The Huddle: Thinking Clearly in Uncertain Times - Part 1

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of current political dynamics on the ski industry and travel behavior in North America.

Our recent SAM Huddle, Thinking Clearly in Uncertain Times, was recorded on April 21, 2025. The conversation brought ski industry leaders and policy experts together to unpack how current political dynamics—particularly U.S.–Canada relations and trade tensions—are affecting travel, tourism, and mountain resort operations across North America. This is episode one of our two-part series covering this conversation. Shifting global sentiment, a steep drop in international bookings, and growing uncertainty at border-area resorts are reshaping travel behavior and forcing North American ski destinations to adapt quickly with localized marketing, flexible policies, and a greater reliance on domestic travelers. On the other side of the business, industry suppliers are bracing for potential tariffs. While some are expediting production and shipping, others are leveraging domestic manufacturing to avoid price increases. Industry-wide, concerns are growing about tariffs as high as 160% on products tied to Chinese supply chains. Speakers: Daren Cole, President & CEO, Leitner Poma of America Tom Foley, SVP, Business Intelligence, Inntopia MJ Legault, Partner/Managing Director, MMGY Origin…

People in this episode

Guests: Daren Cole, Tom Foley, MJ Legault, Charles Santry, Chris Steinkamp, Steve Wright

Topics covered

• U.S.–Canada relations
• trade tensions
• travel
• tourism
• mountain resort operations
• ski industry

Keywords

• political dynamics
• international bookings
• border-area resorts
• localized marketing
• flexible policies
• domestic travelers
• tariffs
• Chinese supply chains

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Leitner Poma, Inntopia, MMGY Origin, HKD Snowmakers, SIA, Jay Peak Resort

Books & works: Thinking Clearly in Uncertain Times

Places: U.S.–Canada, North America, Vt

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