Bob’s Bits: June 2024

As I pen this under a heat dome, I remember summer’s diverse experiences. Just yesterday, I was surprised to learn that several inches of snow had fallen in northern Montana and Idaho. Weather, a topic we all can relate to, is a constant source of conversation, even if we can’t control it.

This spring has been a real pleasure for me because I have attended two conferences, the CWSAA 2024 Spring Conference in Jasper, AB, and LMOE 2024 in Lake Tahoe, and both have been rewarding surprises. The sense of community was palpable, with attendees engaging and showing real interest in bettering themselves and the ski industry. Maybe it was the location or time of year, but I have never felt as inspired as I did at the end of these events.  Of course, it didn’t hurt that there was keen interest in the presentations I gave and the follow-up of leads that were generated.

In this issue of the Steep Newsletter, I’m thrilled to share an insightful article/podcast from McKinsey about leadership, one of the sessions I presented at LMOE. The session, titled ‘What is Real Leadership’, was a risk I took, as it was a topic I had never explored in the ski world. The results were beyond my expectations. The audience was engaging and asked thought-provoking questions that elevated the entire dialogue to an inspiring level.  This McKinsey article /podcast ties in nicely as a follow-up to that session and can stand alone. I encourage you to take the time to listen; I believe that no matter what your position in the hierarchy of your ski area, you will find it beneficial for your professional growth.

I have also included different perspectives on the ARENA Slope Management system that Steep represents here in North Americ. My goal was to share how ARENA impacts the groomer drivers, the snowmakers, and those who manage the ski area. As you read this, whatever your position, whether groomer driver, snowmaker, snow surface manager, director of mountain ops, or VP of mountain operations, I hope you realize that innovation and effort have provided a tool that can make your world better, even if you are using existing snow height measurement tools.

Having previously posted about the need for lift maintenance training, I am sharing a link to a YouTube clip on the CMC/Alterra program. I know people have worked hard to bring this program together, as have the NSAA and OSU. I hope these organizations and others can collaborate to expand the breadth and availability of training in this field. As the clip says, it is imperative that the knowledge exit from this field across the country has been significant in the last few years and will continue as our skilled lift mechanicians and electricians age out. Collaboration and standardization are the solutions for the future.

I know capital budgets are set, but don’t hesitate to contact Steep about using smart technology in your mountain operations area.  It can make a difference in so many ways. Not just the bottom line.

Enjoy the summer.

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