Soldier Hollow, UT – 2025
March 31 — Grooming & Snowmaking Workshops
April 1 — Conference Day 1
April 2 — Conference Day 2
General Information
Join us for an exhilarating experience in the mountains of the Heber Valley where the thrill of skiing blends seamlessly with the spirit of learning and networking. Our conference, set amidst the snow-capped mountains and the quaint hospitality of the region is not just an event; it’s a journey into the future of the cross country ski industry.
The Conference will be an amazing blend of education, networking, socializing, and, of course, skiing. We’ve taken everything you love about our conference and made it even better!
Come early and stay late to make the most of areas renowned skiing and shopping opportunities as our schedule is designed to offer you the flexibility to enjoy the trails, the conference and the surrounding resort experience.
All sessions, meals and lodging take place at the Heber Valley with lodging at the Best Western and skiing and groomer demos at past and future Olympic venue Soldier Hollow.
The primary benefit of the CCSAA conference is having time to talk with other industry professionals! The information gleaned from the presentations is fantastic, but secondary to having time to focus on detailed discussions with folks that are doing the same thing I am every day.
Day 1
Snowmaking and Grooming Workshop
Snow Making
The snowmaking workshop will kick off at noon. at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. Over the course of two hours, we’ll dive into a hands-on tour of a real Nordic installation. You’ll walk the trails, explore the pump house, and even activate a fan gun equipped with an onboard compressor. It promises to be a highly informative and engaging session. Location: Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. Meet at the lodge.
Grooming
The grooming session will be on snow where the group will inspect and discuss the product the machines are putting down. The groups will view proper grooming and improper grooming and discuss technique challenges. We will also view interactions and proper track setting. Bring your questions and ideas. We will also tour the Soldier Hollow Maintenance Facility.
Day 2
Skiing, Indoor Sessions, Vendor Expo, Socials & More
AM – Skiing the Soldier Hollow Trails and Groomer Demos
Session #1 – Climate/Weather/Forecasting Presentation
Session #2 – Snow Farming Roundtable
Low snow and rain events are now a reality. The roundtable will look at the latest in techniques for managing low snow and discuss the latest technology available including snowblowers, Mr Snow, Snow Secure, trucking, plowing and more.
Session #3 – 2034 Olympic Preparations
At 10 years out, learn Soldier Hollows thoughts on what they are expecting as the greatest challenges to hosting that event. What decisions are they making now to prepare and how are those decisions relevant to all cross country ski areas?
More details coming soon…
Day 3
Skiing, Indoor Sessions, Vendor Expo, Socials & More
AM – Skiing the Soldier Hollow Trails, Groomer Demos
Session #4 – Trail and Racecourse Markings
Do you ever come in from marking a course feeling it could have been done better or differently? Discussion will include how best to mark in low snow and wind, marking for a race and being open to general public simultaneously and other situations? Learn what tools other ski areas are using, where did they get them, how much do they cost and more…
Session #5 – Current and future challenges in running a Nordic center and what to do about them.
Session #6 –
More details coming soon…
The Conference Begins!
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Event Highlights
Complete conference cost includes the Monday Grooming Workshop and 3 meals/day on Tuesday and Wednesday.
All sessions and meals take place at Soldier Hollow, lodging will be at the Best Western in Heber just a few miles from the ski area.
Book Lodging
Standard Room – $129
Please call Keaton Ross at 435-222-8708 and mention Cross Country Ski Areas Association for that discounted rate.
Snowmaking and Grooming Workshops
Snow Making
The snowmaking workshop will kick off at noon. at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. Over the course of two hours, we’ll dive into a hands-on tour of a real Nordic installation. You’ll walk the trails, explore the pump house, and even activate a fan gun equipped with an onboard compressor. It promises to be a highly informative and engaging session. Location: Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. Meet at the lodge.
Grooming
The grooming session will be on snow where the group will inspect and discuss the product the machines are putting down. The groups will view proper grooming and improper grooming and discuss technique challenges. We will also view interactions and proper track setting. Bring your questions and ideas. We will also tour the Soldier Hollow Maintenance Facility.
Session 3 - 2034 Olympic Preparations
At 10 years out, learn Soldier Hollows thoughts on what they are expecting as the greatest challenges to hosting that event. What decisions are they making now to prepare and how are those decisions relevant to all cross country ski areas?
Session 5 - Current and Future Challenges
Current and future challenges in running a Nordic center and what to do about them.
Details Coming Soon
Session 2 - Snow Farming
Low snow and rain events are now a reality. The roundtable will look at the latest in techniques for managing low snow and discuss the latest technology available including snowblowers, Mr Snow, Snow Secure, trucking, plowing and more.
Session 4 - Trail and Racecourse Markings
Do you ever come in from marking a course feeling it could have been done better or differently? Discussion will include how best to mark in low snow and wind, marking for a race and being open to general public simultaneously and other situations? Learn what tools other ski areas are using, where did they get them, how much do they cost and more…
Session 6
Details coming soon.
Social Events and Networking
For years, Conference attendees have agreed that time spent together on the trails, over lunch or at a social event is one of the most important elements of the Conferences. Please join us at 5 pm after the Snowmaking and Grooming Workshops for happy hour.
It will not only be great fun but will allow participants to have that time over a drink build those critical relationships. Details to come.
Getting to Heber
Salt Lake City International Airport is your only air option to getting to Heber, but it has connections to all the major US West Coast airports plus Honolulu. It’s a hub for Delta Airlines, so that’s probably where you’ll find the most convenient schedules. Southwest also flies there and is generally cheaper, but with fewer direct flights and some occasionally bizarre routing. It is exceedingly rare to see weather-induced interruptions in Salt Lake.
Getting to Heber: There are a few shuttles to Heber, but the hotel is a few miles from Soldier Hollow so a car would be a better option. Many car pool so that is alos an option. Contact Reese for details.
Make The Most of Your Conference Attendance
Attending the CCSAA Annual Conference can be an invaluable experience for networking, learning, and growing your business or expertise in the cross-country skiing industry. To make the most of your attendance, download these suggestions.
Silent Auction
We will again have a silent auction as part of the Fall Conference. If you have an item or service, please contact Reese for information on getting it listed.
Please remember to bid high and often as your silent auction dollars help CCSAA continue to work for you, the members.
Live Auction Update – Best Nordic Ski Great Escapes will offer a LIVE Auction item of a 2-pg feature valued at $1,200; or one full page ad if a supplier purchases it.
