PodSAM

Our recent SAM Huddle, Thinking Clearly in Uncertain Times, was recorded on April 21, 2025. With tensions around trade and cross-border relations rising, this conversation brought together industry and policy perspectives to delve into how these developments are reshaping the landscape for travel and resort operations throughout North America. This is episode two of our two-part series covering this conversation.  The J-1 visa program is facing potential cuts, prompting resorts to diversify recruitment strategies. While the program currently remains viable for the upcoming season, H-2B visas are being considered as a more stable—albeit costlier—alternative. Many resorts are preparing to use both to cover seasonal staffing needs.  Plus, efforts to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA process are also underway, with more responsibility placed on project sponsors to prepare documentation. Staffing shortages at the federal level are causing some delays, leading to increased use of third-party contractors. But, projects that can align with forest health and wildfire mitigation goals may gain added momentum. Speakers: Dave Byrd, Director of Risk and Regulatory Affairs, NSAA Scott Prior, Senior Associate, Environmental and Permitting, SE Group Nate Riccardi, Pabian Law Listen to part 1 of the conversation here.

Our recent SAM Huddle, Thinking Clearly in Uncertain Times, was recorded on April 21, 2025. The conversation brought ski industry leaders and policy experts together to unpack how current political dynamics—particularly U.S.–Canada relations and trade tensions—are affecting travel, tourism, and mountain resort operations across North America. This is episode one of our two-part series covering this conversation. Shifting global sentiment, a steep drop in international bookings, and growing uncertainty at border-area resorts are reshaping travel behavior and forcing North American ski destinations to adapt quickly with localized marketing, flexible policies, and a greater reliance on domestic travelers. On the other side of the business, industry suppliers are bracing for potential tariffs. While some are expediting production and shipping, others are leveraging domestic manufacturing to avoid price increases. Industry-wide, concerns are growing about tariffs as high as 160% on products tied to Chinese supply chains. Speakers: Daren Cole, President & CEO, Leitner Poma of America Tom Foley, SVP, Business Intelligence, Inntopia MJ Legault, Partner/Managing Director, MMGY Origin Charles Santry, President, HKD Snowmakers Chris Steinkamp, Head of Advocacy, SIA Steve Wright, President, Jay Peak Resort, Vt. View MJ Legault's slideshow here and Tom Foley's slideshow here. Listen to part 2 of the conversation here.

Feeling overwhelmed and underprepared can create self-limiting thoughts, low-performance, unmet expectations, higher stress, dissatisfaction, and even disillusionment. During this conversation from the fall with the Class of 2024-25 mentors and mentees, we dove into how to strengthen your own mental toughness and mindset to draw out higher performance from others. Looking for more? Read "Mastering Your Mindset" in the May 2025 issue of SAM. Mentors: Ross Boisvert, President and General Manager, McIntyre Ski Area, Manchester, N.H.  Shannon Buhler, Vice President and General Manager, Keystone Resort, Colo. Rich Burkley, CEO, Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola, Lake Louise, Alberta Ken Rider, General Manager, Brundage Mountain, Idaho Mentees: Josiah Akin, Maintenance and Rental Manager, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, Ore. Christie Barbour, Lift Operations Manager, Whistler Blackcomb, BC Rob Hallowell, Innovative Environments Manager, Boreal Mountain Resort, Woodward Tahoe, Soda Springs, Calif. Ella Klott, Sales Manager, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyo. Sarah Nutt, Assistant Patrol Director, Sunday River Resort, Maine Loryn Roberson, Director of Marketing and Communications, Loveland Ski Area, Colo. Tim Shannon, Director of Skier Services, The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain, Vt. Jenny Weaver, Health and Safety Manager, Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain, Calif. Jeremy Wildgoose, Director of Lodging, Schweitzer, Idaho Kyle Wilson, Snow Sports Director, Nordic Mountain, Wis. Rachel Wyckoff, Marketing Director, Shawnee Mountain, Pa. Expert Voices: Paul Thallner, Founder, High Peaks Group Stu Singer, CEO and Founder, WellPerformance Thank you to our premiere sponsor, MountainGuard, for their support of this program. 

