New England Summit 2025
September 8-9, 2025
Holiday Inn by the Bay – Portland, ME

Preliminary list of Educational Sessions (Subject to Change)

Opening Keynote Speech with Mike Reitzell, CEO of NSAA
“Thoughts from the New Guy”  Mike Reitzell, NSAA’s new President and CEO, will introduce himself to New England and share his vision for the association’s future. Drawing on Kottke data and insights from regional leaders, Mike will highlight reasons for optimism while candidly addressing the unique challenges facing the Northeast region. His keynote is designed to spark meaningful conversation about New England’s role in shaping the future of the ski industry.

NSAA Fall Education Series

NSAA’s 10-Year Injury Study Results—A Deep Focus on Collisions
Dave Byrd, NSAA Director of Risk and Regulatory Affairs
ASDA Attorney’s

NSAA is releasing the latest data from its recent injury study conducted by NSAA every ten years—and the injury trends are very encouraging and validating of our collective safety efforts.  But collisions remain the leading cause of fatal and catastrophic injuries in the sport.  While collisions with man-made or natural objects are typically inherent risks in the sport, the issue remains polarizing for our guests, and growing legal exposures, especially from skier-skier collisions.  One of the key reasons our injury rates are trending downward is from the efforts of ski areas to warn and inform our guests, and sharing best practices to mitigate reckless skiing.  We will be joined by Chauncy Johnson and the Snow Angel Foundation—the leader in combatting reckless skiing—to discuss his insights on de-escalation techniques and best practices to mitigate risks from collisions.

Do you have a contract for that?
Dave Byrd, NSAA Director of Risk and Regulatory Affairs
ASDA Attorney’s

Contracts are one of the most protective tools ski areas have in their risk management toolbox, but ski areas of all sizes continue to miss the mark with contracts.  From lift purchases to construction projects, as well as third-party vendors and special events, we want to de-mystify the “legalese” of contracts with a focus on the key mechanics of agreements, so that ski areas can shift risk exposure through contracts.  We will spend time on key provisions of contracts, including indemnity, insurance, venue, safety requirements, and releases of liability.  Our panel will include insurance professionals and attorneys from ASDA (the Association of Ski Defense Attorneys) to help break down the construction of contracts and insurance requirements contained in them, and the exposures we face when we fail to capture contracts across our operations.

An Analysis of Local and Regional Claims, with a Focus on Lifts
Dave Byrd, NSAA Director of Risk and Regulatory Affairs
ASDA Attorney’s

The current litigation climate is rapidly evolving—and not for the better—with more aggressive lawsuits and unprecedented claims, particularly involving lifts.  Analyzing local and regional claims provide insights into what ski areas can do better to mitigate claims, and operational practices that maximize your legal defenses.  We’ll have updates from some of the closely watched claims and trials from around the U.S., including a recent ruling about padding and collisions.  Our ASDA counsel will share their insights on the evolving litigation landscape, and the tools they need from ski areas to protect the industry.  NSAA will also be releasing a recent analysis of falls from lifts over the past ten seasons, and discussing efforts to improve unseated passenger incidents, with a particular focus on changing the culture of restraint bar use.  

The Overlooked Exposures in Resort Operations and Alcohol
Dave Byrd, NSAA Director of Risk and Regulatory Affairs
ASDA Attorney’s

From F&B operations to parking lots and lifts, the risk exposures from alcohol—whether served or personal use—are a troubling trend in the ski industry, with some recent enormous settlements.  Has the industry become complacent in assessing the risks of alcohol—as well as marijuana—especially since ski safety statutes and releases of liability provide fewer protections when alcohol is involved?  As a result, we will explore local Dram shop laws, and the best risk management tools to mitigate incidents.  We want your ski area to share your best practices, including TIPS training, enhanced security, video surveillance, signage, and strategic ski patrol policies.

Understanding the Employment Law Risks of Volunteers  (Closed Session – GM’s and Ski Area Management only)

Dave Byrd, Director of Risks & Regulatory Affairs, NSAA|
Matt Dieterich, General Manager, Saddleback, Maine
Diane Johansen, Preti Flaherty, Portland, Maine

The ski industry has a long legacy of working with volunteers dating back 80 years to the start of the sport here in the U.S., especially in the context of ski patrol.  But employment law is evolving, both at the state and federal level.  This session will look at how each state in New England differs on the use of volunteers by businesses, from ski patrol to hosts, ambassadors, and race teams, including recent legislative efforts in Maine and Massachusetts.  We will discuss risk management considerations for your ski area’s use of volunteers, with a unique focus on a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable foundation that works with Saddleback Mountain.  This is a great session for senior management and human resources professionals alike.  

NSAA Lift Maintenance and Awareness Sessions
5 Sessions dedicated to relevant information you need to know about Lift Operations, Maintenance and compliance with ANSI B-77 requirements.

Ski Patrol and the Aerial Evacuation Resource Guide, a round table. 
This round table discussion will start with how the AERG was developed, why and challenges the guide brings to Patrols, and anyone performing a lift evacuation. The questions, interactions, and open discussions will bring new ideas and help others solve problems.

