Ski Resort Trends

[abc]

This is unlikely, but i'd like to see an advancement in lift technology. The last big innovation was the detachable quads in the 80s.

There're quite a few lift technology out there: chair with cover, moving carpet at the loading ramp. But those didn't seem to catch on.

 

[VTKilarney]

Another prediction:
In an effort to increase revenues, resorts expand upscale dining experiences up on the mountain itself - including a lift serviced restaurant in Aspen or Vail that is affiliated with a celebrity chef. This may start with a somewhat simplified menu, similar to Gordon Ramsey's The Narrow in East London.

 

[abc]

My "grand" prediction:

Not much change in the skiing itself. But a whole crap load of "extras" (HUD goggle, celebrity chef, 5 star hotel...) were lump onto it to make a "ski vacation" justifying the triple digit lift ticket price!

 

[VTKilarney]

I am sure that North American ski resorts are very jealous of the Europeans. In North America, we go on ski vacations. In Europe, people go on vacations with skiing. It's much easier to increase revenues when skiing is only one focus of the vacation itself.

 

[steamboat1]

There're quite a few lift technology out there: chair with cover

Bubble chairs have been around since the 60's, nothing new there.

 

[steamboat1]

Another prediction:
In an effort to increase revenues, resorts expand upscale dining experiences up on the mountain itself - including a lift serviced restaurant

Stowe has offered evening dining in the Cliff House for years serviced by their gondola (both winter & summer). Won't be happening this summer though because the gondola cars have been sent out to be refurbished. Killington has two different evening dining experiences on the mountain during the winter (The Yurt & Motor Room). It will be interesting to see if they use the new Peak Lodge for evening dining in the future.

 

[abc]

I am sure that North American ski resorts are very jealous of the Europeans. In North America, we go on ski vacations. In Europe, people go on vacations with skiing. It's much easier to increase revenues when skiing is only one focus of the vacation itself.

It's a cultural disadvantage. We Americans don't have "vacations". We "do" activities which happen to be some distance from home.

Not that Europeans "do" any less of the same activities. Just their objective was to have a good time while we count our ski days and verticals.

(I went to Sugarloaf last week. The skiing wasn't anything to write home about. But I stopped at Kittery/Portland to have fresh seafood. While the mountain didn't exactly get all my money, the trip contributed to the overall economy of Maine a lot more than the lift ticket! -- the mountain would have gotten a bit more out of my wallet had ANY of their eatery were open. I ended up getting a "handout" from someone's brownbag as my lunch)