Transcript
Welcome to the local lift.
Yeah.
Today we’re diving deep into something uh really inspiring actually. It’s about the smart and creative ways these small independent ski areas, especially, you know, here in the Midwest, are expanding their operations into the summer months.
Yeah,
we’ve got some uh fascinating insights from recent reports that really show how these local gems are adapting and well thriving.
It’s quite a remarkable evolution, isn’t it? You know, not that long ago, summer at a ski hill was well, mostly about maintenance, maybe getting ready for the snow. to fly again. But what our sources clearly illustrate is a a fundamental strategic shift. Right?
Summer isn’t just an add-on anymore. It’s becoming uh absolutely vital for these areas to maintain solid financial footing year round. And it’s driven by well, a couple things. The unpredictability of winter weather for one, and also a really savvy approach to using their existing resources, their infrastructure to the fullest.
Okay. Yeah, let’s dig into that a bit. One figure that really stood out to me was that back in 2015, a pretty significant 84% of ski areas were already operating during the summer. So that tells us this isn’t exactly a brand new trend maybe. Yeah.
But it’s definitely become much more critical for sustainability now.
Absolutely. The urgency has shifted
and we have a perfect example actually right here in Iowa with Seven Oaks Recreation. They face some real challenges with shorter maybe milder winters and their smart move was to really uh ramp up summer activities,
things like canoe trips. local festivals.
Yeah.
Which significantly helps stabilize their finances. Just a great story of adaptation.
It really is. And it highlights that it’s not just about, you know, tacking on a few extra things to do in July. It’s a fundamental rethink of the business model looking towards long-term viability.
Exactly.
And the great thing is the benefits ripple out. You know, obviously there’s the direct summer revenue that’s important, but it also creates local jobs outside the traditional ski season.
That’s huge for these communities.
It is. And it attracts tourists who might not be winter sports enthusiasts, right? Bronze the appeal. Plus, it provides fantastic recreational options for the people who actually live nearby.
Yeah, exactly. We see that so clearly with um Botna Winter Park up in North Dakota. They have Annie’s House, which offers these incredible yearround adaptive recreation opportunities.
Yeah, I did see fragr.
It really is such a powerful way to connect with and serve the local community. And then you’ve got Marquette Mountain in Michigan running summer youth programs, mountain bike camps, and things which not only teaches skills but also builds those really vital local connections.
Now, here’s where it gets u particularly interesting. I think our sources point to the ski area recreational opportunity enhancement act of 2011.
Ah yes, so
exactly this piece of legislation, it essentially made it easier for ski areas operating on US Forest Service land to offer a wider range of summer activities, not just skiing related stuff,
right? Things like zip lines, mountain coasters, bike parks, which in turn really spurred for season development across the entire industry, not just on forest service land.
It created a kind of well a ripple effect or maybe a rising tide.
Yeah, a rising tide is a good way to put it. It led to more competition, sure, but also a greater focus everywhere on what could be offered in the summer months.
And the numbers back that up. Apparently, summer visitation across the industry saw what was it? An impressive 37% jump in just the 5 years leading up to 2015.
Wow. 37%.
Yeah. What’s fascinating there is how a single piece of legislation can have such a broad and you could argue positive impact. It encouraged innovation even for those areas not directly on USFS land, right?
It sort of fostered this industry-wide understanding that diversifying offerings wasn’t just a nice to have anymore. It was becoming pretty essential for staying competitive and, you know, relevant in this evolving recreation landscape.
Okay, so now when we zoom in on the Midwest specifically and look at these independent ski areas,
the sheer variety of their summer activities and projects is just remarkable.
It really is.
We’re talking about a significant number of these smaller resorts, you know, in states like Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin.
Mhm.
They’re really embracing these warmer months.
Yeah. Punching above their weight, you could say.
And initiatives like the Indie Pass, that multi- mountain pass focused on independent areas. While it’s primarily for winter, you have to think it also helps raise the profile of these unique destinations year round. Right.
Right. That’s a great point. The Indie Pass definitely helps showcase the incredible strength and uh diversity within the independent ski area sector. By highlighting these unique places, it subtly reinforces the idea that they are vibrant yearround destinations, not just places that come alive when it snows,
right?
And when you look at the sheer range of summer projects underway, I mean, it really underscores the ingenuity and frankly the entrepreneurial spirit of these operators.
It truly does. Our sources give us this fantastic snapshot. It’s almost overwhelming how much is going on. Like uh take Andy’s Tower Hills in Minnesota, they offer these charming rustic cabin rentals and cross-country trails.
Mhm. A different vibe.
Exactly. It’s interesting how they’re catering to a different kind of summer visitor, someone maybe seeking a more peaceful nature-based getaway. It’s a nice contrast to the more, you know, adrenalinefueled adventure park model.
