JUNE 21 23, 2017 NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA RESORT PRESENTED BY: Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of Northstar

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1 JUNE 21 23, 2017 PRESENTED BY: NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA RESORT Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of Northstar

SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE INDUSTRY. A special thanks to our generous sponsors who provide funds to be reinvested back into educational programs benefitting the entire industry.

2 SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE INDUSTRY. A special thanks to our generous sponsors who provide funds to be reinvested back into educational programs benefitting the entire industry. Deasonbuilt Bike Carriers Feeding your Gravity Obsession since 2003 Doppelmayr Upholding a Tradition of Excellence for 120 Years Gravity Logic Leitner-Poma of America We Move People MountainGuard Insuring the Success of the Mountain Resort Industry Safehold Special Risk Resort Insurance and Risk Management Solutions NOTICE: ABSOLUTELY NO RECORDING ALLOWED AT NSAA CONFERENCES! NSAA seeks to foster an open and candid exchange of ideas between ski area personnel with its educational seminars. Accordingly, NSAA strictly prohibits any recording including both audio and visual recording of any of the sessions, meetings, speakers or individual attendees at NSAA meetings and conferences, notwithstanding local or state laws. It is also NSAA policy that individuals may not attend any session or meeting without being registered for the conference. NSAA meetings and conferences are not public forums. As noted in registration materials, NSAA will seek civil and criminal penalties, as well as damages and attorney s fees, if a person violates this policy. By registering for any NSAA event, you hereby agree to be bound by these policies.

3 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. > Welcome Reception 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. SESSIONS 9:00 A.M. - 10:15 A.M. 10:30 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. 11:45 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. 3:15 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. 5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. > Breakfast > Alternate Rides - Where Do Fat Bikes & E-Bikes Fit or Do They? > Water Management - The What, Why, How, and When > Mountain Biker s Responsibility Code & Signage > Guest Education - Using an Integrated Systems Approach > Working with the USFS > Filter Features - Their Value & Use > Lunch > Park Manager Roundtable > Growing the Sport - Starting From the First Visit > Mock Trial > Water Management (on-hill session) > Northstar Bike Park Riding with option for XC trail ride > Northstar 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. SESSIONS 9:15 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. 10:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. 12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. > Breakfast > Bike Park Marketing Notes From the Media > Employee Risk Management - Keeping Staff Safe > Balancing Your Trail System with the Right Mix > Keeping Biking Fun - Applying the Science > Events Measuring and Managing the Risks > Driving Revenue Maximizing Your Rental Program > Lunch > Summer Activities Legal Update (Closed Session- Area personnel and invited guests only) > Northstar s Specialized Academy (On-hill Tour and Discussion) 1

JUNE 21-23, 2017 NSAA BIKE CONFERENCE SESSIONS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Welcome Reception Cabana s THURSDAY, JUNE 22 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. Breakfast Sponsored by Deasonbuilt TC s Pub 9:00 A.

Moderated by Earl Saline, Director of Education Programming, National Ski Areas Association Jody Ream, General Manager, Spirit Mt, MN Will Ortman, Nordic Center Manager, Northstar, CA Sierra Fat

