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.
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Summit Series: Effective Teams

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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.

What Defines Summer Success?

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.

Interview with Stix from Liquid Death

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.

Summit Series: Reinventing Resilience, Part 2

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

Summit Series: Reinventing Resilience, Part 1

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.

Summit Series: Effective Teams

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