Sure. And then you have Big Powder Horn in Michigan looking at expanding their summer trail network after recently adding a downhill mountain bike park that aligns with their parent company’s ition affordability thing too,
right? And Bono, as we mentioned, has Annie’s house. Plus, they’ve been strategically upgrading their snowmaking
using a mix of grants and community support, which is key.
Very smart.
Cabrifeet Peaks in Michigan. They’ve got a golf course. They’re a popular wedding venue. And they’ve made significant investments in snowmaking.
Clearly recognizing its importance given, well, the weather patterns we’ve seen.
You have to these days.
Then you have places like Chestnut Mountain down in Illinois. classic alpine slide, a bike park for the more adventurous crowd, and even unique stuff like river cruises.
That diversity is absolutely key, isn’t it? Each area is really trying to identify and leverage its unique assets, its location, its local market, and appeal to different segments of the summer recreation market.
Yeah.
What works well in one place, you know, with its specific terrain and local audience might not be the right fit somewhere else. This list really highlights that tailored localized approach.
Exactly. And look at Crystal Mountain in Michigan. They’ve really gone allin.
They have
golf, the beautiful Michigan Legacy Art Park, a water playground for families,
the park at W’s Edge and Alpine Slide,
plus ongoing development guided by a big master plan fueled by significant private investment. It’s
right a long-term vision there.
Detroit Mountain in Minnesota, another great example. It’s become a real hub for mountain biking.
Yeah, they’ve done a lot with trails.
An impressive network funded partly by a State Legacy Fund grant, strong local matches. Plus, they offer hiking and summer camps, too. A real community focus.
Granite Peak in Wisconsin has exciting future plans, mountain biking trails, a nature center, camping facilities, even climbing and bouldering,
and that’s tied into the state park master plan. Right.
Exactly. Thoughtfully integrated with the Rib Mountain State Park master plan, involving public input, working with the DNR. That partnership seems crucial.
Definitely.
Even smaller gems like Great Bear in South Dakota,
summer high ing trails, a nature area showcasing native plants, and they’ve become a sought-after wedding venue. It’s all well, it’s quite impressive.
It really is. And it speaks to this broader understanding, doesn’t it, that these mountain environments offer a wealth of opportunities that extend far beyond just snow sports.
Absolutely.
By thinking creatively about how to use their land, their infrastructure, their local environment, these areas are building significant year-round value for themselves, sure, but also for their communities. We’re really just scratching the surface here. I know. Little Switzerland in Wisconsin hosts a popular summer concert series. Another beautiful spot for weddings, events, Lutzen Mountains up in Minnesota, alpine slide, scenic rides on their Summit Express gondola, extensive hiking, and mountain biking trails.
And they’ve made big investments, too, right? Snow making base area.
Yeah. A million-dollar snow making upgrade, base area improvements. Although their big expansion plans on forest service land uh face some challenges, hit a roadblock,
right? That happens. Permitting can be tough.
Marquette Mountain, we mentioned the youth MTB programs with For the Love of Bikes. Great partnership. Mont Ripley in Michigan is expanding their chalet, making key snowmaking upgrades, planning a new magic carpet, funded by Michigan Tech, alumni, community donations, a real mix.
That community buyin is huge.
Mount Ko in Minnesota, big draw for summer mountain biking. And they’ve made extensive offseason improvements across the board. Lighting, grooming, snow making, lift. rentals, online systems, real commitment there,
showing they’re serious about the whole operation.
Nubs Knob in Michigan has their summer music series, hosts community groups,
seven Oaks, we talked about their river tubing, kayaking, paintball, too, I think.
Yeah. Diversifying
snow trails in Ohio, focusing their offseason on crucial infrastructure, ropetoe, snow making, lighting, cafeteria remodel,
internal investment,
and keeping the core strong.
Spirit Mountain in Minnesota. Wow, they’ve really transformed into a year-round destination.
They have that big adventure park,
full-fledged adventure park, extensive mountain biking trails, skills park, camps, scenic lift rides, summer camps, weddings, campground, too likely funded with public funds, operational revenue, and they just announced a lift upgrade.
It’s a real testament to the uh entrepreneurial drive within this sector. Each of these projects isn’t just some random addition, you know, it represents a carefully considered strategic decision about the future direction of that Pacific Ski Area and its long-term role within the local economy and community.
And the list just keeps going. Trollhogen in Wisconsin,
they did have to close their adventure park, citing cost concerns, which is an important reality check, too.
It’s true. Not everything works out perfectly or lasts forever. Costs are a challenge,
but they’re still actively pursuing multi-phase terrain and lift expansions.
