By David Schissler
(August 2013) Ski Area Management Magazine – www.saminfo.com, conducts surveys on its home page. They’re not particularly scientific but they are valid enough to be interesting. Here are some select survey questions and their responses as of the end of July.
What is your resort concentrating on most this summer?
New lift(s) 27%
New terrain 4%
New snowmaking 12%
New summer activities. 17%
New buildings. 5%
Drinking beer. 35%
Total votes: 234
What Form of Digital Media Do You Rely on Most for Information and Communication on the Job?
Social media: Facebook/Twitter, etc. 28% (71 votes)
E-mail 35% (88 votes)
Websites 8% (20 votes)
Texting 4% (11 votes)
None of above, I talk to people. 25% (64 votes)
Total votes: 254
What Will Be the Most Important Factor for the Growth of Mountain Resorts?
Better conversion 23% (83 votes)
Emerging markets 7% (25 votes)
Youth and women’s programs 11% (38 votes)
Summer opportunities 31% (109 votes)
Economic recovery 16% (55 votes)
Global cooling 12% (44 votes)
Total votes: 354
The Stall in Snowboarding Growth Means:
Needs to be more female-friendly 7% (33 votes)
We need better teaching gear 5% (22 votes)
It’s lost its cool factor 36% (172 votes)
Nothing–it’s cyclical 36% (173 votes)
Our skiers will be happier 17% (82 votes)
Total votes: 482
What Area of Rentals Do You See as the Fastest Growing?
Kids’ Equipment 29% (76 votes)
Women’s Equipment 4% (11 votes)
Park-specific 12% (32 votes)
Reverse Camber 24% (63 votes)
Plain old skis still rule 25% (67 votes)
Can’t keep enough boards in stock 6% (15 votes)
Total votes: 264
The Weather Weirdness Over the Past Year is Due to:
Global Warming 14% (41 votes)
Climate Change 22% (62 votes)
Nothing–wild weather is the norm 28% (79 votes)
Al Gore 13% (38 votes)
Does anybody really have a clue? 23% (67 votes)
Total votes: 287
You must be logged in to post a comment.