Small ski areas thrived last season as people stayed closer to home and new skiers and riders came out in droves. How will these areas fare this winter as Covid continues to impact travel and recreation, and more locals now have a connection to their local hill? On this episode, we huddled live and in person at the Ski Areas of New York and Pennsylvania Expo at Holiday Valley Resort in New York to talk about the upcoming season. This conversation is supported by Doppelmayr.

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The SAM Huddle: Small is the New Big

Going into the 2021-22 season, we're seeing dramatic changes in how guests interact with mountain resorts, what guests need and want from resorts, and even how guests see resorts fitting into their lives.  On this episode we discuss how communication plans may need to change as a result of this shift. This Huddle is supported by Doppelmayr. Support these conversations by subscribing to SAM Magazine.

The SAM Huddle: Marketing in Unfamiliar Terrain

The industry breathed a sigh of relief when last winter was in the rearview mirror. That sense of relief was all too short lived, though. While this winter won’t be the same as last, it appears that Covid will still be very much a part of it. On this episode, we will look ahead to the upcoming season and learn what mountain resort operators from across North America are planning as of now. This Huddle conversation was supported by Doppelmayr and accesso. 

The SAM Huddle: Dust Off the Covid Playbook

Meet the next generation of snowsports leaders. In this episode we highlight SAM Magazine's annual 10 Under 30. This year's group of 20-somethings has already left their mark and they have ideas about where snowsports should head next. Wait, I thought you said 11? Yep, this year we're turning it up a notch. Our theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. The PodSAM advisor is Alex Kaufman, the Wintry Mix podcast guy.  

SAM's 11 Under 30: West

Meet the next generation of snowsports leaders. In this episode we highlight SAM Magazine's annual 10 Under 30. This year's group of 20-somethings has already left their mark and they have ideas about where snowsports should head next. Wait, I thought you said 11? Yep, this year we're turning it up a notch. Our theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. The PodSAM advisor is Alex Kaufman, the Wintry Mix podcast guy.

SAM's 11 Under 30: East

Labor shortages and affordable housing problems are historically cyclical and local, but this time around seems different.  This episode is supported by Doppelmayr.

Ep. 59: The SAM Huddle: The Staffing and Affordable Housing Crisis

End-of-season burnout has been more severe this spring than usual—so how do we move our teams forward into summer ops and beyond? It will take more than a vaccine to recover from the non-stop stress of this Covid year. Listen in as mountain operations leaders share how they, and their teams, are doing. Paul Thallner of High Peaks Group shares insights into how to keep your team moving forward.  This podcast is supported by Doppelmayr Garaventa Group.

Ep. 58: The SAM Huddle: Moving Mountain Operations Forward

On this episode we discuss trends in hiring, how to draw a strong applicant pool with your job description, cultivating a strong company culture, and hiring for diversity. Staffing is often one of the biggest hurdles operators face, and our panel of experts will share insight on how to turn that challenge into an opportunity. The Roundtable Paul Thallner, High Peaks Group Courtney Condy, Occupation Wild Rachel Maestri-Hailey, Rachel Hailey & Associates Consulting Lori Pingle, ZipZone Reece Phillips, Sonoma Canopy Tours Support these conversations by subscribing at www.saminfo.com/subscribe and www.adventureparkinsider.com/subscribe

Ep. 57: The API Huddle: Hiring & Staffing

A year has passed since the world shut down, and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. What lies ahead? The pandemic forced an altered perspective on how we live, work, and play. How much of this will remain once the world opens up again? And how can this inform your decision making as you consider near- and long-term plans for your operations? On this episode, we explore the predominant trends that are influencing conversations about the future including consumer changes and outdoor participation trends. This conversation was supported by Doppelmayr. Support this podcast by subscribing to SAM Magazine at www.saminfo.com/subscribe Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play or elsewhere and stay up to date on industry happenings at saminfo.com.

Ep. 56: The SAM Huddle: Post-Pandemic Planning

Covid accelerated the adoption of new technologies. On this episode, operators discuss how it impacted operations, staffing, guest behavior, and guest expectations, and what the means for the future. This episode is supported by Aspenware, Axess, and Flaik. Support this podcast by subscribing to SAM Magazine at www.saminfo.com/subscribe Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play or elsewhere and stay up to date on industry happenings at saminfo.com.

Ep: 55: The SAM Huddle: Tech Transitions

Season passes are an important element of mountain resorts' business. For a second spring in a row, we are faced with figuring out how the pandemic will impact this revenue stream. On this episode, we talk with report operators about how they’re approaching their 2021-22 season pass sales, and how this season is informing their approach.

Ep. 54: The SAM Huddle: Selling Season

Welcome to 2021! It’s a new year and it’s time to ask about the state of business at this stage of the pandemic. How did COVID mitigation plans work out over the holiday week? We also welcome New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer to break down the latest COVID relief bill passed by Congress and how it will impact mountain resort operators. The SAM Magazine Huddles are virtual conversations where operators can share ideas, challenges, and solutions. Join the conversation at www.saminfo.com/huddle The PodSAM advisor is Alex Kaufman, the Wintry Mix podcast guy, and theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. 

Ep. 53: New Year, New Huddle

Ep. 52: The SAM Huddle: Reality Check Pt. 2

This special episode comes from Christian Knapp, former CMO of Aspen Snowmass, as he shares the State of Marketing During the Pandemic from the November issue of SAM Magazine. We're testing these audio articles out, let us know what you think by emailing sarah@saminfo.com. This article, and more, are available when you subscribe to SAM at www.saminfo.com/subscribe.    

Special Episode: The State of Marketing

We've spent 8 months thinking, talking, and planning. Now it's November and we're putting those plans into action. It's time for a reality check.  The SAM Magazine Huddles are virtual conversations where operators can share ideas, challenges, and solutions. Join the conversation at www.saminfo.com/huddle.Our theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder, the PodSAM advisor is Alex Kaufman, the Wintry Mix podcast guy. Support the conversation by subscribing to SAM at www.saminfo.com/subscribe.  

Ep. 51: The SAM Huddle: Reality Check Pt. 1

The podcast channel of SAM (Ski Area Management) Magazine

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