When change seems to be all we do, how do we manage it to our advantage? Listen in to a conversation from the fall with the Class of 2024-25 mentors and mentees. Looking for more? Read "Change Management" from the January 2025 issue of SAM.  Mentors: Kim Jones, Vice President and General Counsel, WinSport Olympic Park, Calgary, Alberta Karl Kapucinski, Chief Executive Officer, California Mountain Resort Company JR Murray, Chief Planning Officer, Mountain Capital Partners Karyn Thorr, Chief Operating Officer, Crystal Mountain, Mich. Brent Tregaskis, President & General Manager, Eldora Mountain Resort, Colo. Mike Unruh, Senior Vice President of Mountain Operations, Boyne Resorts Mentees: Josiah Akin, Maintenance and Rental Manager, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, Ore. Christie Barbour, Lift Operations Manager, Whistler Blackcomb, BC Rob Hallowell, Innovative Environments Manager, Boreal Mountain Resort, Woodward Tahoe, Soda Springs, Calif. Ella Klott, Sales Manager, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyo. Sarah Nutt, Assistant Patrol Director, Sunday River Resort, Maine Loryn Roberson, Director of Marketing and Communications, Loveland Ski Area, Colo. Tim Shannon, Director of Skier Services, The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain, Vt. Jenny Weaver, Health and Safety Manager, Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain, Calif. Jeremy Wildgoose, Director of Lodging, Schweitzer, Idaho Kyle Wilson, Snow Sports Director, Nordic Mountain, Wis. Rachel Wyckoff, Marketing Director, Shawnee Mountain, Pa. Expert Voice: Paul Thallner, Founder, High Peaks Group Thank you to our premiere sponsor, MountainGuard, for their support of this program. 

SAM sat down with the new National Ski Areas Association president and CEO, Mike Reitzell. This extended cut interview expands upon the "Meet Mike" article in SAM's January 2025 issue. 

During the 6th annual Summit Series leadership development program, six of our mentors and an expert voice discuss what it takes to balance the weight of the workforce and workplace on your shoulders, while striking a balance within yourself and your team. As we welcome mentee nominations for this year's Summit Series, we will be sharing those conversations on PodSAM.  Learn more about the Summit Series at saminfo.com. 

During the 6th annual Summit Series leadership development program, six of our mentors and an expert voice discuss how to build trust, communicate, and problem solve with your teams, with our group of mentees.  As we welcome mentee nominations for this year's Summit Series, we will be sharing those conversations on PodSAM. You can also find a recap in the pages of SAM Magazine's March 2024 issue. Learn more about the Summit Series at saminfo.com.   

During our 6th annual Summit Series leadership development program, four of our mentors and an expert voice discuss a wide range of topics around leadership, like leadership styles, delegating, prioritizing tasks and more, with our group of mentees. As we welcome mentee nominations for this year's Summit Series, we will be sharing those conversations on PodSAM. You can also find recaps in the pages of SAM Magazine's January 2024 issue.  Learn more about the Summit Series at saminfo.com. 

Mary Walsh, writer, announcer, and longtime Snowboarder Magazine staff editor, will pair with Parker Bohon, host of The Blade Dive Podcast, to lead a discussion with industry icons looking at how far we've come in the last 20 years and what's next for the freestyle terrain park world. Topics to be covered include: - Where We've Come From: Origins and History of the Terrain Park; Evolution of the Park Department - Technology, Trends, and Getting a Seat at the Table - Where We're Going and What the Future Holds Explicit

Just as the menu of summer activities, programs and events varies between operations, so do the goals and metrics that measure success. Being profitable is an important metric but it creates complexities. Listen on as we learn how 10 resorts across North America define what success looks like. This podcast is from a session presented at SAM's Summer Ops Camp, September 11, 2023.