Unseated Passenger Plans
Unseated passenger plans are critical tools to help areas and their employees respond quickly, effectively, and safely. If you don’t have plans already, or are in the process of updating yours, this is a session you won’t want to miss. This session will cover recommendations for what to include and, using an actual lift scenario, go through the process of creating a plan for that lift. You will then be able to walk through those same steps at your area to create or update your own plans.

Incidents 24-25 Season 
The 24-25 season ropeway industry was publicized in the media across the globe, was this an anomaly? Collectively we will discuss why and how these are happening and possibly what the industry should prioritize moving forward. Are changes needed to improve maintenance, operations, education, inspection, and/or regulation. Please come prepared to discuss the topic.

Peaks, NSAA’s LMS System
Discover how NSAA’s new PEAKS learning management system can elevate your professional development and streamline your continuing education experience. This session will provide a guided overview of PEAKS, highlighting its powerful features, user-friendly interface, and integrated tracking tools. Attendees will also explore other valuable NSAA resources, including events, networking opportunities, educational materials, and support services available to members. Join us to maximize the benefits of your NSAA membership and make the most out of the comprehensive tools designed for your success.

Lift Maintenance Education, what is available
Mike Lane moderated group of panelists will discuss the latest from around the country including a focus of what is happening in the northeast. From formalized education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to local programming, to national efforts. A foundation for ropeway technicians is in the works, come with your questions and concerns.

Snow How

Adam Portz, Director, SE Group
Jake Schirmer, Associate, BSA

Base Area design strategies to improve the indoor and outdoor guest experience in snow country environments that successfully address maintenance and operations.
This session will assess unique design strategies of the ski industry that impact guest experience, operations, and maintenance. We will look at a range of indoor and outdoor topics that routinely show up as snow country specific design challenges – and solutions to successfully solve them; from arrival/drop off, to roof design for snow fall zones, to the spatial design requirement of the famed “beach.” These factors contribute to successful guest experience and impact operations and maintenance.

Snowmaking-Paired Batteries: A Lifeline of Resilience and Revenue for Indie Ski Areas
Brett David Miller – CutPeak Energy
Independent ski areas face a crisis on two fronts: energy costs are rising, and warming winters are clipping ski days. Meanwhile, most indie resorts lack access to the capital, credit or technical tools used by big-monied conglomerates.

This session presents a possible lifeline. It explores how behind-the-meter battery energy storage can expand snowmaking and turn it into a strategic asset—flattening peak demand, unlocking new revenue through grid services, and reducing or eliminating the need for diesel and gas backup generators.

Among a range of topics and questions answered, participants will learn:

•     The impact of batteries on demand charges, resiliency, and emissions
•     How we can fund battery storage with no CapEx or credit
•     The energy value of their real estate, and how to realize it

The talk includes real project insights from CutPeak Energy’s NYSERDA-backed pilot at Catamount Mountain Resort, a pilot at Berkshire East Mountain Resort, and invites interested ski areas to participate in this year’s 10-slope cohort for a no-cost/no-obligation feasibility study. 

Placing a Value on Snowmaking Maintenance, Service, and Training
Ian Jarrett, Executive VP, HKD
As snowmaking systems continue to grow in size, complexity, and importance to the success of our winter operations, so too does the responsibility of maintaining these critical assets. With many demands competing for funding at our ski areas, it’s essential to prioritize investments that safeguard the infrastructure at the heart of our business.
At HKD Snowmakers, we believe that dedicating time and resources to maintaining snowmaking plants, on-hill equipment, and—most importantly—our snowmaking teams delivers measurable returns.
We invite you to join us for an open discussion on the value of snowmaking maintenance, service, and training. Share your experiences, learn from industry peers, and explore strategies to maximize the performance and longevity of your snowmaking systems.

Bearings, Lubrication and Belt Basics – how they work and some technical insights.
Steve Greene, Action Bearings

This seminar will continue to emphasize an understanding of how bearings and lubrication are related. We will also delve into some energy saving strategies with belts.

 Out of Visibility, Out of Time: Building the Workforce Pipeline Before the Avalanche Hits
Tiffany Whitcomb – The. Pipeline Project

With veteran staff retiring and hiring challenges mounting, the ski industry is approaching a workforce avalanche. But there’s an overlooked solution ready to deploy: high school Career & Technical Education (CTE) students. In this session, Tiffany Whitcomb—former CTE teacher and founder of The. Pipeline Project—shares how her initiative is bridging the gap between schools and ski areas. Discover how your resort can tap into local CTE talent, align with student career pathways, and build a future-focused workforce pipeline before it’s too late.

Strategic Business Planning, Part 1: Putting Strategy into Action (Case Studies)
Claire Humber – SE Group

This session explores the strategic business planning process, from planning to execution and measuring results. Using real-world case studies, including Mt. Bohemia (MI), Boler Mountain (ON, Canada), Spirit Mountain (MN), and Poley Mountain (NB, Canada), we will explore the impact that both small tactical changes and larger capital investments can mean to the bottom line, and how phased implementation may be utilized to build capital reserves and achieve longer-term goals.