4 JUNE 21-23, 2017 NSAA BIKE CONFERENCE SESSIONS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Welcome Reception Cabana s THURSDAY, JUNE 22 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. Breakfast Sponsored by Deasonbuilt TC s Pub 9:00 A.M. - 10:15 A.M. Alternate Rides - Where Do Fat Bikes & E-Bikes Fit or Do They? Moderated by Earl Saline, Director of Education Programming, National Ski Areas Association Jody Ream, General Manager, Spirit Mt, MN Will Ortman, Nordic Center Manager, Northstar, CA Sierra Fat bikes and e-bikes have taken the biking world by storm. Representing a small, but growing, segment of the overall bike market, these new and different forms of biking also represent opportunities for areas in the summer and winter seasons. Fat bikes have been embraced by several areas as viable alternative activities in the winter, with areas experimenting with allowing fat bike access to their regular slopes. E-bikes present their own challenges when put into the context of a trail network that includes multi-use and/or bi-directional trails. Operational considerations include the additional weight on carriers, wear and tear on trails when used to go uphill, speed and traffic concerns, and even wilderness related issues. This panel brings together different stakeholders invested in both fat bikes and e-bikes to discuss the challenges and opportunities they offer. Water Management - The What, Why, How, and When Moderated by Tom Pro Prochazka, Gravity Logic Inc. Forest Philpot, Bike Park Manager, Northstar, CA Mike Repyak, Trail Solutions Precipitation serves many purposes and comes in many forms, all of which impact the trails in a bike park. One of the chief issues each trail faces is runoff. Regardless of whether this is from rain, snow melt, or even a broken snowmaking line, the water must be dealt with. Left unchecked, heavy runoff can damage trails and features, costing you thousands of dollars to repair. Mitigating and managing this elemental force requires thoughtful design and construction and having a plan for when Mother Nature exceeds your control measures. Our panel of experts will discuss mitigation strategies and considerations for new trails and rehabilitating old trails. Mountain Biker s Responsibility Code & Signage Moderated by Mark Petrozzi, Principal, AlpenRisk Safety Advisors, LLC Dave Byrd, Director of Risk & Regulatory Affairs, National Ski Areas Association Brian Finestone, Parks Manager, Whistler Blackcomb, Canada Mark Hayes, President, Highland Bike Park, NH Matt Chaffin, Ski Patrol Training Supervisor, Park City Mountain Resort, UT The ski industry and its guests have, for over 50 years, enjoyed consistent, common sense rules of the road in the form of Your Responsibility Code. Complementing the Responsibility Code is the trail signage system used at areas around the country. Responding to its members, NSAA has developed, with key industry stakeholders, the bike park equivalent the Mountain Biker s Responsibility Code and a trail signage recommendation. Our panel, led by Mark Petrozzi, will discuss the development and recommendations related to implementing the Code and the new signage. 2

5 10:30 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. 11:45 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. Guest Education - Using an Integrated Systems Approach Moderated by Mark Petrozzi, Principal, AlpenRisk Safety Advisors, LLC Kira Cailes, Safety Manager, Whistler Blackcomb, Canada Melanie Hood, Marketing Director, National Ski Patrol Forest Philpot, Bike Park Manager, Northstar, CA Guest education can take many different forms. And, rarely, is only one method used in any industry, sport, or business. Taking a cue from recognized learning theory, guest education efforts at bike parks should also reflect the variety of ways our guests take in information. Exploring this topic in depth, recognized industry risk management expert, Mark Petrozzi, and other risk specialists will discuss the tools, new and old, available to areas of all size. From your website to your trail signs, every opportunity to positively impact the experience of your guests is worth considering. Working with the USFS Moderated by Geraldine Link, National Ski Areas Association Sean Wetterberg, Winter Sports Program Manager, US Forest Service Jonathan Cook-Fisher, Recreation Special Uses Program Manager, US Forest Service Neal E. Artz, PhD, Owner, Cirrus Ecological Solutions, LC Many resorts are navigating the process of adding downhill bike trail systems and parks to their resorts as they transition to four season uses. A successful and smooth process can make all the difference in timing and cost. From the planning stages through the development, these resort and USFS representatives will discuss helpful tips for a successful and streamlined process. Filter Features - Their Value & Use Brian Finestone, Parks Manager, Whistler Blackcomb, Canada Mark Hayes, President, Highland Bike Park, NH Sierra For many areas, signage at the top of the trail is often the last opportunity to inform your riders about the type of trail, its relative difficulty, and what kind of features they might expect on the way down. This is intended to not only help set realistic expectations but, more importantly, help them decide if the trail is appropriate for their self-determined skill and abilities. Despite all of the presented information, riders still choose to head down trails that are beyond their current ability level. In an effort to reinforce how difficult a trail and it s features are, areas are now using filter features to demonstrate the size and difficulty of features a rider will encounter and the skills that will be required. Bring your questions as our two speakers dive into the topic and what needs to be considered when deciding when and where to use filter features. 3 Lunch Sponsored by Doppelmayr Park Manager Roundtable Growing the Sport - Starting From the First Visit Moderated by Rob McSkimming, VP Business Development, Whistler Blackcomb, Canada Chris Chmielewski, Highland Camps Manager, Highland Bike Park, NH Luke Sheppard, Specialized Bike Academy Manager, Northstar, CA Mountain biking, like skiing and riding, can be intimidating to get involved with. Especially if you don t know what is involved or don t have friends to guide you. So, where does that leave areas that are looking to grow their summer bike programs and create the critical mass of participants required to keep a park viable? With a broad mix of guests during the biking season, areas have an opportunity to not only help them try downhill biking, but to do it in a way that doesn t scare or intimidate them, and inspires them to come back with their friends and family. Our panel of area experts will share their strategies and the lessons they have learned over many seasons of growing their bike programs. Mock Trial Dave Byrd, Director of Risk and Regulatory Affairs, National Ski Areas Association Mark Petrozzi, Principal, AlpenRisk Safety Advisors, LLC Tim Yates, Specialty Claims Adjuster, Safehold Special Risk Matt Chaffin, Ski Patrol Training Supervisor, Park City Mountain Resort, UT Jason Kartchner, Claims & Loss Control Specialist, MountainGuard Area personnel get brought into litigation for many different reasons, which can be a very intimidating experience. This mock trial will replicate the major common elements of a jury trial resulting from an incident in a bike park. No matter if you are a park builder, park manager, risk manager, or marketing director, this session will open your eyes to the intricacies of defending a case brought against your area. Don t come expecting to just watch, but to get directly involved in the outcome of this case.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22 Water Management (on-hill session, meet in Sierra) Moderated by Tom Pro Prochazka, Gravity Logic Forest Philpot, Bike Park Manager, Northstar, CA Mike Repyak, Trail Solutions Taking