Steve Nilsen, more commonly known as Stix, is a legendary brand marketer, having worked with brands such as PBR, Red Bull, and now he serves as the VP of Cult Indoctrination at Liquid Death Mountain Water. If you're not familiar with Liquid Death, they've taken water to a whole new level with an insanely creative approach to their brand. In May of 2023, Stix joined the SAM team at Timberline, Mt. Hood, Ore., at Cutter's Camp, to share his insight into building powerful brand culture in the park and on the mountain. WARNING: this podcast contains a few swears.

This two-part discussion will cover how organizations move beyond setbacks to grow through challenges and how to be a place where people thrive. Let's face it, we are all a bit stressed and burnt out after a couple of years of facing serious challenges, both professionally and personally.  Part 2: Finding courage, confidence, and scaling resilience to be sustainable for individuals, teams, and organizations.

This two-part discussion covers how organizations move beyond setbacks to grow through challenges and how to be a place where people thrive. Part one defines resilience, what we're doing wrong, and stress triggers.   Learn more about SAM's Summit Series at www.saminfo.com/the-summit-series  

Sustainability encompasses so much more than going “green.” The growth of sustainability specialist positions at mountain resorts and beyond has us asking, “What does it really mean to be a sustainable business?” We've gathered a group of sustainability leaders to hear about how they approach sustainability, the results of their current efforts, and future plans. Join us as we share stories and actionable takeaways for resorts big and small. Mike Nathan, Sustainability Manager, Arapahoe Basin, Colo. Amy Fonte, Sustainability Specialist, Big Sky, Mont., and Mari Kissinger, Director of Skier Services and Sustainability, The Highlands, Mich. Dawn Boulware, Vice President of Environmental and Social Responsibility, Taos Ski Valley, N.M. Bonnie Hickey, Sustainability Director, Bridger Bowl, Mont. Christian Knapp, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Pacific Group Resorts, Inc., and Tommy Royther, Sustainability Coordinator, Wisp Resort, Md. Co-host: Erika Kazi, Vice President of Social Impact and Sustainability, flaik  and SAM's Associate Editor, Sarah Wojcik and Publisher, Olivia Rowan This Huddle is presented in partnership with flaik.

This PodSAM is a must-listen for any leader or future leader in the industry. Tune in to the second topic in our Summit Series Leadership forum where we gather top industry leaders and 10 emerging leaders to discuss approaches to "Values-Driven Leadership." "We can't operate without the team. We can't accomplish any of our business goals or initiatives without the team in place to do it. And so, in a values-driven organization, I've also found that you have to accept the values of others, right? And it creates a really dynamic conversation. And that's the way you get people on board, is really by having the conversation instead of telling them, these are our values. —Dee Byrne, President and COO, Palisades Tahoe, California The mentors on this episode are: David Norden, CEO of Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico Tim Foster, Chief of Mountain Operations at Sun Peaks, British Columbia Dee Byrne, President and COO, Palisades Tahoe, California Tara Schoedinger, Vice President and General Manager of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Colorado Dan Fuller, General Manager, Bristol Mountain, New York Facilitator: Mark Gasta, Associate Director of the Outdoor Recreation Economy program at CU Boulder. Moderator: Olivia Rowan, Publisher, SAM Magazine   For a list of all 10 mentees click here https://www.saminfo.com/the-summit-series/10212-meet-the-mentees-class-of-2022-2023    

SAM sat down with Sierra-at-Tahoe GM John Rice to reflect on the remediation and reopening process after the Caldor Fire blazed through 16 months ago. While the work is far from done, Sierra-at-Tahoe's recovery efforts offer valuable lessons in environmental and social resilience.

