to get longer, with six new properties hopping on-board for 2017-18, includinglutsen esize Windham, Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface in New York, Lutsen in Minnesota, and Granite Peak in Wisconsin. That brings the grand total up to 44 ski areas in roughly 22 states and provinces that M.A.X. Pass-holders will have access to next season, with five unrestricted days at each.

Occupancy Flat, Revenues Up In Western Mountain Destinations

SAM Magazine—Denver, March 20, 2017—With less than a month remaining in the winter 2016-17 booking season, overall aggregated occupancy for 19 western mountain resorts remains telluride esizeessentially flat, up 0.3 percent as of Feb. 28, compared to the same time last year. In contrast, overall aggregated revenue is up 7.3 percent for the same time period, according to a report by DestiMetrics. The data also revealed that 90 percent of all of last season’s business has already been booked or “banked” for this season.

Midseason Skier Visits Strong in Colorado

SAM Magazine—Denver, March 20, 2017—Visits to Colorado Ski Country USA’s 22 member ski areas were up 1 percent during the second period of the 2016-17 season, which runs from Jan. 1, Sunlight esize2017 through Feb. 28, 2017, compared to the same period last year.

Vail Resorts Q2 Results Show Strong Growth

SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., March 13, 2017—Vail Resorts fiscal 2017 second quarter results for the period ending Jan. 31 show growth in just about every category compared to the sameWhistlerHeader esize period last year, with Whistler Blackcomb driving much of the increase. The slow start to the winter season in Colorado dragged the results a bit for the rest of the company.

Deep Snowpack in the West, Big Snow from the East to the Alps

SAM Magazine—Dover, Vt., March 13, 2017—Snow continues to be the story here in the States as well as in Europe.snowdepth2 esize

Record Spending, Off-Season Growth at Colorado Mountain Resorts

SAM Magazine—Denver, March 13, 2017—Sales tax collections in Colorado’s mountain communities once again reached an all-time high in 2016, mirroring the steep climb of skier visit numbers, snowmass esizeresort revenues, and statewide tourism numbers since 2012, according to a report in The Denver Post. And while winter is still the high season, it’s difficult to call the non-winter months the “off-season” any longer.

New Season Pass Alliances, Add-Ons, and Pricing for 2017-18

SAM Magazine—Dover, Vt., March 9, 2017—Season-pass launch season has begun, and many 2017-18 products are currently available at their introductory prices. There are also some updates cascadia esizeand additions to the mix.

Lift Issues Temporarily Close Hesperus Ski Area

SAM Magazine—Durango, Colo., March 3, 2017—The Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board identified several deficiencies during a lift inspection at Hesperus Ski Area, including signage, record keeping, general maintenance, and insufficient operator training, prompting management to close the ski area until the issues are addressed.

Teen Stranded on Lift at Sugar Mountain, Family Sues

SAM Magazine—Sugar Mountain, N.C., March 3, 2017—The family of a teenager who was stranded on a chairlift after it closed last February at Sugar Mountain, N.C., is suing the resort for $75,000.sugarlift esize

Mountain Travel Symposium 2017

March 25 – April 1, 2017, Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
The annual Mountain Travel Symposium gathers more than 1,000 mountain travel experts from around the world for a week of networking, deal-making, education, and fun. MTS logo esizeEach day features a variety of programming geared toward growing the mountain travel business. Part of the programming is Wednesday and Thursday’s MTS Forum—a series of discussions and seminars led by top industry professionals.

Presidents’ Week Visits Swing with the Weather

SAM Magazine—Dover, Vt., March 1, 2017—As usual, Mother Nature played the biggest role in how successful the Presidents’ holiday period was for ski areas across the country. In general, it appears magic chair esizethat a majority of the nation’s ski areas fared pretty well.

February 2017 Snow People

Welcome to the February edition of Snow People, our monthly roundup of happenings to prominent people in the mountain resort industry.

