Mountain Works

PNSAA sits down with Vince Arthur, whose inspiring journey from the Marine Corps to the ski industry showcases the unique parallels between military service and ski area operations. Vince shares his story, from enlisting in the United States Marine Corps to finding his passion in the ski industry as a ski patroller and eventually leading mountain operations at Stevens Pass, WA Learn some components of the WWII 10th Mountain Division and its foundational impact on the US ski industry. Vince and PNSAA president Jordan Elliott explore the gap between the military and the ski industry workforce, discussing the untapped potential of veterans transitioning into ski area careers. Learn practical steps to establish a recruitment pipeline, leveraging local military units and the unique skill sets veterans bring. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, career transitions, and the importance of a healthy culture in ski resorts. Whether you're a ski industry professional or a veteran, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and inspiration. Keywords: Military to Ski Industry, Veteran Recruitment, 10th Mountain Division, Ski Area Operations, Leadership, Career Transition, Ski Patroller, Stevens Pass.

A ski area general manager, a mid-level manager, a ski patroller, and an industry rookie walk into...... a room full of 450 people. Origin stories unfold. Greg Pack, Cody Howe, Hannah Besso, and Megan Keating talk about their career paths in the US ski industry. Collaboration episode with Ski Area Management's podcast, PodSAM. SAM editor, Dave Meeker, leads this panel discussion at the 2022 Mountain Works Conference.

Climate scientists Dr. Sarah Myhre and Dr. Nick Siler are joined by Gwyn Howat, CEO of Mt. Baker Ski Area, and Adrienne Saia Isaac from the National Ski Areas Association to talk about ocean health and the ski industry's risk management efforts in regard to climate change. Accompanied by PNSAA president, Jordan Elliott, and emcee extraordinaire, SHANAN KELLEY. Recorded LIVE at the 2022 Mountain Works Conference. Supplemental Graph: Earth Temperature Timeline. NSAA's Sustainable Slopes program info > HERE

Chris Hagar (Backcountry Hunters & Anglers) presents the history of public lands in the US. Shawnee Hinman (USFS Region 6) presents a history of how ski areas came to be part of the public land system. Finally, Kent Sharpe (SE Group) joins Shawnee and PNSAA President Jordan Elliott on the couch to talk about how ski area special use permits are administered within the national forest system. Recorded Live at the 2022 Mountain Works Conference. Chris Hagar's Slide Deck HERE Shawnee Hinman's Slide Deck HERE Skijoring Storyboard HERE

The Oregon employment department's Damon Runberg details the vocational makeup of the region's ski industry workforce. He provides data on what COVID-19 did to the macro hospitality workforce and then follows us through industry type, time, and space while highlighting the "other season" jobs that also rely on water. Recorded live in front of nearly 500 PNW ski area staff members at the 2022 Mountain Works Conference. Special emcee shoutout to Shanan Kelley. Damon's slide deck is here