We all pontificate on this topic frequently amonst ourselves. I was thinking that maybe, just maybe some of the management teams/owners of mid atlantic ski areas could take one of our SERIOUS ides and actually run with it. Just a thought...
I always thought the nearly free (~$7 lift tickets) Birthday event at Wisp (now apparently discontinued) was a great promotion to bring out and hook never-evers and build early season good will with frequent skiers. Was surprised to see negative views from industry insiders on such events, not because of same day financial reasons, but because crowded, thin conditions may not win many newbies and could turn off regulars. See here: http://www.slopefillers.com/can-free-skiing-grow-skiing/ and here: http://www.dcski.com/forum/71814
I thought the free demo days held by Ski Chalet were great too especially since they came with a very inexpensive lift ticket, but I'm not thinking outside the box?
How about if every ski area in the region offered the following deal on a couple Sundays each season: buy one all day ticket, get afternoon beginner lift ticket free? The regular skier could get some runs in the AM, while the newbie gets some coffee, then in the PM the experienced skier could hang out with the newbie on the beginner terrain. Mid-December and Super Bowl Sunday would be good days to try this. Even better if the ski area threw in a free group beginner lesson. Maybe someone's already offering something like this??
I was thinking, what would get me to put away the leftover T-day cheesecake I am having for breakfast and get off my tush to drive 4 hours to go skiing today. These are things that came to mind. I think #3 is my best idea.
1. Pet friendly option. - if I go today, I either have to dump wife to dog sit, bring her along to dog sit at a dog friendly cabin or something or board dog. We hate boarding dog. Even if it was a daytime only "puppy play" thing where I could pay 20 bucks to drop dog off, come back grab lunch with the pup and take him home or back to wherever I found was pup friendly lodging, it opens a lot of options for me. We do puppy play thing here at home once a week at least anyway.
2. Powder puff lessons- this one is more for wife who does not really like skiing, but goes sometimes to be with family. I would put a program together that caters to those that initially really hates falling, bring cold and wet. I could see a class of 6-10 that has some sort of tracked warming vehicle that sticks with the group. Lessons that are at a pace designed to reduce risk of failure and amenities such as massages, wine and cheese day end video reviews and coaching, etc... I think a 3-4 day package around or just below $500 would be worth it to the upper middle income family that wants to skiing, but always have that one person that makes going on a ski trip a guilt trip. Even if like my wife they are a trooper and never complain, but you leave them sitting in a lodge all by themselves.
3. Day trippers package: this could also be worked into a season pass package. When you arrive there is a place to change and check in your stuff. I envision something like a large heated tent. It needs to be comfortable or else I can just use the car and parking lot. At end of day, I can pick up my stuff and change in a comfortable environment for trip home,.having a shower would be great as well,, but don't think it would be a must. I thought about saying a "day room" which I sometimes get when traveling and need a place to have meetings or something during a ling layover, but figured it would be too expensive. If I could leave my gear after changing , I would probably grB a beer and bite to eat before heading home. If it was part of a season pass package, having an option to get a room at half price when available, with an early check out would probably intice me to stay and leave in am on many nights, spend a little, and resort can get some coverage on infrastructure costs it would not get with ah empty room. With that as an option I would probably call and check if they were filled up and go more often in the hopes I could pick up a room if available and turn it into a two day trip by using tent again next day. I am really liking this idea for me. I would buy that season pass.
