Powder Hounds Ski Trivia Podcast Episode 35 - Jamie Schectman & Supporting Small Ski Areas (May 2, 2022)

Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, we pull back the curtain on what it takes to run a small, community or nonprofit ski area in the face of large mountain, corporate competition. My guest and long-time ski industry veteran, Jamie Schectman, takes a break from ripping turns in the Italian Alps to talk about an endangered specifies - small ski areas. The good news, financial models that exist to keep them sustainable – nonprofits, general improvement districts (Diamond Peak, NV), co-ops (Mad River Glen, VT), B-Corps (Taos, NM) historic preservation licenses (Old Hickory, NY) and even ski clubs. There are also operational models, such as NSAA’s Sustainable Slopes and Stoke Certification (Mount Ashland, OR) to help ski areas achieve the Triple Bottom Line - that their business is good on Profits, for People and for the Planet. For struggling ski areas, Jamie begs them to think outside the box, and for users to become the owners (a few movers and shakers and big donors will help). Storm clouds have been brewing around small ski areas for a while now, but Jamie will tell you there are lots of options to save a ski area – and even bring a few back to life (Saddleback, ME)! Keep an ear out for the Caddyshack and Hot Dog The Movie references!