The Colorado Ski Country USA Annual Meeting & Double Diamond Awards has been bringing together industry professionals, business leaders, community partners, stakeholders, and decision-makers for over 60 years.
Join us for exceptional education and expanded networking opportunities.
This page is updated regularly. Come back soon!
Keynote Address
Featuring Mitch Mitchem, CEO, HIVE Interactive
AI expert Mitch Mitchem will give our keynote, a high-energy session on advanced AI strategies tailored for the use of various AI platforms with the potential to improve ski area operations. He will cover best practices for the use of AI and highlight the importance of the human oversight in this presentation packed with practical tools and strategies to empower you to use AI effectively in your ski area operations.
Meet Mike Reitzell
Meet NSAA’s new president and CEO Mike Reitzell and hear about how the 2024—25 ski season turned out nationally and, closer to home, in the Rocky Mountain Region. Learn about renewed ideas from NSAA’s Growth Committee on how we can all cultivate a growth mindset for our sport.
Headwinds: Demographics & Economics
A panel featuring Greg Totten, Colorado State Demographer’s Office, and Brian Lewandowski, Executive Director of the Business Research Division, Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado is facing some very real demographic and economic headwinds that the ski industry should understand and incorporate into its strategies and planning. These two experts will share data and thoughts to help ski areas manage the turbulence ahead—and identify some of the bright spots as well.
Affinity Groups: Carving a Path to the Peaks
A panel featuring Quincy Shannon from Slide Thru Sessions/Ski Noir 5280; Xander Weiser from Denver University’s Alpine Club; and Kris Kerr from Thera-ski Bus. Moderated by Jaden Knowles, 9News Weather Impact Team Meteorologist
Getting people to the mountain takes more than gear and lift tickets—it takes connection. Learn how affinity groups, university clubs, and community programs are creating welcoming, supportive pathways into skiing and snowboarding. From organizing group trips to sharing knowledge and encouragement, these efforts are helping more people find their place on the mountain. Join us for a conversation about the collective power of community, shared experiences, and the role these groups play in making snowsports more approachable and inclusive.
TEDs: Ski Industry Ideas Worth Spreading
featuring…
Chris Haggerty, Monarch Mountain General Manager, on building relationships with legislators using your best asset: your resort
Hannah Berman, Aspen Snowmass Senior Sustainability and Philanthropy Manager, on cultivating the next generation of women on the slopes
Senator Lindsey Daugherty, SD19, on AI technology and wildfire management systems
Shayna Silverman, Arapahoe Basin Marketing Communications Manager, on paid parking implementation
USDA Forest Service Region 2 Roundtable
moderated by Zeke Williams of Williams Weese Pepple & Ferguson
Join us for this rare opportunity to engage with Regional Forester Troy Heithecker, who has been on the job in Region 2 for nearly a year, and agency veteran Mountain Resort Program Manager Don Dressler, who has overseen more ski area projects in recent decades than he can count, in a robust dialogue about challenges and opportunities for our partnership in providing outdoor recreation.
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