TECHNOLOGY
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4 TECHNOLOGY TEMP CHECK
12 FROM PAIN POINTS TO PAYOFF
Results from the 2025-26 SAM Technology Survey reveal what ski areas are saying about software, systems, and strategy, among other insights. By Katie Brinton
Six ski area case studies detail targeted tech investments that have moved the needle on operations, risk management, and efficiency. By April Darrow
ON THE COVER
24 SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
A variety of technology tools provide increasingly critical infrastructure for mountain resort operations and guest services. Cover design by Joerg Dressler.
Explore offerings and info from technology vendors and suppliers.
EDITOR’S MEMO
MORE FROM THE SAM ARCHIVES
TECH, WITH INTENTION As we analyzed the data from the inaugural SAM Technology Survey , it became clear that technology has increasingly become a strategic asset to resort operations, not just a back office utility. In the survey report (p. 4), you’ll find a candid look at how ski areas are budgeting for technology, how they’re deploying their core systems, where friction shows up most often, and how operators are thinking about AI, data, and integration. Compare your own stack, staffing, and roadmap to the benchmarks. See where you align—and where your priorities may differ. Then turn to the case studies (p. 12), which ground those themes in real-world application. From AI-enabled cameras and food waste analytics to digital incident reporting, cybersecurity monitoring, and unified HR platforms, each story begins with a specific operational pain point and follows the process through implementation to payoff. Tech investment at ski areas has grown up since the Covid days of survival-driven digitization. The conversation now is about making systems work together and getting a return on investment. Our goal with this supplement is to bring clarity to that conversation—and to give you practical insights as you decide what’s next.
AI ON THE HILL How ski areas are experimenting with artificial intelligence tools in mountain operations. TECH UPLIFT A look at four resorts that are modernizing their tech stacks, soft- ening internal resistance to create experiences with less friction. DIG DEEP ON DATA How to use AI to mine your data cache and unlock insights. STAYING CONNECTED As connectivity plays an increasingly important role in operations, here’s how resorts are improving communications infrastructure. FINDING FRAUD Credit card scams are on the rise, forcing many ski areas to learn how to recognize and manage fraudulent purchases.
>> READ THESE ONLINE: WWW.SAMINFO.COM/ TECHNOLOGY
Katie Brinton, Sr. Editor katie@saminfo.com
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