The Mountain Works Conference and Tradeshow brings together ski area staff members from nearly all aspects of the business and offers attendees the opportunity to listen and interact with respected ski industry leaders, conference speakers, confer on work-related issues with peers, participate in hands-on workshops, and learn what is new and innovative from your industry suppliers.    

Schedule of Events:

7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
Pre-Registration Required - Work Chair, Ladder and Tower Safety & Rescue Workshop
Mt. Bachelor
Speakers: Brad Kilgour, Steve Petty, Erica Pacal
Petzl and Ropeworks, in cooperation with PNSAA, are offering a workshop that will feature a brief personal protective equipment (PPE) and rescue gear overview, safety briefing, and a full day of interactive, hands-on workshops with the following topics:

Work Chair Safety and Rescue; ...

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Registration
Cascade Lobby
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Exhibitor Set-Up
Exhibit Hall
12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Pre-Registration Required - NDT MT I&II - Day 1
Deschutes N
Speaker: Trever Sprouse
This session kicks off the 20-hour Magnetic particle training course taking place this week.  This 1.5-hour introductory session is open to all mountain operations staff and provides a better understanding of the NDT requirements regarding the qualification and recertification process for MT...

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Programable Logic Controller: Inputs, Outputs and Troubleshooting
Cascade H
Speaker: Chase Hausman
Discussion and some practical examples for troubleshooting PLC based control systems, both with and without access to the controller's software.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Basic Lift Low Voltage Electrical Control
Cascade I
Speakers: Jake Donath, Colby Cather
Sponsored By:
Doppelmayr USA, Inc.
This class is dedicated to learning basic low voltage electrical schematics.  We will highlight electrical symbols and their functions in a simple 24 volt system. There will be a physical electrical panel to show how the written schematic applies in real life.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Benefits & Challenges of Utilizing a J1 Workforce
Cascade C
Speaker: Laura Bennett
Sponsored By:
MountainGuard
In this session, we will discuss the benefits and challenges of having J1 employees in the workforce.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Train the Trainer
Cascade E
Speaker: Josh Spoelstra
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Sustainability
Cascade F
Speakers: Camryn Hayett, April Furin
Talk Highlights:
Comprehensive overview of Swire Coca-Cola's sustainability initiatives
Key strategies and achievements in reducing environmental impact
Focus on climate protection, water stewardship, and packaging & waste management

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
GM Roundtable (closed session)
Deschutes S
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Terrain Parks & Strategies
Cascade D
Speakers: Colin Hales, Alex Storjohann, Tristan Bates
Join us for a discusion about the nuts and bolts of a successful terrain park operation. From design/ maintenance to risk management. We will be discussing operating best practices, current trends, challenges and successes.

2:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Hydraulic Systems
Cascade I
Speaker: Will Hartman
Sponsored By:
Doppelmayr USA, Inc.
2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Bottom to Top: Lift Design for the Non Engineer
Cascade H
Speaker: Bobby Langlands
This course will introduce attendees to basic lift design concepts and how each of the four lift configurations affect lift economics, design, and operation. Pros and cons of drive and tension terminal placement and an overview of the resulting rope tensions will be given. Lift ...

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Lift Ops Roundtable
Cascade E
Speakers: Kam Walton, Aaron Dawson
Some guided topics, but focused on open discussion based around lift operations.  We want to know what works and doesn't at your resort.    

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Increasing Value at your Resort Through Inclusivity and Adaptive Sports
Deschutes S
Speaker: Melodie Buell
You are probably missing out on a growing market of guests with untapped potential. Adaptive skiing and riding are on the rise, but the opportunity goes far beyond those using sit-skis or outriggers. There’s a large and diverse population of people with disabilities eager to experience your...

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
HR Panel Discussion
Cascade C
Speaker: John Jachim
Panelist Speaker: Anna Meija, Colleen Krigsvold, Laura Bennett, Scot Auld
Sponsored By:
MountainGuard
Recruiting, recognition, retention - importance of each. Connections to other types of marketing. Success stories and things to avoid. Benefits and compensation. Vendor/partner referrals.

Payroll systems and time clocks - favorites and features. RFID and ROI.

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Washington's Future of Sustainable Tourism Marketing, Management and Stewardship
Cascade F
Speakers: David Blanford, Jim van Loben Sels
This session is for Washington Ski Area GM's, Marketing Directors, and CFO's.

Washington’s state tourism program has languished in recent years but the industry has proposed a sustainable, public-private funding...

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Brakes and Braking – 101 1/2!
Cascade D
Speaker: Mike Lane
Sponsored By:
Doppelmayr USA, Inc.
This updated class will look at the different types of brakes, their physical characteristics, and what the B77.1 standard requires and why.  The session then applies the different brake types used on ropeways and gives an overview to help you understand their operation and...

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Offsite Tour - Bend Cider Co.
64649 Wharton Ave, Bend, OR 97703
Speaker: David Ward
Tastings of several of our dry-semi sweet botanical cider offerings.

Tour of taproom and look at one of our production facilities.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Offsite Tour - Crater Lake Spirits
19330 Pinehurst Rd, Bend, OR 97703
Speaker: Kaylynn Ellis
Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of our distillery, where we craft award-winning vodka, gin, and whiskey using pure Cascade Mountain water and high-quality ingredients. Discover how Crater Lake Spirits has pioneered the craft distilling movement and helped shape the industry. Then we will hea...

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
PistenBully - What's New!
Cascade D
Speaker: Colin Hales
Come learn what's new with the Kassbohrer PistenBully product.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
It Takes a Village: Mastering Leadership and Networking Excellence
Cascade E
Speaker: Ami Yearwood
In the dynamic and demanding environment of a ski resort, the success of lift operations hinges not only on technical expertise but also on the strength of interdepartmental relationships. This course is designed to equip...

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Quick Response Team
Deschutes S
Speaker: Brian Augenthaler
ASDA attorney Brian Augenthaler and accident reconstructionist Connor Smith will describe the first deployment of their Quick Response Team (QRT). With permission from the subject resort, they will share their findings regarding this new program, which is intended to augment a ski area accident i...

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Working with Minors
Cascade C
Speaker: Anna Meija
Sponsored By:
MountainGuard
 This class will discuss the laws associated with hiring minors in Washington state, with an overview of the other states in our region. After delving into what is legally required, we will discuss com...

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Nonprofit Ski Areas: Sustainability, Growth & Community Impact
Cascade F
Speaker: Andrew Gast
This session will explore the unique challenges and opportunities of operating a nonprofit ski area. Panelists and attendees will discuss financial sustainability, community engagement, operational management, and strategic growth. The session will provide actionable insights on how nonprofit ski...

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Welcome Reception & Tradeshow
Exhibit Hall
Join us for opening night in the Tradeshow Hall. Take some time to mingle with the suppliers whom help keep your mountains running.

Click here to Register