SAM Summer Ops Camp Heading to Killington

SAM Magazine—Killington, Vt., Feb. 23, 2017—Resort managers and operators from across North America will gather at the 2017 edition of SAM’s Summer Ops Camp, Sept. 5-7, summeropslogoat Killington in central Vermont. The annual hands-on educational and networking event focuses on maximizing four-season operations and revenue, which makes Killington and its ongoing multi-million dollar investment into summer attractions and activities an ideal location for the event.

Taos Ski Valley First Ski Resort to Become Certified B Corp

SAM Magazine—Taos Ski Valley, N.M., Feb. 22, 2017—Taos Ski Valley is the first ski resort in the world to become a Certified B Corporation, a recognition awarded to for-profit companies that meet the highest standards of economic, social and Taos logo esizeenvironmental performance, and public transparency. These standards are verified by B Lab, a “nonprofit organization that serves a global movement of people using business as a force for good.” There are 2,048 Certified B Corps in the world.

Arapahoe Basin Terrain Expansion, Future Projects Approved

SAM Magazine—Arapahoe Basin, Colo., Feb. 22, 2017—Following nearly 10 years of planning, Arapahoe Basin gained approval from the National Forest Service for a 468-acre terrain expansion into an area located to the west of the existing ski areaA Basin exp esize boundary called the Beavers and the Steep Gullies, eventually served by a new fixed-grip quad scheduled to be installed for the 2018-19 season. When complete, the new terrain will bring A-Basin’s total skiable area to 1,428 acres.

New York to Invest $8 Million in Upgrades at Belleayre

SAM Magazine—Highmount, N.Y., Feb. 22, 2017—After committing $20 million in January to upgrade state-owned Gore Mountain and Whiteface, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today said the state would invest an additional $8 million for upgrades at Belleayre esizeBelleayre Ski Center. The investment includes a new eight-person gondola as well as upgrading and expanding its two main lodges.

Vail Resorts to Acquire Stowe Mountain Resort

SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Feb. 21, 2017—The rumors began swirling recently that Vail Resorts was looking to expand its portfolio east, and Stowe Mountain Resort was its target. The rumors were true. Vail Resorts is acquiring all of the stowe base esizeassets related to Stowe’s mountain operations, including base area skier services (food and beverage, retail and rental, lift ticket offices and ski and snowboard school facilities) at Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak from Mt. Mansfield Company, Inc.—a wholly-owned subsidiary of American International Group (AIG)—for $50 million.

Snow Delivers Mixed Results for Western Lodging

SAM Magazine—Denver, Feb. 17, 2017—In its winter mid-season summary for more than 290 participating lodging properties, DestiMetrics reported that generous snowfall across the Rocky Mountain and Far Jackson destimetrics esizeWest regions contributed to both positive and negative trends in lodging numbers at western mountain destinations. As of Jan. 31, aggregated actual occupancy for the winter season from November through April was up 1.3 percent, and revenues were up 8.7 percent compared to the same time last year.

Intrawest Results Improved in Second Quarter

SAM Magazine—Denver, Feb. 10, 2017—Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc., reported improved numbers for the second quarter ending Dec. 31, 2016, compared to the same period last year.Intrawest Logo esize

Strong Season Pass Sales, Visits for Peak Resorts

SAM Magazine—Wildwood, Mo., Feb. 10, 2017—With improved snow conditions compared to a year ago, sales of Peak Resorts’ new Peak Pass products were up 28 percent in units and 23 percent in dollars from the peak resorts logobeginning of the ski season through Jan. 29, 2017, compared to the same period year-over-year. Paid skier visits at the company’s 14 ski areas were up 40 percent through the same period.

Power Failure Shutters Jackson Hole Through This Weekend

SAM Magazine—Teton Village, Wyo., Feb. 8, 2017—A massive power outage overnight Tuesday has left Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Teton Village without power, and the resort will be closed at least through the jacksonhole esizeweekend as a result. At present, the resort is targeting Monday, Feb. 13 as a possible reopening date.

