Bob’s Bits for March 2025

As I write this newsletter, I realize it has been four months since the last STEEP Newsletter—shame on me. Yes, I have been busy, but not to the point where I can use that as an excuse. From what I can sense from one ski show and following Open Snow and various snow reports, the season has generally been decent. I hope you have had a good season, and the rest of your season bodes well.

 I got a sense of tentative confidence from those at the NSAA Easter Winter Conference and Trade Show held at Mount Snow. The general uncertainties in the world around us are producing tentative feelings. I will not venture into the abyss of trying to dissect the cause. But seeing people with upbeat attitudes and interest in moving forward was great. One thing that inspired me was talking to the students from Vermont State University who are enrolled in the ski management program. Their enthusiasm for wanting to be part of the ski industry was infectious.

 This newsletter has content written by other folks that I have collected and felt was of value to share with the ski area world. Some come from different parts of the globe, from ski area folks, and some from outside the industry, but I believe they benefit the ski industry.

 STEEP Management has some interesting projects in the works with all three products represented by STEEP. Some will be announced at InterAlpin in Innsbruck in May; another is waiting for clarification as we speak. It will be exciting to share them with you in the future.