Bob’s Bits: November 2023

The ski season has begun, but some resorts are facing delayed openings due to the less-than-optimal snowfall. Others are opening with limited terrain. However, additional resorts are set to open in the coming weeks, with most planning to be open by mid-December. As we look ahead, I hope this season will be as successful as the last one, but I have concerns about sustaining the momentum. It’s difficult not to think about broader macro issues like climate change, income inequality, housing, staffing, and leadership in DC. Despite these challenges, one of my mentors once told me, “Only focus on what you can control.” The ski industry is trying to take steps to address these issues as they relate to the industry, and it has the opportunity and ability to have some control over these challenges. Leadership in the ski industry is key to addressing all of these issues. The leadership of today and tomorrow is what has me concerned.

In this edition of the Steep Newsletter, you’ll find a piece by Matt Mosteller, Sr. VP of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, directed at ski industry leadership. I’ll also share some of my latest video work, an exaggerated piece on why ARENA Slope Management is more than just a snow measurement system like SnowStat and Leica-Geosystems.

MountainOffice has released its latest version, v1.5.3, of its web app. The tool is a significant step forward, as lift operations staff can now plan for multiple days across different lifts. Meanwhile, technicians can automatically access important data points showing trends in the lift maintenance area.

SmartMountain has developed a tiered pricing package that makes this robust dispatch and incident management tool affordable to all ski areas, big or small. This has been achieved by standardizing some features while retaining the program’s basic integrity.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and let’s all hope for snow and consistently turning bullwheels.