{"id":104745,"date":"2026-05-06T10:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T08:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/?p=104745"},"modified":"2026-05-06T11:59:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T09:59:44","slug":"mike-reitzell-nsaa-on-the-current-state-and-trends-in-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/si-alpin\/topics\/management-tourism\/mike-reitzell-nsaa-on-the-current-state-and-trends-in-the-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike Reitzell (NSAA) on the current state and trends in the USA."},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 gradient-container-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-1\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px + 0px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-1 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third gradient-column-2\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px + 0px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-right: 0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_364dbd2c3c60071d\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\">\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"0\"><strong>Season Results and Market Dynamics<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"1\"><b data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">SI:<\/b> Current figures \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/si-alpin\/topics\/management-tourism\/usa-western-weather-challenges-offset-strong-eastern-performance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">as of May 6, 2026<\/a> \u2013 show a decline in skier visits for the 2025\/26 season by nine million to 50.6 million skier visits. This is 9.1 percent below the ten-year average. How do you explain this?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"2\"><b data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Mike Reitzell:<\/b> Colorado and Utah did not have a good season. More than a third of our visits come from these two states. When their numbers drop, it definitely impacts the overall result. In the Northeast and the Midwest, on the other hand, we recorded a very good winter. But when the West has a difficult year, it massively affects the final tally. In any case, the final results will follow in mid-summer.<\/p>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"3\">Aside from the weather, what are currently the most important dynamics and shifts in the US market?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4\">Post-COVID, we had a real boom; the demand for outdoor activities was extremely high. I think we have now reached a point where we are competing with many other activities again. When it comes to attracting new guests, we really have to convince them that skiing, snowboarding, or other activities in the snow are worth their time and effort.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><a class=\"fusion-no-lightbox\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bergnetzwerk.com\/?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"BNW Newsletter EN\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img width=\"2560\" image_height=\"531\" image_id=\"104752\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BNW-Newsletter-EN-scaled.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-104752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BNW-Newsletter-EN-200x41.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BNW-Newsletter-EN-400x83.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BNW-Newsletter-EN-600x124.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BNW-Newsletter-EN-800x166.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BNW-Newsletter-EN-1200x249.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BNW-Newsletter-EN-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/span><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-2 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-3\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px + 0px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-3 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-4\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-4 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-5\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_d47ad6c8256a917d\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\">\n<p data-path-to-node=\"0\">Our biggest challenge right now is growing the sport \u2013 or rather, the activity \u2013 through new participants. We need to increase the number of people who say: \u201cI am a skier\u201d or \u201cI am a snowboarder.\u201d<\/p>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"1\">So the main competitors are not other ski resorts, but rather video games or trips to Europe?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"2\">We recently conducted a study on the barriers to skiing. As an industry, we are competing against anything that leads people to do something else. That is why we have to convince everyone that our offering is better than other leisure activities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-5 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 image-wide-container gradient-container-2 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-6\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-1351304967\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Past the peak?<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_0b69e2caebfd0d08\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\" data-path-to-node=\"0\">Last year, for the first time in a long while, the NSAA recorded a decline in mega-passes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-6 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-7\" style=\"width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-2033883162\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/indy-pass-graphic.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-7 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 gradient-container-3 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-8\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-8 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-9\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_c43b984513cba6bc\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\">\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"0\">The \u201cMega-Pass\u201d Model<\/h3>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"1\">We hear a lot about ski subscription models, keyword \u201cmega-pass.\u201d How is this changing the economic viability of the ski industry?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"2\">Interestingly, in Europe, I was often asked about the cost of ski tickets in the US and how our model aims to get as many people as possible into pass products. In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of visits via season passes or multi-resort passes. Last year, however, for the first time in a long while, we saw a decline in these passes.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"3\">From an economic perspective, it\u2019s about when the money comes in. The \u201cIkon Pass,\u201d for example, just raised its prices. Often, the best opportunity for the lowest price has already passed before the actual season even ends. However, we also have to consider the occasional skier who doesn&#8217;t want to buy a pass. If we don\u2019t provide them with easy access, they might stop coming altogether.<\/p>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"4\">Are there lessons from this model that traditional European resorts should consider?