Ship Sticks’ Post

"Bergman is not just new terrain for Keystone visitors, it’s like an entire new ski resort, with some of the best snow and best views on the mountain, all super easy to access." From the addition of Bergman Express to the anticipated debut of Kindred Resort, Larry Olmsted's recent Forbes article makes a tremendous argument for why Keystone Resort is, in his words, “The Next Big Thing.”

I know. And I'll make sure to refrain from talking about vacation. Stop myself, and all that. But something struck me. When you visit different ski resorts, you experience differences in quality and user experience. The quality and condition of the lifts. Whether it's Dobbelmayer or Leitner. But the most important thing is actually capacity. Are there queues or not? This year, I was in Chamonix, and credit where credit is due. Chamonix has it under control, and they can lift 52,660 ski enthusiasts per hour. What does that mean?: First, there are 3,600 seconds per hour; divide that by the loading interval of the carriers (typically, six to eight seconds). That figure is the number of carriers that load per hour. Then, multiply that figure by the number of people each carrier can accommodate, i.e., two for a double chair, six for a six-pack. Should equal no queues. But that's not the case. Conditions in the area come into play, and if an area is closed due to avalanche risk, for example, there is a higher concentration where it is open. Simple. In St. Anton, the capacity via 94 ski lifts is 123,000 pph. Interesting difference, and the comparison is interesting when I look at my everyday life. Capacity is important. User experience is key. Infrastructure is crucial. Whether you're building or maintaining ski lifts, roads, or e-commerce.

Climate Change is having an impact on travel - from Inside Traveler Climate change is having a significant impact on travel and travel patterns. Intense summer heat has shifted summer Mediterranean business and wreaked havoc on ski business, while also driving consumers to cooler regions. Ski resorts are unpredictable: The absence of a normal winter in many locations has been evident in the mountains, with the lack of snow not only affecting winter sports but also the crucial reservoirs of water where melting snowpack feeds rivers and streams throughout spring. With unpredictable and erratic snowfall, we are seeing the ski business plummet, with a loss in the ski business over the past two years. Most ski business is booked within 45 days of departure, often looking at snowfall. Except for Aspen, this issue has affected American ski resorts significantly more than European ski resorts. The reason is that American winter resorts are more focused on actual skiing while Aspen, like many European ski resorts, offers a broader “winter experience" and is diversifying faster than the U.S. resorts, bringing beach-club equivalent activities to the ski slopes. Shoulder season is the new peak season: Overheating (compounded with overcrowding and overpricing) has turned what was typically shoulder season into the new peak season. June and September are the new July and August. November is now the hottest growth month in cosmopolitan cities. This means we are seeing longer seasons in many resort towns from Paris to Amalfi, St. Tropez to Lake Como but also shorter seasons for would-be ski resorts, with shorter winter and even summer seasons. So it's not too late to plan your fall and winter trip and early next year. Prices are good and deals can be had. And more people are going north or south, chasing cooler climates. There is an increase in demand for trips to the Arctic, Canada, Norway, Finland, Scotland, Ireland, and Switzerland. So plan your winter wonderland vacation now as accommodations will be hard to get if resorts cut back.