This PodSAM is a must listen for any leader or future leader in the industry. Tune in to the first topic in our Summit Series Leadership forum where we gather top industry leaders and 10 emerging leaders to discuss approaches to "Community Relations and Key Stakeholder Engagement." "It's now the highest priority of our organization" -David Norden, CEO Taos Ski Valley, NM "I don't think you can be anymore focused on community relationships, it's the #1 priority for us."  -Tim Foster, Chief of Mountain Operations, Sun Peaks, B.C.   The mentors on this episode are: David Norden, CEO of Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico Tim Foster, Chief of Mountain Operations at Sun Peaks, British Columbia John Hammond, President of Sugarbush Resort, Vermont Tara Schoedinger, Vice President and General Manager of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Colorado Charles Skinner, Owner and President of Midwest Family Ski Resorts Facilitator: Dr. Natalie Ooi, Associate Professor for the Masters of the Outdoor Recreation Economy at CU Boulder. Moderator: Olivia Rowan, Publisher, SAM Magazine   For a list of all 10 mentees click here https://www.saminfo.com/the-summit-series/10212-meet-the-mentees-class-of-2022-2023

When Mountain High and Dodge Ridge owner, Karl Kapuscinski purchased China Peak Mountain Resort from owner Tim Cohee on Dec. 8, 2022, it brought together two industry innovators, each with 40 years of experience, and the promise of a new small-scale resort group eager to carve out its own niche in the Epic and Ikon dominated California market. Listen up to hear what they have planned.  

A ski area general manager, a mid-level manager, a ski patroller, and an industry newcomer walk into...a room full of 450 people. Origin stories unfold. SAM editor Dave Meeker leads this panel discussion at the 2022 PNSAA Mountain Works Conference with Greg Pack, Cody Howe, Hannah Besso, and Megan Keating, who talk about their career paths in the U.S. ski industry. Enjoy this collaboration episode with the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Associations's podcast, Mountain Works.    

Molly Kawahata, a former advisor for energy and climate change at the Obama White House, chats with SAM associate editor Sarah Wojcik about the fossil fuel funded myth of the personal “carbon footprint,” the problem with climate shaming, and why it's time to focus on systemic climate action. With a focus on the power of climate advocacy, Kawahata talks about ways to frame climate change when speaking to the public and why we shouldn't lose hope.

We gathered experts at our 2022 Summer Ops Camp in Tremblant to discuss best practices for attracting customers to resort summer activities. From the best mix of attractions to the right narrative, this discussion is full of important nuggets of information that will help four season business thrive. This pod is supported by The Trekking Group. thetrekkinggroup.com Support SAM Magazine content with a subscription to SAM Magazine.

Spring is fast approaching in many parts of the country, but before we put this winter to bed, let's unpack this season and look ahead to the next one.  On this episode we brought together industry leaders to reflect on the past year and share projections for the next one. Was the success of this past season a fluke facilitated by pent up revenge travel demand and can the industry sustain this model? We'll discuss these questions and more. Support this podcast by subscribing to SAM Magazine.

Last winter, unified messaging and clear Covid protocols resulted in a successful season. The 2021-2022 winter season has already been a bit different. On this episode of PodSAM, we do a gut check on what we, as an industry, can do to try and get ahead of the chaos.  This episode is supported by Doppelmayr. Support this podcast by subscribing to SAM Magazine at www.saminfo.com/subscribe.

On the night of August 29, 2021, the Caldor wildfire blazed into Sierra-at-Tahoe's West Bowl. Listen to this two-part special as we talk with Sierra's general manager, John Rice, about what it was like to be the boots on the ground as the fire approached and how he's dealing with the aftermath.

On the night of August 29, 2021, the Caldor wildfire blazed into Sierra-at-Tahoe's West Bowl. Listen to this two-part special as we talk with Sierra's general manager, John Rice, about what it was like to be the boots on the ground as the fire approached and how he's dealing with the aftermath.  

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.

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 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. 

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.  

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.    

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.  

