<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><p><b>The ski world has been turned upside down.</b></p> <p>Chris Diamond's first book, <i>Ski Inc.</i>, had just hit bookshelves in December 2016 when shock waves reverberated through the ski resort landscape. In early 2017, the Alterra Mountain Company emerged to challenge Vail Resorts' supremacy, eventually buying 15 resorts, partnering with another 25-plus, and launching the Ikon Pass to compete with the Epic Pass. The story behind Alterra's rise is remarkable, as is Vail Resorts' counter-offensive in the form of its own buying spree, which most recently included the acquisition of the 17 ski areas of Peak Resorts.</p> <p>Through countless interviews, hundreds of sources, and deep firsthand experience, Diamond dissects this unprecedented upheaval, in which the business has been radically, disruptively, and yet positively transformed. <i>Ski Inc. 2020</i> accomplished in a matter of hours what I'd failed to do on my own in a decade: make sense of present-day resort headlines in the context of how we got here in the first place, says Gregg Blanchard, the senior vice president of Strategy for Inntopia. </p> <p>When Diamond started this <i>Ski Inc. 2020</i> sequel, he thought it would be primarily the story of how these Big Two resort companies suddenly came to control more than half of the U.S. ski resort business through their mega-passes, and what it means for skiers and snowboarders. But as he dug deeper, he discovered dynamic trajectories among the next three largest ski conglomerates (Boyne Resorts, POWDR and Peak Resorts, now part of Vail), plus ingenuity and innovation at a host of small- and medium-sized resorts, dozens of which are chronicled in the book. Besides the widespread success of value season passes, which trade early commitment for dramatically reduced pricing, resorts large and small have polished their operations. The success starts with passionate leadership and extends to every line item. Resorts now avoid risky real-estate projects; vigorously market to and build relationships with digitally savvy customers; sharpen margins across all departments; and improve the product in every way. For an industry that historically suffered through peaks and valleys with the weather and economy, the result today is an impressive bottom-line consistency that has drawn investor interest worldwide.</p> <p>There are daunting hurdles ahead, with climate change and sluggish participation trends at the top of the disrupter list, but the future is arguably brighter than ever. With season passes at circa-1970s prices, while providing access to dozens of resorts rather than just one, there's never been a better time to be a skier or snowboarder. This book is an eye-opener, a deep, colorful dive beneath the headlines, for any skier or rider who wants to understand today's landscape. And it's a must-read for anyone who works--or wants to work--in the ski industry. </p> <p>Chris Diamond takes the reader to a higher level of understanding on the state of the ski-resort industry than anyone has ever done, says Michael Berry, who served as the president of the National Ski Areas Association for 25 years. Key executives opened up to Chris in a way that is unique to this book; their candor and Chris's astute observations combine to make a compelling read. If you love winter, love mountains, and love to slide on snow, this book is a must-read.</p><p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br><i>Ski Inc. 2020 </i>accomplished in a matter of hours what I'd failed to do on my own in a decade: make sense of present-day resort headlines in the context of how we got here in the first place. Through countless interviews, hundreds of sources, and deep firsthand experience, Chris Diamond has woven a must-read narrative for anyone hoping to make their career in ski.-- "Gregg Blanchard, Senior Vice President of Strategy Inntopia, Social media guru @Slopefillers"<br><br><i>Ski Inc. 2020</i> dissects the tectonic shift occurring in the North American ski industry and its significance for resorts, mountain communities, and skiers, providing a detailed and insightful perspective on the transformation of the business of skiing.-- "Bill Jensen, CEO and Partner, Telluride Ski and Golf Resort"<br><br><i>Ski Inc. 2020</i> provides an almost encyclopedic view of the industry today, from the biggest to the smallest players. It could be a textbook for anyone wanting to understand the landscape of the North American ski business, and how it has changed so dramatically in the past few years.-- "Blaise Carrig, Former President, Vail Resorts Mountain Division"<br><br>"Finely written and deeply researched. This is the compelling story of how changes in strategy and the development of healthy business cultures can improve performance--not just for the two leading companies, but for an entire industry. A winning combination of lower costs, more choice, and an enhanced customer experience has made skiing a sport with a future again.