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 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

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.