Smaller, local ski areas are vital to our industry. They also might be the most vulnerable this winter, with limited facilities and resources with which to address the challenges this winter will present.Support this podcast by subscribing to SAM Magazine at www.saminfo.com/subscribeSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play or elsewhere and stay up to date on industry happenings at saminfo.com.

It has never been more important for close coordination between the rental department and snowsports school. Both face issues of social distancing and face covering while performing personal services, sometimes in very close proximity to guests. Nick Herrin, CEO of PSIA-AASI, co-hosts this panel discussion talking through creative solutions to the season ahead. This episode is supported by Aspenware.

On this episode, we talk about Industry Sustainability with mentors Amy Ohran, president and general manager, Boreal and Soda Springs, Calif.; Jeff Boliba, vice president of global resorts, Burton; and Brad Wilson, general manager, Bogus Basin, Idaho. The Summit Series is supported by MountainGuard.  

This year we were challenged like never before personally and professionally. We learned a lot about what we are capable of and how resilient our businesses could be. But it was hard fought. Despite the many challenges of operating during a pandemic, there have been several bright spots—operational wins, and even some banner weeks of business in July for some of our panelists. On this episode we’re diving into what worked and what didn’t, lessons learned, what they will carry forward as permanent changes, and thoughts on the future. 

On this episode, we welcomed a panel of operators from Australia and New Zealand to talk about everything operations from staffing, to rental, to ski school, and capacity issues. Many of these resorts have had to pivot mid-season due to changing mandatory restrictions in response to COVID-19, but many are also experiencing operational wins. Our theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder, the PodSAM advisor is Alex Kaufman, the Wintry Mix podcast guy.

On this episode, we talk with the Insights Collective, a volunteer group of destination travel research specialists, about travel and consumer behavior in the time of COVID-19 and how the latest trends may translate this winter season. We discuss where the consumer stands and how attitudes and preferences may evolve.

How will winter operations change between now and when the snow flies? While much is still unknown, the picture is clear enough to begin formulating operational plans. This Huddle, led by experts from SE Group and Bull Stockwell Allen, will provide actionable ideas and help operating teams find solutions that work. This conversation examines the pinch points in F&B, rental, and other indoor spaces, and propose solutions to help you and your team prepare your property and processes for this season.  

Operating during a pandemic is no mean feat, and the financials of doing so are no exception. How do we ensure that operations remain financially resilient while adhering to limitations meant to stem the spread of the new coronavirus? What actions should operators take to successfully navigate this season and prepare for a healthy rebound next year? On this Huddle, co-hosted by Strategic Adventures chief client advocate Paul Cummings, we discuss where we go from here and some of the decisions operators might consider in the coming months to ensure a resilient business in the future.

The pandemic can be the catalyst for resorts to reevaluate their processes and leverage available technology to offer a friction-free guest experience—not only for the strange winter ahead, but for every winter after it. On this Huddle, representatives from several resorts that are exploring these improvements and experts from resort technology and operations companies will help identify solutions to challenges. From managing the online user experience and on-site product redemption to minimizing pinch points and touchpoints, this Huddle will provide actionable takeaways for ski areas of all sizes.

The mountain resort industry is in a moment of upheaval as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Resorts had to end their winter seasons early and many, if not all, furloughed or laid off staff while the world temporarily shut down. As staff return for the upcoming season, it will be more important than ever that industry leaders work to rebuild and relaunch effective teams, as these groups will be the ones determining how we operate in the new normal. Follow along with our special six-episode run here on PodSAM and in the pages of SAM Magazine. This episode is supported by MountainGuard. The PodSAM theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

On this episode we partnered with Nick Herrin, CEO of PSIA and AASI  to explore what ski & ride school might look like under the various COVID-19 restrictions. On June 22nd we talked with leaders of ski & ride schools from around the U.S. and Australia to gauge their thinking on the upcoming season and talk through topics such as capacity, group lessons, protocols, staff training, and what we can learn from summer operations that have recently kicked off.