-- "John Elstrott, Emeritus Founder, Tulane University Entrepreneurship Institute, Former Chairman, Whole Foods Market, Inc."<br><br>A must read for anyone working in the ski industry, but also for those who spend their time skiing or whose business is affected by the ski industry.-- "Lisa Sullivan, Bartleby's Books, VT"<br><br>Chris Diamond does it again. This time he tells the story of how an industry can disrupt itself and reignite growth by creating an exciting consumer proposition. Leaders with vision, passion and sound business plans can turn around a declining industry. The sequel is a good read for a ski enthusiast or a student of business. He also whets the appetite by introducing the challenges ahead.-- "Steve Reinemund, Former Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo, Former Dean, School of Business, Wake Forest University"<br><br>Chris Diamond is a former industry executive and author of the book <i>Ski Inc. 2020</i> which chronicles the recent consolidation across ski resorts. 'I think it's good news. They certainly have the cash. They're a well-run, well-capitalized, well-respected company.'-- "Cleveland Plains Dealer"<br><br>Chris Diamond takes the reader to a higher level of understanding on the state of the ski-resort industry than anyone has ever done. Key executives opened up to Chris in a way that is unique to this book; their candor and Chris's astute observations combine to make a compelling read. If you love winter, love mountains, and love to slide on snow, this book is a must-read.-- "Michael Berry, former president of the National Ski Areas Association"<br><br>Chris Diamond's insightful new book, <i>Ski Inc. 2020</i>, analyzes the consolidation trend and its potential impacts on all winter resorts. What started out as a book aimed at the two major players ended up addressing the entire industry, with valuable insights and revelations for all. Diamond has given readers plenty to inform the debate, and ample opinion to jumpstart discussion.-- "Ski Area Management magazine"<br><br>Essential reading for anyone watching the resort industry carve into this new 'Golden Age.' Chris Diamond (and his colleague, Andy Bigford) deliver invaluable insights into the insular resort industry and its influence on mountain communities. As sweeping changes in resort ownership both challenge and bolster skiing as a business, <i>Ski Inc. 2020</i> peeks behind ski country's curtain, revealing the characters, passions, hardships, and money that keep American skiing's oversized impact as vibrant as ever. -- "Jason Blevins, Veteran industry reporter, Colorado Sun"<br><br>For skiers who are struggling to process the amount of rapid change that has overtaken ski resorts, the author's contacts in the industry and his own savvy make it a compelling read.-- "Steamboat Pilot"<br><br>If you want to understand the inner workings of today's ski resorts, and what drives their decision-making, <i>Ski Inc. 2020</i> is an authoritative, illuminating must-read.-- "John Fry, Author, editor, and chairman of the International Skiing History Association"<br><br>Important, engaging, and easy to digest . . . a must-read for anyone aiming for an upper-management position in the ski resort world, or anyone curious about the current state of ski resorts.-- "SKI Magazine"<br><br>In his new book, "Ski Inc. 2020,"Chris Diamond, retired president of Steamboat Ski & Resort Co., argues that Epic and Ikon have been boons for the industry and for consumers, with the net effect of driving up numbers after years of flat growth. Colorado skiers who purchase those passes now think not only about skiing a limited number of areas in-state, but at resorts across the United States and even foreign countries.-- "Denver Post"<br><br>In this deeply researched book, award-winning author and former Steamboat president Chris Diamond analyzes the roots of the renaissance, how it played out, and why resorts are stronger today than ever. <i>Ski Inc. 2020</i> offers a detailed read for anyone who wants to know what it all means to skiers and to the resort industry--from the major destinations down to the smallest day areas.-- "Snowgrrl"<br><br>Interesting reading for any skier who wants to understand or work in the ski industry.-- "Mountain Times"<br><br>Moves beyond a historical accounting of industry shifts and into the rare chance for skiers -- as in everyone who skis, whether as an operator, a local or a visitor -- to unite in both celebration and stewardship of a critical pastime that shapes landscapes, communities and lives.-- "The Colorado Sun"<br><br>The industry response from the large resorts down to the mom-and-pop ski areas has been strategic and, for some, simply a matter of survival. Chris Diamond's knowledge of the industry and thorough research provide the reader a snapshot into the dynamics of our industry.-- "Jerry Blann, Former President, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort"<br>
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