Follow Offbeatopia on Instagram & YouTube for more road trip destinations, day trip ideas, and local’s gems like this. :-) Fiesta Island is a large, sandy peninsula located within Mission Bay in San Diego, California. Known for its scenic beauty and diverse recreational opportunities, Here’s an overview of what makes Fiesta Island special: Activities and Attractions Fiesta Island offers a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages: 1. Water Activities • Boating: The calm waters of Mission Bay make Fiesta Island an ideal spot for boating and sailing. You can launch kayaks, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft. • Jet Skiing: The island’s shores allow for jet skiing, offering thrilling experiences on the bay’s smooth waters. • Swimming: The island features various beach areas perfect for swimming and wading. 2. Beach and Picnic Areas • Sandy Beaches: The island boasts long stretches of sandy beaches where visitors can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy a beach day. • Picnicking: Numerous picnic spots are available, complete with tables and grills, making it an ideal place for family gatherings or a leisurely picnic. 3. Dog-Friendly Zones Off-Leash Dog Area: Fiesta Island is famously dog-friendly, with large designated areas where dogs can roam off-leash. It’s a haven for dog lovers who want to let their pets run free and play in the sand and water. 4. Cycling & Running Trails: The island features multi-use trails that are popular among cyclists, joggers, and walkers. These trails offer scenic views of the bay and surrounding landscapes. 5. Bonfires Fire Pits: Bonfire rings are available along the beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy evening fires with friends and family. It’s a perfect way to end a day at the beach, especially during the cooler months. Fiesta Island is a true gem within San Diego’s Mission Bay Park, offering a mix of recreational activities and natural beauty. Fiesta Island has something for everyone. #california #roadtrip #unitedstates #usa #sandiego #losangeles #riversidecounty #orangecounty #contentcreator #ugccreator #travelcontentcreator #ugcpartnership #paidugccreation #viralreel #trendingaudio

What are The Best Boat Types for a Group of People? The best boat types for a group of people can depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of the group, the activities you plan to do, and the preferences of the group. However, the team here at Upisle.com has outlined popular boat types for your next group outing: 🔹 Pontoon boats: Pontoon boats are spacious and can accommodate larger groups, making them ideal for group outings such as picnics, parties, and leisurely cruises. 🔹 Center console boats: Center console boats are versatile and can be used for a range of activities, such as fishing, water sports, and day trips. They can accommodate moderate-sized groups and often have plenty of seating and storage space. 🔹 Catamarans: Catamarans are spacious and offer a stable and comfortable ride, making them ideal for group outings such as snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping. 🔹 Yachts: Yachts are luxurious and spacious, and can accommodate larger groups with plenty of amenities such as entertainment systems, dining areas, and sleeping quarters. 🔹 Party boats: Party boats are designed specifically for group outings and often have features such as bars, dance floors, and DJ booths, making them ideal for parties, celebrations, and special events. Overall, the best boat type for a group of people depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the size of your group, the activities you plan to do, and your budget to find the best boat type for your group outing. Book your next Boat, Jet Ski, Yacht, Fishing Charter or Watersport Rental at Upisle.com! #boating #boats #yachting #party #event #group #boat #charters #upisle https://lnkd.in/edd644vD

Americans do it bigger! If you've ever skied in Andermatt, #Switzerland, you might have not realised that you were a guest of the #Americans. The same would be true if you recently skied in Crans-Montana. Indeed, both #ski resorts are operated by the American giant Vail Resorts. Forget about local flavour and traditional food. Vail Resorts owns and operates more than 40 resorts across the US, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland. Their acquisitions of the Andermatt and Crans-Montana ski resorts in 2022 and November 2023 respectively, marked their entry into the European market. In Andermatt, they quickly injected millions to upgrade lifts, improve snow-making, enhance hospitality and more. But more importantly, they included the Swiss resort into their signature international format, the Epic Pass. With the Epic Pass, skiers can choose to ski at any of the 40+ resorts owned by the company. This allows them to literally follow the snow across continents! Given that day-passes at American resorts are priced nearly $300, a season Epic Pass costing around $900 looks like a bargain. For a New Yorker, flying 6-7 hours to Zurich or 4 to Colorado plus the driving doesn’t make a big difference. With the number of overnight stays by North Americans quadrupling in the last year, it’s now common to hear Yankee accents on the slopes of Andermatt. The entry of the Americans has driven up #realestate prices, by 12% in the last year, reaching CHF 18-19k per square meter. International companies, such as the Egyptian-Montenegrin-Swiss Orascom Development, are undertaking major real estate projects in the area. Crans-Montana will probably follow suit. The model of large public companies operating multiple ski resorts is new to Europe. In fact, most European resorts are managed by local entities. For example, the #Dolomiti Superski area in Italy and the #Arlberg area in Austria, among the largest of the Alps, are managed by local companies bearing the same name. An exception is the French Compagnie des Alpes, a public company listed in Paris which operates some of largest ski resorts in France. Due to climate change, running ski resorts is becoming an expensive endeavour. It requires increasingly larger capital, something Americans don’t lack of. However, this might come at the expense of the local alpine favour, which I believe is essential for an enjoyable ski holiday in Europe. 👉 If you liked this post, follow Giacomo Iotti for more!