After a record-setting season with over 700 inches of snow, they have been forced to direct melting snow and torrential runoff to keep their trails in top shape. 3:15 P.M.

6 THURSDAY, JUNE 22 Water Management (on-hill session, meet in Sierra) Moderated by Tom Pro Prochazka, Gravity Logic Forest Philpot, Bike Park Manager, Northstar, CA Mike Repyak, Trail Solutions Taking the theoretical and seeing it in action, this session will bring attendees out on the hill to see Northstar s water management strategies in action. After a record-setting season with over 700 inches of snow, they have been forced to direct melting snow and torrential runoff to keep their trails in top shape. 3:15 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. Northstar Bike Park Riding with option for XC trail ride 5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Northstar Sponsored by Leitner-Poma FRIDAY, JUNE 23 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. Breakfast TC s Pub 9:15 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. Bike Park Marketing Notes From the Media Michelle Good, MTBparks.com Marketing a bike park requires a thorough understanding of your market, your fans, the reality of where your park fits among the other regional parks, and where you want to be. Our speakers from leading consumer bike sites will focus on what bike park fans are saying and what you, as bike park marketer, need to pay attention to. Rather than talking to ourselves about what we think our guest want to see and hear, get insights straight from the source. Employee Risk Management - Keeping Staff Safe Sponsored by Safehold Special Risk Kira Cailes, Safety Manager, Whistler Blackcomb, Canada Mistica Walker, Specialty Claims Adjuster, Safehold Special Risk For many areas, work comp has become a much greater budget line item than anyone would every want. And, it doesn t ever seem to get any smaller. While there may be occasional high cost incidents, it is the smaller, more frequent claims that really drive costs. Join our panel of area and industry risk management experts as they discuss the issues and strategies that are bringing down staff work comp claims at their areas. Balancing Your Trail System with the Right Mix Moderated by Earl Saline, Director of Education Programming, National Ski Areas Association Brian Finestone, Parks Manager, Whistler Blackcomb, Canada Patrick West, Trail Crew Supervisor, Angel Fire Resort, NM Mark Hayes, President, Highland Bike Park, NH Mike Repyak, Trail Solutions Sierra A bike park and trail system get created in many different ways, sometimes with forethought and a thorough, progressive development plan. Other parks get built through sheer will and passion sometimes at the expense of a balanced trail system. Join two of the most recognized, and respected, bike park managers as they share what they have learned building two of the top parks in the world. Building their parks with an eye towards future participants has not only enabled them to create true destination parks, but also parks that welcome new riders, providing them a place to ride from the first time to their bucket list trail. 4