Strategic Business Planning, Part 2: Using Benchmarking to Guide Decision Making
Claire Humber – SE Group

This session will introduce the fundamentals of strategic business planning through the lens of benchmarking — a practical, accessible data analysis tool for operators who want to better understand their own performance and shape their future with intention.

To bring this idea to life, we’ll introduce “Sleepy Slope,” a fictional ski area with familiar challenges. Using metrics from the NSAA Economic Analysis, we’ll compare Sleepy Slope’s performance to that of its peers and explore how a deeper understanding of key metrics can open new opportunities and unlock strategic clarity. The key takeaway: when you’re faced with uncertainty or tough choices, benchmarking offers a practical way to move from instinct to insight.

The SARA Program – Are you getting the most for your rental and accessories dollars?  Learn how you can benefit from this Ski Area Association Group.
Joe Yasis, The SARA Program

I invite you to participate in a dynamic round table discussion focused on the challenges facing ski rental operations today. Join industry peers to share insights on navigating critical issues such as inventory management, technological integration, and competition. Together, we will explore strategies for enhancing customer experience while addressing sustainability and staffing challenges. Additionally, we’ll discuss the implications of increased tariff costs and seasonal fluctuations on profitability.

We will also discuss how the SARA program can help with rental equipment cost, equipment selection and durability. This collaborative session aims to foster open dialogue and exchange innovative ideas, providing valuable takeaways for all participants. Come ready to engage and contribute!

Simple Tech Trends: Aligning Innovation with Strategy
Ryan Triffitt, Director of Business Development, SnowCloud

Tech moves fast, and it can feel impossible to keep up. How can you decide where to spend your time? Moreover, how do you determine which can truly help your business? Is it a must have? Is it something to ignore? Or somewhere in between? The bottom line for technology is that it should enhance your guests’ experience. In this session, we’ll outline the key factors you should consider when planning to implement any new technology. We’ll also provide a blueprint on how to implement technology at your resort. Finally, we will highlight some tech trends, and how you choose which to apply to your day-to-day.

Enhancing Your Culture of Safety for All Staff
Chauncey Johnson, Founder and Executive Director
Snow Angel Foundation
John Siewierski, Snow Angel Foundation

Build a proactive safety-first mindset across your entire resort. This session helps all teams including seasonal staff integrate safety into daily culture, communication, and decision-making.

Creating Safer Slopes: A Community Conversation
Chauncey Johnson, Founder and Executive Director
Snow Angel Foundation
John Siewierski, Snow Angel Foundation

A compelling presentation for resort staff, community leaders, and local families focused on ski and snowboard collision prevention.
Description: This speaking engagement blends the personal story of Chauncy and Kelli Johnson and the loss of their young daughter to a preventable collision with practical safety strategies to raise awareness and inspire community-wide responsibility. Ideal for town halls, resort gatherings, and ski safety weeks.

Work and Travel in USA for International Students.
Marissa Quintero, Account Development Manager – Interexchange
InterExchange is a U.S. Department of State designated J-1 Visa Sponsor. We match seasonal U.S. businesses with international students who are eager to participate in the Work & Travel Bridge USA program. During our presentation we will discuss various aspects of hosting Exchange Visitors – cultural exchange, hiring participants, the visa process, housing, and program regulations. We will also be addressing the current state of affairs with regards to the administration’s policies and sentiments towards the program, the advocacy work being done on behalf of the program, and what you can do to get involved.
This session will discuss:
Creation of Work Travel Programs
Program Regulations
Parties Involved
Exchange Visitor Participants
Holst Employers and Best Practices
Advocacy Update
Changes to the program under the Trump Administration

“Modern Marketing & Business Planning,”  Part 1, with Samantha Rufo, and Stew Jensen of nxtConcepts
Learn how to thrive in a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace. Discover strategies for effective marketing planning, precision targeting, and impactful implementation, all while leveraging the power of integrated AI in software you already use, to streamline your marketing and business routines. This workshop, packed with practical checklists and software insights, will equip you to conquer constant change and drive actionable results.

Modern Marketing & Business Planning Workshop Part 2, with Samantha Rufo, and Stew Jensen of nxtConcepts
Effective Implementation: Discover the best channels to connect with your audience and amplify your message.
Actionable Reporting: Go beyond raw data and learn how to extract useful insights that drive tangible results.
Workshop Highlights Include:
Practical Checklists: Take home ready-to-use checklists to streamline your marketing and business processes.
Software Deep Dive & how to uncover AI Assists: Get an inside look at essential software for email marketing, social media, influencer collaborations, and insightful reporting.

Sharing the Load: Lift Riding in Lessons
Kathleen Brennan, CEO PSIA – ASSI Eastern Division

Discuss safety-focused strategies and best practices for riding lifts in lessons. Explore challenges with different lift types in learning areas and share experiences to help reduce incidents and promote safer outcomes for students of all ages and abilities. We’ll also consider how training other departments on snowsports procedures can support safer outcomes and improve coordination on the hill.