🌐 Strategic Move: Vail Resorts Expands European Footprint with Crans-Montana Mountain Resort Acquisition! 🏔🇨🇭 Exciting times as Vail Resorts announces the acquisition of Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland, strategically positioning themselves as key players in the European ski market. This move not only amplifies the appeal of Crans-Montana but also solidifies Switzerland's status as a go-to destination for mountain tourism. In a time when climate change is a prominent consideration, the growing interest in premium mountain destinations underscores the resilience of this sector. Vail Resorts' commitment to expanding despite challenges is a testament to the enduring business potential of unique and high-quality mountain resorts. Here's to forging new paths, unlocking opportunities, and elevating the investment landscape in Mountain destinations! ⛷🏂 #skiresort #CransMontana #VailResorts #Switzerland #SkiIndustry #VertellAssetManagement #hotelinvestment #dealmaking

If you're a company with multiple locations, and aren't proactively tracking your leases, you're putting your entire business at risk. Just ask Park City Mountain Resort What could've been continued years of cheap rent at the greatest location for skiing in the country turned into the most costly clerical error in the history of the ski industry. The culprit? Inadequate lease management Despite investing over $100 million into the resort, Powdr Corp failed to renew their lease in a timely manner, which was incredibly inexpensive at just $155,000 per year for ~2,800 acres of land. After a 3-year legal battle Vail Resorts won the right to operate Utah's most popular ski resort while Park City Mountain Resort became extinct. Don't let a simple oversight cost you 50+ years of operations. Ensure proper lease administration to safeguard your business. #LeaseManagement LeaseHero

Selling Ski Vacations can be tough. Whether booking dynamic or pre-set packages, small groups or providing custom or bespoke itineraries, ski vacations can provide a challenge both when making the booking & tracking customer payments and when managing all the confirmations and payments to vendors. There is the logistical challenge to booking all of the moving parts over different days in different ways for people on the same trip. Rezometry gives tour operators, wholesalers, inbound and receptive operators a better way. Adding onto the already powerful features of Rezometry, our end-to-end reservation platform handles any type of product or service such as ski lift tickets, hotels, transfers, ski lessons, activities, ski rentals and more. Key Unique Features SELLING * Tailor the vacation to book lift tickets for Mom and Dad while the kids are booked in Ski School. Or go on vacation with a non-skier and book a tour activity for them while you are on the slopes. * You can tailor dynamic packages or create a unique custom itinerary to meet your clients needs. * The Synxis, Inntopia and Home Away connection allows you to get availability, rates and inventory (ARI) directly from the hotel. * And the connection provides for real time reservations back to the hotel, confirmation number included. But if you need to confirm rentals, lift tickets, transfers or activities, you can easily do so by sending the Request to Vendor document that provides the supplier a link to confirm the booking. * Rezometry is also integrated with Sabre GDS to sell Flights, although you can also set up and sell contracted flights in Rezometry. * And since Ski vacationers are one of the most loyal groups of travelers, create their profiles to track their interest, trip history so you can market to them and keep them engaged. And while you're at it why not offer rewards points through the loyalty program, provide unique return guest discounts and more all to keep them coming back and booking year after year. #ski #skioperators #touroperators #tour #travel #supplier #software

Selling Ski Vacations can be tough. Whether booking dynamic or pre-set packages, small groups or providing custom or bespoke itineraries, ski vacations can provide a challenge both when making the booking & tracking customer payments and when managing all the confirmations and payments to vendors. There is the logistical challenge to booking all of the moving parts over different days in different ways for people on the same trip. #travel #ski #operator #touroperators #tour