SAM JANUARY 2025

FEATURES VOL. 64, NO. 1, JANUARY 2025

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ON THE COVER Banff Sunshine Village (Alberta) president and CEO Ralph Scurfield (left) with COO and senior VP Dave Riley in front of the Super Angel Ex- press with Mount Assiniboine, “Canada’s Matter- horn,” in the far background. Super Angel is the resort’s new Leitner-Poma six-pack, one of nine lifts installed in Canada last year, many of which are big machines with premium features. Read more in the “Lift Construction Survey,” p. 62  62 2024 LIFT CONSTRUCTION SURVEY Fewer lifts were built in 2024 than in banner

2023, but it was still one of the busiest construction seasons of this century. By Peter Landsman

86 LEADING THE CHARGE

The growing popularity of electric vehicles drives resorts to navigate investments in charging infrastructure. By Hilary DelRoss

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90 BIGGER AND BOLDER

 68 MEET MIKE

77 SKIING DOUBLE: DEER VALLEY EAST

A look at the pros, cons, and logistical considerations of terrain expansion projects from the perspective of experienced operators

New NSAA CEO Mike Reitzell sits down with SAM for an in-depth interview covering his experience, values, and forecasts for the future. By Katie Brinton 72 FINE-TUNING THE RENTAL BUY The where, when, and why of rental equipment purchasing best practices—plus a look at what’s new in alpine, snowboard, and XC for 2025-26. By Rick Kahl

and planners. By Josh Laskin

Deer Valley’s staggeringly large expansion, once part of the original plans for the resort more than 50 years ago, comes to life. By April Darrow

82 CHANGE MANAGEMENT

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Seasoned operators share insights with up-and- coming leaders on how to manage change in an industry where change seems like all we do. By David Meeker

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