A new quad, new trails, snow making. And what’s interesting there is their focus on working closely with a logging company. to manage costs, minimize environmental impact shows real awareness of operational challenges.
Smart pragmatic approach.
Welch Village in Minnesota getting a brand new quad chairlift. Skyras installing its summer 2025. That’s a significant upgrade investment.
Whitecap Mountains Resort in Wisconsin focusing on snow making upgrades, hotel renovations, and often utilizing their in-house staff for a lot of these projects. Speaks to the resourcefulness.
Absolutely. Using the team they have
and Wild Mountain in Minnesota. hosts a full-fledged water park alongside their alpine slide and go-karts. Really embracing that summer thrillseker market.
Yeah. Leaning into the summer fun aspect.
It’s just an incredibly diverse range of activities and approaches across the board.
And when you look across all of these examples, these stories, what becomes really apparent are some uh some key common themes emerging.
Yeah, definitely.
It’s not just a scattershot approach. There are clear strategic directions that many of these independent ski areas seem to be active pursuing.
Absolutely. Recreational diversification is like the big one, right? Sure.
Mountain biking and developing dedicated trail systems are just booming. We saw it with Spirit Mountain, Lutzen, Detroit Mountain. Even the future plans at Granite Peak point to this growing segment.
It’s huge. Yeah.
And leveraging existing lift infrastructure for uphill transport is just smart. That’s vision.
Then you have the emphasis on hiking, offering scenic lift rides, really capitalizing on the natural beauty of the locations like Luton with the gondola, Great Bear with its nature area
using what makes them unique.
Water-based attractions are well a natural draw in the warmer months, Wild Mountains Water Park, Seven Oaks’s River Activities, prime example,
always popular when it’s hot.
And adventure parks, you know, offering things like ziplines, alpine coasters, ropes courses, they’re popular for people seeking a bit more excitement. Although, as Trollh Hogan’s experience shows, you got to watch the cost. Careful management is crucial there,
right? High investment, potentially high operating costs, too. But these diversification efforts, they’re all about broadening their appeal, right? Reaching a wider audience beyond just skiers and snowboarders.
Yeah. And creating multiple sustainable revenue streams, not putting all your eggs in the winter basket.
Exactly.
We’re also seeing a significant amount of investment in um crucial infrastructure and facility enhancements, things that benefit winter, too.
The foundational
lift upgrades like Welch Village and Mont Ripley that helps summer sightseeing or biking access, but obviously essential for winter.
Modernization pays off year round.
Snow making improvements absolutely vital for winter reliability, especially now. We’re seeing substantial investments at Luton, Botnau, Cabet.
Non-negotiable for many places really, especially in the Midwest.
And then there’s the ongoing work to, you know, revitalize lodges, base areas,
enhance the overall guest experience regardless of the season. Projects at Luden, Crystal Mountain, White Caps, hotel upgrades.
These fundamental upgrades are really the backbone of their business, aren’t they? Reliable lifts, efficient snow making. That’s essential for a successful, predictable winter season,
right?
Which in turn provides the financial stability needed to invest in these summer diversification efforts. It’s all connected. Yeah.
And a comfortable, welcoming base area just enhances the visitor experience no matter what they’re there to do, summer or winter. And then there’s that crucial aspect of uh event driven revenue and community engagement
using the space.
We’re seeing more festivals, concerts, special events like the summer music series at Little Switzerland and Nubs Knob. They have the space, the parking, the setting.
Makes perfect sense.
The stunning scenic backdrops make them ideal for weddings and private functions, too. We saw that at Spirit Mountain, Seven Oaks, Great Bear.
Great niche market for many of them.
And youth camps, educational programs like at Spirit Marquette Mountains Bike Camp. s not only generate revenue but also you know play a vital role in fostering a love for the outdoors in the next generation building future customers maybe
and future community members who value these places.
Plus the development of adaptive recreation programs like the wonderful one at Botnos Annie’s house so important for community inclusion providing access for everyone
really commendable work and this strategic focus on creating memorable summer experiences. It’s incredibly smart for these smaller independent areas. is
oh how so
well it allows them to build those really crucial community connections and foster strong brand loyalty in a way that goes far beyond just the specific activities they offer
it’s about creating a true sense of place a feeling of belonging you know
for both locals and visitors it makes the ski area more than just a commodity
that makes a lot of sense building that connection hey just a quick note for everyone listening you can actually delve even deeper into all of this and find more resources by visiting us at the localift.org
yeah definitely check that out
we’ve got addition information there for you to explore.
So, okay, we’ve seen this incredible array of summer projects, this real diversity, but
how do these areas actually organize and implement these ambitious plans? How do they make it happen? It seems like a significant undertaking.
