Contents
Overview of the Ski Resort Business
Ski Resorts and Ski Areas range from small hills with simple ski lifts and limited trails to large mountain mega-resorts with extensive lift systems, diverse terrain and luxurious slope side accommodations. Today many areas operate year- round with activities built around all season outdoor recreation.
Foodservices once centered on the traditional Base Lodge cafeteria are now comprised of restaurants, pubs, food courts; grab n go outlets complete with live entertainment and social activities.
Many ski area and resort F & B operations are self-op or managed by large Corporations that own the properties and in- house manage the foodservices and dining services. Centerplate is one of the few contract management companies in the industry providing full hospitality services, which include in some venues operating the retail shops, ski rentals and conference services as well.
Typically the ski season on the East Coast and Northeast begins on the Thanksgiving holiday and ends on Easter. Seasons may be extended subject to snow and weather conditions. Recent trends in global warming and weather patterns have impacted the lower elevation ski areas and new investments by the resorts in snowmaking equipment has been necessary to keep the areas viable.
Over the past decade ski areas have realized that if they were going to survive they needed to provide their guests with more experiences than the traditional lifts and trails. The industry has been confronted with the fact that the number of people skiing was decreasing and they are losing the baby boomers who have been the thrust of spending and participation for many years.
The industry has been focusing on several fronts; attracting a new demographic, providing more year-round experiences to fill the slope side accommodations that were left empty the time and to generate more income from those that show up including non-skiers.
Snowboarding and other snow sports have been growing steadily which has included terrain parks, half-pipes and x-game types of events.
Resorts have now focused on taking the lower parts of ski trails and turning them into playgrounds for the young athletes in an effort to attract a whole new generation to the hills.
With all this said the demand for expanded services and improved amenities has necessitated that all venues re-examine their offerings to compete for their slice of the pie in this highly competitive market.
Documents
- 2013 Ski Area Information
- ORDA at Lake Placid Org Chart
- Ski Resort Planning Document and Timeline Worksheet