PodSAM

New Small-Scale Resort Group Carves Out Own Niche

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.

 

Career Choices, Choices, Choices

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.  

 

Solving the Climate Crisis

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.

Selling Summer from SAM’s Summer Ops Camp

We gathered a panel of 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.

Our panel of experts for this podSAM consisted of:
Marie-Josée Legault, Origin Outside; Monyse Bélisle, Gendron Travel;
Paul Cummings, Strategic Adventures; Claire Humber, SE Group

The SAM Huddle: Reflections and Projections

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.

The SAM Huddle: Gut Check

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.

Fire on the Mountain Part 2

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.

Fire on the Mountain Part 1

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.

 

The SAM Huddle: Small is the New Big

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.

The SAM Huddle: Marketing in Unfamiliar Terrain

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.