REPORT FROM THE U.S.—American ski resorts are ready for whatever Mother Nature sends their way this winter. Depending on geography and which meteorologist you believe, that could mean heavier-than-usual snowfall.
After a mild 2015-16 winter due to El Niño patterns, resort managers hope that La Niña forecasts for this coming winter deliver ski-worthy weather—and travelers—their way. Meteorologists at Accuweather predict an extended winter, lasting as late as mid-Spring 2017, which will feature “frequent snow events,” especially in the Northern Plains and Midwest United States. And the 2017 Farmer’s Almanac warns: “Winter is back!”
That’s good news for ski resorts.
“I’m optimistic,” said Stephen Lamb, GM of the Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn in North Lake Tahoe, California. “The forecast for the coming season looks pretty solid.”
At The Little Nell, in Aspen, Colorado, snowfall predictions range from average (about 300 inches) to above average, said Jeff Hanle, director of public relations at Aspen Skiing Company, which runs the skiing and hotel operations for The Little Nell as well as other ski resorts in the area.
“Long-range forecasts are typically not reliable, and we are always prepared to deal with whatever snow we get,” he said. “Our elevation, our base sits at 8,000 feet, which tends to bless us with much more consistent and reliable snow than many areas. Last year, we had above-average snowfall, and we had a great season. We are now experiencing the effects of that great snow with many people booking early because of what they experienced last year.”
Operations, preparations
To prepare for what’s shaping up to be a good winter season, staff at the resorts are getting properties into shape, which includes completing renovations and updates.
A 1,200-acre, privately owned village of 120 units (including condo- and cabin-style units), The Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, Utah, runs its own ski operations in addition to its hotel accommodations. This time of year, that means clearing the mountain trails in preparation for skiers, as well as preparing rooms for guests.
Eagle Point’s staff is divided into a mountain operations team, responsible for lift and vehicle mechanics, and a base operations team, which has six to eight employees, including housekeeping staff.
“We staff a skeleton crew for most of the winter,” said Base Operations Manager Lane Tucker. “There is a small surge for the holidays, however.”
The 92-room Little Nell’s “punch list” for getting the resort ready for an influx of skiing season guests includes:
• Winter window and storm door installation;
• new carpeting in the Grand Salon and foyer;
• new private booths for the apres-ski bar; and
• painting touch-ups throughout the property.
That’s in addition to the work that the mountains operations crew is doing, “readying snowmaking systems, brushing runs (mowing the tall grass with tractors), and putting out safety pads and nets,” Hanle said. “We have snowmakers, ski patrol and snowcat drivers beginning to prep the mountains for opening day,” which is scheduled for 24 November.
The Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn, which has 56 guestrooms including eight suites, also operates separately but in partnership with a ski operation, Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows.
“We look to collaborate and complement each other whenever possible, realizing it’s the entire, overall experience guests have that will keep them coming back and helping to create new fans,” Lamb said.
Ski season prep is intensive at the Plumpjack, which typically requires the inn to close for about three weeks in November.
“This closure allows us to winterize the property and transition from the warmer months back into winter mode,” Lamb said. “There’s plenty to be done outdoors and also inside the hotel and restaurant. All departments have a hand in the transition—from engineering, guest services, housekeeping, food and beverage, sales and marketing, accounting and human resources.”
The usual prep often coincides with a larger remodeling project, he said.
“This year, we are replacing carpet in the hotel and also remodeling our Kitchen Suite with new countertops and appliances,” he said.
At the same time, the hotel’s Chef Jack Connell and his team “are crafting their winter menus while wine director Jason Schulz is fleshing out his wine list with new offerings and wine-focused events,” Lamb said. “And we’re getting ready to decorate for the holidays.”
Seasonal staffing at the Plumpjack focuses on hiring and training “the right people to execute and deliver on the guests’ expectations,” Lamb said. “With winter, you do your best to prepare for everything; you refer to notes from past years to try and stay ahead of the game. It’s a small window to capture a lot of guests and revenue, and (there are) plenty of curveballs to deal with along the way.”
Growth plans
Each of the resorts have grown or have plans to grow in the near future.
At the Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn, planning is underway to redevelop the property to add 60 hotel rooms and 34 condominiums. Lamb said the resort hopes to start the project by spring 2018. The original inn was built just prior to the 1960 Winter Olympics, which were held in Squaw Valley; a major renovation was completed in 1995.
The Little Nell, which opened in 1989, added 26 residences and an additional eight hotel rooms with Residences at The Little Nell in 2009.
Eagle Point Resort is also looking into expanding its accommodation options.
“The lodging is critical for us since we are based in a rural area, not having a metropolis filled with local skiers to maintain a steady flow of visits,” Tucker said. “We have been growing fairly steadily since our second season (2011-12) … and we are offering more real estate than ever, so we are hoping to gain more lodging options for future guests.”