Industry Intel
US Ski Visits Dropped Sharply This Season. Here’s How Smart Resorts Are Protecting Their Pass Renewals Right Now.
It was February and I was watching the radar for the third straight week. Nothing. Just a high-pressure ridge parked over the entire West like…
Latest Articles
Snow Partners Is Building a Third Pass Network. That’s Good News for Independent Resorts.
I was scanning the SAM Magazine feed this week when a headline stopped me: Snow Partners is launching…
SAM Magazine’s Annual Marketing Report Is Out. Here’s How I’d Grade This Season.
Every April, Ski Area Management drops their annual Best and Worst in Marketing feature, and half the industry…
Aspen Snowmass Just Added a Flex Pass and a Weekday Pass. The Takeaway for Independent Resorts Is Bigger Than You Think.
Aspen Snowmass launched a Flex Pass (from $679) and Weekday Pass (from $2,099) for 2026-27. Here’s what every…
Epic Pass Just Hit Record Prices for Adults — And Gave Gen Z a Discount. Here’s the Strategy Worth Studying.
For 2026-27, the Epic Pass hit record high prices for adults while offering Gen Z a discounted tier.…
Vail Resorts Just Reported Earnings at the Low End — Here’s What Every Resort Marketing Team Should Take Away
Vail’s season metrics landed at the low end of guidance due to low snow. Here’s what every resort…
Snow Farming Is a Real Thing Now — What Burke Mountain’s Strategy Means for Resort Season Planning
Burke Mountain is banking winter snow to extend its ski racing season. Here’s what snow farming means for…
Park City Mountain Is Eliminating Its Last Free Parking. What’s the Right Side of This Debate for Your Resort?
Park City Mountain is charging for parking next season. Here’s what the real conversation your resort should be…
The Ski Industry Just Hit 399 Million Visits. Here’s What That Number Actually Means for Your Resort
Global ski industry visits hit a record 399 million in 2024-25. Here’s what that milestone actually means for…
Lee Canyon and Purgatory Are Getting New Lifts — What MCP’s Expansion Means for Independent Resorts
Mountain Capital Partners just confirmed new chairlifts at Lee Canyon and Purgatory for 2026-27, plus stable Power Pass…