Defining moments don’t happen by chance; they are carefully orchestrated. For Penny Paris, director of sports education at Ski Saint-Bruno, Quebec, creating impactful first-time experiences meant rethinking every aspect of the beginner’s journey.

"We shifted the focus from simply teaching skiing or snowboarding to creating a welcoming experience,” said Paris. “It’s about the entire mountain culture — hot chocolate, laughter and being with friends — not just sliding on snow."

This second in a series of growing participation explores what ski areas must do to welcome and captivate young people, to turn the into life-long skiers and riders.

Climate change is already affecting ski areas, leading to shorter seasons and unpredictable snowfall. While resorts are adopting solutions like energy efficiency and advocacy, more action is needed. Organizations like NSAA and ski areas such as Bogus Basin are leading the way, but industry-wide engagement and education remain essential to sustaining winter sports.

Richard Hallman Photo

If particulates from burning fossil fuels or chemical emissions lead to cloud formation, which cools, the earth, then why do scientists warn they are warming the planet?

The Ski Industry has been described as “the canary in the coal mine” in the face of climate change. This week, a powerful Zoom discussion among experts in snow sports journalism, meteorology, and climate policy was hosted by the North American Snow Sports Journalists Association (NASJA). The conversation explored how climate change is reshaping the future of snow sports, the importance of climate literacy, and the role of corporations in this transformation.

I've been reflecting on how our country has become so divided and polarized. It feels like every issue, every event, and every conversation is amplified to extremes, leaving no room for rational, friendly, or even spirited discussions. How did we get to this point? And how do we move forward?

How will you put AI to work? The AI-powered robot is constantly processing and analyzing data in its brain, indicating its ability to identify the client's needs, while maintaining a professional and genuine connection. No - you don’t need to send a robot to do a real person’s work, but you can enlist the power of AI to better match solutions with a client’s needs.

Three salmon friends hatch a plan for freedom to find a home in Lookingglass Creek.

Both Vail Resorts' Epic Pass and Mt. Hood Meadows' 4x4 promotion highlight the effectiveness of innovative pricing strategies and the importance of understanding customer behavior. By focusing on customer value and leveraging the dynamics of group behavior, businesses can unlock new growth opportunities and build lasting relationships with their clientele.

One of the strongest El Niño’s in 70 years has joined forces with a powerful Polar Vortex to deny the NW and the Northern Hemisphere of normal snowpack this season. But there is signs that we will get on track in January.