Oh, absolutely. And funding, as you can imagine, is a huge piece of the puzzle.
Always is.
Our sources really highlight just how crucial grant opportunities are, especially for these independent operators who maybe don’t have deep corporate pockets,
right? Need that outside help sometimes. Detroit Mountain, for instance, secured that significant legacy fund grant we mentioned. Botnau Winter Park has also benefited from important state tourism grants. Even Black Mountain of Maine, though not Midwest, is a great example. They got grants for their vital snowmaking project through a combination of MBRC and CDS funding, plus strong community matching funds.
Yeah, successfully navigating that grant application process that requires a lot of time, effort, and skill. You have to articulate a really compelling case
for sure show the community benefit, the economic impact.
It really speaks to the dedication and the strategic thinking of these operators actively seeking out and securing these vital funding sources. It doesn’t just fall into their laps.
No kidding. And private investment, securing loans,
that’s also necessary sometimes, especially for the bigger projects.
Although our sources suggest it can sometimes be more challenging for smaller independent areas to secure traditional financing compared to say larger corporate resorts.
Makes sense. Risk profile might look different to lenders.
That’s where the power of community fundraising initiatives and uh cooperative models can really shine.
Yeah. Leveraging those local ties.
The Mont Ripley expansion fund we talked about and the strong community donations that places like Black Mountain of Maine have received. Fantastic examples of how these local connections can be turned into real dollars for significant projects.
That deeprooted community support that many of these independent ski areas enjoy. That’s often one of their most significant assets, isn’t it?
Yep.
It’s a powerful reminder that these ski hills are often so much more than just businesses. They’re integral parts of the social, the economic fabric of their local towns and regions.
Well said. And when it comes to the actual hands-on work, you know, bringing these projects to life.
Yeah.
Project management, execution strategies, those can vary, too.
Yeah. How do they get it done?
Many areas seem to use a kind of hybrid approach. own in-house teams handle smaller projects, routine maintenance, ongoing ops,
stuff they know well,
right? But then they bring in specialized external contractors for the really complex installations, like Welch Village partnering with Skyrack for their new lift. You need specialists for that.
Makes sense. Play to your strengths.
Phase development is also a common and often very effective strategy. Breaking down huge projects into manageable chunks.
Yeah. Avoids biting off more than you can chew financially or logistically.
Allows for better resource management. A more manageable approach.
We saw that with Buck Hill’s multi-phase plan mentioned in the sources,
smart planning.
And then of course there are all the uh the regulatory hurdles, navigating permitting processes, ensuring environmental compliance that can be complex, timeconuming.
Oh yeah, red tape.
Definitely as highlighted by Leton’s expansion challenges and Granite Peak’s close collaboration with the DNR on their master plan. It takes time and effort.
These kinds of projects often require a real long-term vision, meticulous planning, and a real ability to navigate what can be a very complex landscape of regulations and approvals. It’s rarely quick or simple.
No, definitely not. Which brings us to the vital role of partnerships and strong community collaboration that really can’t be overstated in all this
seems crucial for the independence.
Actively engaging local communities, all the relevant stakeholders, it’s key like Granite Peaks, public comment periods to gather that valuable feedback,
transparency helps,
builds trust and buyin
and building strategic alliances. Like that partnership between Marquette Mountain and For the Love of Bikes that brings in specialized expertise, expands their reach, creates these mutually beneficial relationships.
Yeah. Those kinds of partnerships are really about creating a shared vision for the future, aren’t they?
I think so.
Leveraging the unique strengths and resources of different organizations to achieve common goals. Ultimately, it just strengthens the entire local recreation ecosystem.
Yeah, it really does. So, wrapping things up, today’s deep dive into the summer operation. of these small and independent ski areas has well, it’s truly revealed a landscape brimming with resourceful adaptation, remarkable ingenuity,
and a deep-seated focus on their local communities. It’s really inspiring stuff.
It is.
The sheer variety of projects underway, the creative funding strategies being employed,
it really highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and the determination required to not just survive, but to actually thrive year round in this business.
Absolutely. And it really prompts you to consider broader implications of this uh industry-wide shift, doesn’t it?
Like what?
Well, how does this increasing diversification of these local businesses contribute to the overall resilience, the long-term health of the entire ski industry, especially with climate uncertainty?
That’s a big question.
And what crucial role does that vital community support that we talked about so much continue to play in ensuring their ongoing success for years to come?
Yeah, food for thought there. How essential is that local connection? Well, thank you so much for tuning in to the local For even more in-depth insights and to join the ongoing conversation, please be sure to visit us again at the local lift.org. And thank you for listening to the Local Lift podcast.