NSAA Begins Search for New President and CEO

SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., Jan. 31, 2017—The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has posted on its website details for the position of president and CEO, and is soliciting resumes from prospective candidates. The new head will succeed longtime president Michael Berry, who is retiring at the end of the year.

NSAA President Michael Berry to Retire

SAM Magazine—Denver, Jan. 26, 2017—During yesterday’s National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) board meeting in Denver at the SIA Snow Show, NSAA president Michael Berry informed the board that he is retiring at the MBerry esizeend of this calendar year. Berry has been president of NSAA since January 1993.

Head Skis’ Headway Pilot Programs Underway

SAM Magazine—Princeton, Mass., Jan. 26, 2017—Head Skis has been working with the Professional Ski Instructors of America on a rekindled graduated-length method of learning, called Headway, which guarantees results in Wachusett Headway esizejust one day. This “total immersion” program combines three different lengths of specially-designed rental skis with all-day instruction, and on-mountain testing of the program has officially begun at two participating resorts.

Safety Over Selfies

SAM Magazine—United Kingdom, Jan. 26, 2017—Over in the United Kingdom, taking selfies while skiing and riding has its consequences, according to a recent study of British skiers funded by UK-based travel insurance company Columbus Direct. The company’s research revealed that just over half (51 percent) of experienced skiers have been injured while trying to film or photograph themselves skiing/riding on expert terrain or off-piste.selfie esize

Mad River Glen Names Matt Lillard New GM

SAM Magazine—Waitsfield, Vt., Jan. 26, 2017—The nation’s only cooperatively-owned ski area, Mad River Glen in Vermont, has hired Matt Lillard as its new general manager. Lillard is currently the GM of community-ownedMatt Lillard esize Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau, Alaska, where he’s been at the helm for the past five years. He’ll start at Mad River in early March.

Spring Cutter’s Camp Registration Now Open

SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Jan. 25, 2017—Registration is now open for 15th anniversary of the spring session of Cutter's Camp, May 16-20, 2017, at Timberline, Mt. Hood, cutters logo esizeOre. The weeklong spring program for terrain park professionals features on-hill and classroom workshops, including the return of one-on-one customized operator coaching and the Park Challenge workshop.

Squaw Valley Patroller Dies in Work Accident-UPDATED

Squaw e szeSAM Magazine—Squaw Valley, Calif., Jan. 24, 2017—Joe Zuiches, a 42-year-old resident of Olympic Valley and a member of the Squaw Valley professional ski patrol since 2012, was killed in an incident at 8:35 a.m. this morning during avalanche control activities. The cause of the incident, which occurred at the top of Gold Coast Ridge at Squaw Valley, is believed to be the detonation of an explosive charge, the resort said in a statement this afternoon.

New York to Invest $28 million at Whiteface and Gore

SAM Magazine—Plattsburgh, N.Y., Jan. 23, 2017—Gov. Andrew Cuomo is committing $28 million for capital enhancements at two of New York’s state-owned facilities—Whiteface and Gore Mountain. Both ski areas are located inWhiteface esize the Adirondacks, and Cuomo said the goal is to attract more tourists to the areas so they can rival ski resorts in nearby Vermont and Canada.

Drive System Modification Led to Granby Ranch Chairlift Fatality [UPDATE]

GranbySAM Magazine—Granby, Colo., Jan. 20, 2017—Preliminary investigation into the death of Texas mom Kelly Huber in a chairlift accident at Ski Granby Ranch Dec. 29 now suggests that the likely cause was an independent contractor’s modification to the lift’s electrical drive/control system, according to a statement released by the resort.

Early-Season Skier Visits Above Average in Colorado

SAM Magazine—Denver, Jan. 20, 2017—Considering how long it took the ski season to get rolling in Colorado, it’s not surprising that total skier visits for the period Oct. 21 througheldora esize Dec. 31 are down year-over-year at Colorado Ski Country USA’s 22 member resorts. The fact that they’re only down by single digits compared to last year, and actually up 3 percent over the five-year average, is a testament to how good things have been of late.