Winter destinations are huge when the snow is high and the slopes are on, but with winter seasons increasingly becoming shorter it’s more important than ever that ski resorts and the nearby chalets learn how to adapt.
You are well positioned to be a great destination for summer fun, but first you’ll need to revamp and pivot your approach. Done right, you can start bringing in people during all seasons, to help you enjoy a consistent income that keeps your doors open and the lights on:
Repurpose the Slopes
While people won’t be running down the slopes in the summertime they might just be tempted by lawn games, or views up from the top. In order to make sure your slopes and peaks are ready for summer fun, however, you’re going to have to maintain the space. This means investing in zero turn mowers to keep the grass trim, electronic trimmers to keep shrubbery at bay, and more.
You’ll also want to look into creating marked hikes around the slopes and surrounding woodlands, to give outdoor enthusiasts the chance to hike or bike around the area.
Keep the Lifts Open
Lifts will need to stay open for your guests to enjoy the views and hikes you create. If possible, see if you can swap the chair lifts for a different option, like a cable car. Otherwise know you’ll need to slow the lifts down to give people more time to get on and off, since they won’t be on skis.
Organize Events
There are many ways that you can bring people to you during the summer. One of those methods is to bring in events. The bottom part of the slope is often quite flat, meaning you can often bring in live events like concerts with minimal issues. Host summer concerts, camps, and more, and you’ll give customers plenty of reasons to return.
Offer Packages
Parents have their children in summer, which means they’re on the lookout for fun things to do with the kids that doesn’t break the bank. Capitalize on this by creating a summer camp experience for kids built-in to a package rate that includes camp, hotel, and potentially even meals. Packages are very popular with families, especially if you offer split-payment options meaning they pay for half upfront, and half when they check in.
Host Festivals
You can also look into hosting festivals or conferences in the area. This can either be done entirely on your own, or in partnership with the other businesses nearby. For example, you can host a jazz festival or an arts and crafts show. You can be the place for a spa business conference, and so on.
Working together with other nearby businesses you can all work together to create new revenue streams and get more people up into the area. After all, snow or no snow, you are in a stunning, pristine area. People love going camping in summer, so give them a more luxurious option with fun things to do to draw them in and keep your doors open throughout the year.
Keep an eye for more latest news & updates on NY City Paper!