CONFERENCE The highly positive results of the 2016/17 winter season in most parts of the country (very good in the West and good in the East), the extreme weather conditions and the services rendered to the industry by NSAA President Michael Berry, who retires at the end of the year, were the main subjects at this year's National Convention & Tradeshow organized by the US National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). This year's National Convention & Tradeshow was held in Scottsdale, Arizona on May 5-8 and attracted a total of 878 attendees. The event started with the traditional Welcome Reception on Friday, May 5, which provided an opportunity for the first promising business contacts to be made in a relaxed setting. In terms of climate, it also delivered something of a shock to the numerous European participants, who had only recently attended the Interalpin trade show and had to adjust from snowfall and subzero temperatures in Innsbruck, Austria to a scorching 40°C in Scottsdale. That was maybe symbolic, as climatic extremes were one of the big challenges for many US ski resorts in the 2016/17 winter season. NSAA President Michael Berry also touched on the subject in his opening speech at the National Convention & Tradeshow: "Indeed every season is a new 'new normal' winter season. That is the result of an uncooperative Mother Nature. While Squaw Valley (CA) and Mammoth (CA) found themselves struggling with 800 inches of snow - a blessing and a curse at the same time - Chicago (IL) had the first months of January and February with zero snow for 146 years. Climate change is a big challenge for us all - not only for resort operators but also for policy-makers, banks, industry and many others. We have to pull together and provide mutual support." Berry also spoke about the first few months of the Trump administration and criticized President Trump's attitude to climate protection. He said that climate change was an undeniable fact, a reality that we have to live with.
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