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">The dynamics in Europe are different; ski tickets are much cheaper there. But I think multi-resort passes foster guest loyalty, ensuring they return year after year instead of having to decide anew every time. The mega-pass model was also created to buffer the volatility of each season, especially regarding climate change. It creates revenue predictability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-9 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 image-wide-container gradient-container-4 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-10\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-1533522772\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Game Changer ski school<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_dda718dfab75a94d\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\" data-path-to-node=\"0\">A good first experience for a child on skis is the most important step in the loyalty process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-10 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-10 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-11\" style=\"width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-1675146067\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/web-BR_Douvalakis.jpg\" \/><div class=\"copyright\">\u00a9 BR_Douvalakis<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-11 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 gradient-container-5 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-11 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-12\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-12 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-13\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_59a61b820013dffd\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\">\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"0\">Ski Schools and Youth Development<\/h3>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"1\">The last NSAA Convention discussed a decline in ski school participation of nearly ten percent. What is driving this development and what is being done about it?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"2\">That concerns us. Our ski instructors are very good at teaching people how to ski, but also at teaching safety, etiquette, and how to use the lifts. We need to invest more in ski schools and see them not just as a source of revenue, but as an investment in the future of the sport.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"3\">Many resorts tell us that they are already at their capacity limits on weekends \u2013 all instructors are fully booked. Another factor could be COVID, as people learned to teach themselves things, for example via YouTube. But that is not a good way to learn how to ski.<\/p>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"4\">Are ski schools also a factor for customer loyalty?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">Absolutely. A ski instructor is an ambassador for the resort. In our study, one of the main reasons why families did not return to skiing was that the child did not have a good experience. A good first experience for a child on skis is the most important step in the loyalty process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-13 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 image-wide-container gradient-container-6 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-14\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-1948598080\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Safety as a topic<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><p style=\"text-align: right;\">In Europe, it is culturally ingrained to close the safety bar immediately. In the USA, on the other hand, there is a \u201cdon\u2019t tell me what to do\u201d culture.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-14 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-14 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-15\" style=\"width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-1834697322\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/web-BC_MILLER.jpg\" \/><div class=\"copyright\">\u00a9 BC_MILLER<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-15 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-7 gradient-container-7 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-15 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-16\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-16 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-16 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-17\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_577dad375b8bec94\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\">\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"0\">Future Generations and Sustainability<\/h3>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"1\">In Europe, there are discussions about the profile of guests as the baby boomer generation is slowly bowing out. What is the NSAA&#8217;s strategy to appeal to younger and more diverse target groups?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"2\">The new generation of consumers has different expectations. It is no longer just about the skiing itself. They look at the entire \u201ccustomer journey\u201d: How easy is it to buy tickets, find equipment, choose a hotel, and what is the parking situation like? We need to strengthen the social connection to the sport. Gen Z thinks differently, and we must adapt quickly so as not to lose this generation.<\/p>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"3\">On the topic of sustainability: In Europe, the focus is on technical snowmaking and energy savings. What does it look like in the USA?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4\">Our themes are similar. We are investing heavily in efficient snowmaking. Many people don\u2019t know that over 85% of the water we use for snow flows back into the watershed. As the time windows for snowmaking become shorter due to climate change, efficiency is crucial.<\/p>\n<h5 data-path-to-node=\"5\">Finally, a question about safety: What are the biggest challenges here and now?<\/h5>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6\">In Europe, it is culturally ingrained to close the safety bar immediately. In the USA, we have a \u201cdon\u2019t tell me what to do\u201d culture that we want to change. A lift is a transportation system, and we want everyone to get from point A to point B safely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type='text\/css'>.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-reading-box-container reading-box-container-1\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"reading-box\" style=\"background-color:#f9f9fb;border-width:1px;border-color:rgba(226,226,226,0);border-left-width:3px;border-left-color:var(--primary_color);border-style:solid;\"><h2>Production<\/h2><div class=\"reading-box-additional fusion-reading-box-additional\">\n<ul>\n<li>Coordination, questions: Ekaterina Zakharova<\/li>\n<li>Interview: Gerald Pichlmair<\/li>\n<li>Editor: Thomas Surrer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-17 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mike Reitzell, President of the National Ski Area Association (NSAA), speaks in an SI interview about the dynamics in the US ski market, ski subscription models, youth development, and how mountain resorts are becoming fit for the future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":104716,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[178],"tags":[241],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104745"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104745"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104745\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104791,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104745\/revisions\/104791"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104745"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104745"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}