Dry season not a problem for Colorado ski resort's revenue
I found an article on Coloradodaily.com from The Denver Post titled "Colorado ski resorts held line on revenue during dry 2011-12 season." The article discussed how despite little snow and skier visits being down, some ski resorts in Colorado actually posted increases in revenue. They are able to determine this because all ski areas operating on federal land in Colorado pay a fee based on a percentage of gross revenue. These numbers mean that ski resorts are becoming less and less dependent on snow conditions to ensure a successful season.
Here are the most interesting facts from the article that jumped out at me:
- 11 of Colorado's 23 ski areas operating on federal land actually posted revenue increases
- Colorado ski area permit fees totaled $16.25 million for 2011-12, down slightly from $16.29 million 2010-11
- Wolf Creek, Eldora, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Snowmass all posted new records for on-mountain revenue in 2011-12, despite 50% less snowfall and the least amount of skier visits in 21 years
- Vail Resorts saw visitation to its four Colorado ski areas — Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone — fall 8.9 percent while its mountain revenues increased, according to its earnings statements
That being said, I know that most of our ski resorts here in MT don't have as extensive marketing departments or marketing efforts as the major ski resorts in Colorado do. I just hope that there are enough powder hounds and ski bums in our small towns to keep our ski areas afloat during the driest of seasons.
