Articles

Defining Summer Success


The November 2023 issue of Ski Area Management (SAM) magazine features an article written by April Darrow and Claire Humber, SE Group’s Director of Resort Planning.

“It’s been an interesting journey to track how the industry has evolved (in defining operational success), and how the conversations have evolved,” says Humber. “No one has the same ski area, the same brand, or the same natural environment, so no one is going to have the same offerings. Not everyone is going to measure success in the same way.”

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Two SE Group Articles featured in May edition of SAM Magazine


The May issue of Ski Area Management magazine is out and we are pleased to report that it features not one but two articles from SE Group authors.

Director of Resort Planning Claire Humber‘s piece is titled “Investing in Retention of Interest.” Leaning on her deep expertise in strategic planning, Claire encourages ski area owners and operators to look beyond the traditional ROI (return on investment) to consider another ROI when planning capital expenditures: retention of interest.

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Community Planning Practice Continues Growth Into Housing Planning with Leadville Housing Authority Approved


Affordable housing is an acute issue for mountain towns from coast to coast. Over the past few years, SE Group’s Community Planning team has expanded its practice to include housing-specific planning, led by Senior Community Planner Gabrielle Voeller, AICP. Considering our deep experience working with these communities – as well as our expertise in policy review and analysis, site design, and engagement – this has been a natural extension of our work.

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Capital Suggestions


Ski Area Management January 2022

Capital investments are a critical aspect of master planning for any resort – and the amount of data that can inform these decisions has dramatically risen in the last 10 years. So where does one begin?

SE Group has been guiding ski areas and resorts through capital planning since its inception in 1958. And in this article for Ski Area Management, CEO Kent Sharp joins a panel of experts to talk about growth and maintenance capital in this ever-changing environment.

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Unpack Your Assumptions


Ski Area Management November 2021

COVID has forced a broad rethinking of resort operations, the guest experience, and the use of space. In this article for Ski Area Management, Carolyn McShea and Claire Humber examine the operational assumptions that COVID disproved – and how resorts can continue to turn last year’s challenges into this year’s opportunities.

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Lift-Served Mountain Biking


NSAA Journal  Summer 2021

SE Group’s  Patrick Olstad and Drew Pollck-Bruce co-authored an article about the potential for lift-served mountain biking growth opportunities at ski areas and mountain resorts. Their findings are based on the insights and trends identified in a national survey of current riders and guests.

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Montpelier Elementary School Playground


Advocate, Vermont Recreation and Parks Association Newsletter Summer 2020

SE Group’s Tom Hand and Drew Pollak-Bruce provide insight to the recently completed Montpelier Union Elementary School Playground project, and how the new design achieves key upgrades to the school facilities and grounds while providing education and play opportunities for students and the community at large.

 

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Moving Forward


Ski Area Management magazine

SE Group’s Claire Humber, along with Collaboratory’s Regina Connell and Bull Stockwell Allen’s John Ashworth, discuss best practices as resorts begin to re-open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Adventure Continues


Ski Area Management  January 2019

Claire Humber and Jason Hoover, along with Maura Trumble of Cottle Carr Yaw Architects, have authored an article about the need for a shift in focus to summer operations at mountain resorts.

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Inside the Complex World of Ski Resort Design


In an interview with Architectural Digest, SE Group team members discuss the art and science of planning mountain resorts.

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