Resort Management Topics

This article fits in well with what we have discussed in resort management. It is clear that winter resorts need to find ways to branch out. From the basis of the article it appears that Jackson are doing a really good job at doing this with their cross country ski trails. This ski season continues to be disappointing especially in the New England region. Generally Nordic skiing has less emphasis on snowfall as trails should have thin coverings to make the trails easier. Also there is fairly intense competition for traditional skiing in New England, but no that many really cross country ski areas.

It's interesting to see the ways Jackson is attempting to disprove the myths against cross country skiing. I have always felt that one of the reasons cross country skiing was less popular was because it's generally harder work than traditionally skiing. It's especially important to target new markets when the snow coverage isn't great as is the case this year. Jackson appears to have a true competitive advantage with a truly scenic cross country trail. Also with keeping the local kids involved with the sport it creates the impression that this is something the whole family can enjoy.

The family sector is still a relatively small portion of the overall demographics for skiers so Jackson are clearly trying to target an emerging market. Furthermore Jackson are attempting to appeal to a wider audience with the acclaim of international skiing championships. These will pull more people into the area firstly because it will heighten the increase in Nordic skiing. It will also act as a factor in Jackson itself as one of the best places to partake in this sport. Overall this acts as increasing numbers and new markets into the area to try Nordic skiing. Secondarily marketing skiing as more of a scenic experience.

Changes make Sugarbush a resort for all seasons

The concept behind Sugarbush fits in very closely to our discussions in resort management. Skiing is of course a popular international sport and attracts many different types of people. Singles, couples and families all enjoy the sport although in different numbers. The problem though is the season only lasts five months at best. This all means that resorts have to try and make all of their revenue within this 5 month period

Sugarbush have attempted to address this problem by building up the area to attract vacations during all four seasons not just winter. As discussed in class Sugarbush will closely be following their master plan and developing the resort area over several phases. The plan is to make Sugarbush a place to come all year and the development includes fine dining and luxury condo units. Sugarbush has always seen to provide great skiing it's the facilities around that have lacked, now this is all changing. Sugarbush are now also provide specific summer sports such as mountain bike trails. Again this is all designed to open up the resort for the whole year and attract new markets. The resort is now expected to appeal to skiers as well as outdoor adventure vacationers during the summer

I think this article discusses a lot of the important features of the need to have a good support network as well as good ski trails. It also illustrates the importance of having facilities around to support interest in the resort all year round. Resorts are often located in cut off areas therefore there is a real opportunity to provide anything the guest might require. It looks like Sugarbush is really addressing that and this should bring many more people to the resort.

A rustic ski town goes ritzy

Burke mountain is to have heavy development and generally a complete revamp. This development is to transform a small ski town into a commercialized ski resort. The locals are uneasy about the mass development. This fits well into resort management particularly as it shows the challenge often shown about how to make mass development and still keep the local residents happy. This development is likely to bring much needed revenue in as well as creating many more jobs. Property prices have already escalated with local prices doubling.

The grand plans to redevelop the areas clearly are designed to vastly increase revenues. The problem is they are also going to make it hard for the locals to utilize the amenities because of the escalating prices. It appears that when these plans were laid out they didn't pay much attention to the local residents. I would think that there should be more attention to the locals and perhaps even introduce some kind of special pricing so to not alienate the locals so much.

I think whenever your going to undertake any kind of massive redevelopment that it is done in the best interest of the local residents. In this case with Burke mountain it doesn't look like this is the case and the end result is this is something the locals are dreading or fearing rather than looking forward to. After reading the article I am somewhat surprised to see no special dispensation given to the local residents. It also appears they were never really asked about this development. Skiing in the area is seen as a traditional, but this can no longer take place because of the high prices. I think the lesson here is that making money is all well and good, but consider the locals. I think you need to work with the locals and develop a plan that will give them something to be proud of.