The Economics of Everyday Things 87. Ski Areas
90 snips
Apr 7, 2025 
Rob Goodell, the Chief Operating Officer at Loveland Ski Area, shares his insights from over 30 years in the industry. He discusses the innovative revenue strategies ski areas are employing, including unique events to boost community engagement. The challenges faced by independent ski resorts, especially in financial sustainability against larger competitors, are pivotal topics. Goodell also delves into the importance of staffing and operational safety, particularly the role of ski patrols in avalanche prevention and safety regulations.
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Ski Industry Challenges
- The ski industry is seasonal, labor-intensive, weather-dependent, and capital-intensive.
- It's based on a discretionary recreational activity with inherent risks, making it a challenging investment.
Industry Consolidation
- Over 70% of US ski areas are independently owned, but the industry is consolidating.
- Larger companies, with global resorts, are less vulnerable to the ski business's instability.
Loveland Ski Area's Model
- Loveland Ski Area, a day-ski area owned by one family for 85 years, prioritizes lift revenue.
- They also generate income from food and beverage, ski school, and rentals, maintaining a reserve fund for lean times.