Would You Buy a Ski Resort That Only Opens in Summer?
Jul 18, 2025
Dive into the quirky world of a summer-only ski resort in Wyoming and Montana, where it operates for just 40 days a year! The hosts humorously dissect its unusual business model, featuring only two high-speed lifts and a max of 100 skiers per day. They debate the financial viability amidst operational challenges and the resort's limited appeal. Insightful and entertaining, the conversation questions whether such a novelty can stand as a solid investment or if it's best left as a curious local attraction.
16:13
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Unique Summer Ski Resort Setup
Beartooth Basin ski resort operates only about 40 days a year during summer because its access road is closed in winter.
It uses diesel generators to power two high-speed ski lifts in an extremely remote location with minimal amenities.
insights INSIGHT
Revenue vs. Cost Reality
Total revenue potential is roughly $200K from 40 days at $50 per daily ticket with a 100-person cap.
The business model likely can't break even due to infrastructure costs and operational limitations.
insights INSIGHT
Pricing Misalignment Insight
The $50 daily ticket price seems undervalued given the unique experience and costly infrastructure.
A higher price could be justified to improve profitability, but market and local demographics limit pricing power.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The hosts break down a Wyoming ski resort open just 40 days a year, calling it an amazing local novelty — but likely worth zero as an investment.
Business Listing – https://beartoothbasin.com/for-sale
Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.
💼 This episode is sponsored by Verivend — the platform built for independent sponsors and private market investors to move faster and cut out friction. From raising to returning capital, Verivend streamlines investment management with instant, secure payments and automatic reconciliation. It’s like Venmo for capital calls, deployments, and distributions — all with no transaction limits. Learn more at https://www.verivend.com.
🧠 Powered by Acquisition Lab — founded by Harvard MBA Walker Deibel, the Lab helps aspiring business buyers navigate search, diligence, and acquisition with expert support and community. Head to https://www.acquisitionlab.com
In this episode, the team tackles one of the quirkiest deals ever sent in by a listener — a tiny ski area in Wyoming and Montana that only operates during the summer. Tucked away off a seasonal mountain highway, this resort offers about 40 days of skiing each year. With two high-speed lifts running on diesel generators, capped daily tickets at just 100 skiers, and pricing of $50 a day, the business might top out at $200K in annual revenue under perfect conditions.
Key Highlights: - Located on a seasonal highway with a 20-year forest service permit over 90 acres - Open only ~40 days a year, with capped daily revenue of ~$5K - Includes two high-speed lifts, three snowcats, seven trailers, and all tools - Powered entirely by portable diesel generators — no built infrastructure - Raises the question: why just $50 tickets for such a unique experience? - Everyone agrees it’s a super cool concept, just not a business that cash flows
Acquisitions Anonymous - #1 for business buying, selling and operating