Keeping Biking Fun - Applying the Science Moderated by Earl Saline, Director of Education Programming, National Ski Areas Association Chris Chmielewski, Highland Camps Manager, Highland Bike Park, NH

7 10:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Keeping Biking Fun - Applying the Science Moderated by Earl Saline, Director of Education Programming, National Ski Areas Association Chris Chmielewski, Highland Camps Manager, Highland Bike Park, NH Rob McSkimming, VP Business Development, Whistler Blackcomb, Canada Luke Shephard, Specialized Bike Academy Manager, Northstar, CA Fun can be defined in many different ways. Providing definition helps us discuss the concept in greater detail and common understanding. Our panel of area experts have worked hard to inject fun into their programs and make an intimidating sport as welcoming as possible. This session will explore what these areas are doing, what can be learned from the winter season, and how innovative approaches to teaching can increase the effectiveness of your learn-to biking programs. Events Measuring and Managing the Risks Sponsored by MountainGuard Bob Holme, Director of Mountain Maintenance, Winter Park Resort, CO Carl Dowdy, VP Risk Management & Legal, Winter Park Resort, CO Steve Lawler, Claims Specialist, MountainGuard Brandon Peterson, Events Manager, Schweitzer Mountain, ID Events are a fantastic way to increase the awareness of your bike park and expose new and different customers to your resort. Any event carries with it certain risks. Learn from the experiences of our panel of resort experts as they guide you through the critical risk management elements of putting on world class events. From the World Cup to Crankworx to the Colorado Freeride Festival, our three panelists will give you tangible insights into what it takes to put on a safe, fun, and memorable bike event. Driving Revenue Maximizing Your Rental Program Paul Mutch, Gravity Logic Sierra Successful bike parks do more than just build trails and provide lift access. They make it easy for all riders to access the park. One critical step in this is a strong bike and equipment rental program. Rentals can be a significant source of revenue, and a major influence on your guest s experience. Understanding your guest profile and what kind of equipment is right for the entire spectrum can make a significant difference between them having a good time or a great time. Rental guru Paul Mutch will dig into what it takes to turn your rental program into a revenue driver and the key metrics to measuring your success. 12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. Lunch Sponsored by Gravity Logic Keynote: Bike Park Business Planning Andrew Buckley, Skier Services Director, Northstar, CA Rob McSkimming, VP Business Development, Whistler Blackcomb, Canada Summer Activities Legal Update (Closed Session- Area personnel and invited guests only) Dave Byrd, Director of Risk & Regulatory Affairs, National Ski Areas Association John Fagan, Partner, Duane Morris Mark Petrozzi, Principal, AlpenRisk Safety Advisors Mistica Walker, Specialty Claims Adjustor, Safehold Special Risk Steve Lawler, Claims Specialist, MountainGuard Areas are offering a wider variety of activities areas during the summer months than ever before. No matter whether it is mountain biking, scenic chair rides, or zip lines, there is some measure of risk involved and incidents do happen. This session will explore a range of incidents that have occurred during summer operations and the legal considerations around them. Northstar s Specialized Academy (On-hill Tour and Discussion) Luke Sheppard, Specialized Bike Academy Manager, Northstar, CA Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of Northstar s Specialized Academy. This cutting-edge facility boasts innovative terrain and teaching techniques to help guests build their skills, increase their confidence, and enjoy biking even more. Partnering with Specialized, Northstar developed this customer-centric program to bring more riders into the sport and inspire them to keep coming back. 5

8 Breakfast & Breakouts: Room Room Sierra Room TC s Pub Lunch & Dinner Cabanas Weds. pm gathering

Photo Courtesy of Angel Fire Resort

Photo Courtesy of Angel Fire Resort SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE INDUSTRY. A special thanks to our generous sponsors who provide funds to be reinvested back into educational programs benefitting the entire