How to Build Your Own Ski Resort
For the ambitious entrepreneur, owning and operating a ski resort is an uplifting adventure. If you have the funds, the expertise, and a strong work ethic, you may just find yourself at the top of the mountain. It takes a lot of work to start your own ski resort business, but it’s not an impossible dream. Plus, with the right location and equipment, this business can make the owner a lot of money.
Location, Location, Location
In the ski resort business, location is everything. You want to choose a location known for a lot of natural snowfall, because this is going to save you money on artificial snow. Artificial snow tends to be very expensive, so choose a locale you know will give you a good average snowfall per year.
Some real estate locations include:
• Vail, Colorado
• Flagstaff, Arizona
• Vermont
• Big Bear, California
• Alta, Wyoming
• Bozeman, Montana
• Wilmington, New York
• Sun Valley, Idaho
• Park City, Utah
Of course, these aren’t the only locations where you can buy or lease mountain property, but they are some of the most popular skiing destinations in the United States. It’s best to shop around for the right location, looking for the right price and size. Don’t just purchase the first property you look at, without checking out everything that’s out there.
Know the Business
Do you fantasize about owning a ski resort, because you spend all of your free time hitting the slopes? A lack of formal training can result in a failed business. If this is truly what you want to do with your life, you’re going to want to learn the ski resort business through and through.
It’s good to know where the money comes from. Ski resorts stay in business by offering more than just lift tickets. It’s important to equip a lodge with an area to rent skis, snowboards, and other equipment. You can sell food, offering skiing lessons, and, if you have the room and extra funds, set up a hotel. Stay and play packages sell quick and make ski resorts a lot of money.
You’ll need to consider your costs too. You’ll need to pay to provide energy to your resort. You’ll require a ski lift, as well as heat and energy inside the lodge. Look to energy providers like Commerce Energy deals to save big on the energy you’ll be expending daily. You’ll also have to pay to insure your resort, as well as lease or buy the mountain where it’s located.
Regulations
You may have your heart set on a local mountain, just waiting to be developed. This mountain may seem perfect for a new ski resort, but chances are there are environmental setbacks to consider. In recent years, environmental regulations have increased, making it considerably more difficult to open a ski resort.
Before you make the mistake of purchasing acres and acres of unusable land, get an environmental lawyer to survey the property and ensure it’s not environmentally protected. These protections can lead to decades of development and then result in no ski resort to speak of. Don’t sink your money into something that can’t be. Instead, be certain the land you’re considering can be zoned for your dream resort.
Life on the Mountain
When everything falls into place, you’ll be the proud owner of a ski resort. Not only will you make a sizeable profit in this $3 billion business, you’ll also get to experience the sport you love on a daily basis. If you truly think you’re ready, it’s time to break icy ground on your mountain-sized dream.
