3 replies to this topic

[NHskier13]

Hey all

I was wondering for a long time how practical in terms of profits night skiing is. I don't know how common it is on the western side of the country (I assume quite rare, since our night skiing areas are all fairly small) , but in New Hampshire, there is a cluster of smaller areas that have night skiing (McIntyre, Pats Peak, Crotched) but there are more in other states (Wachusett, I think lots of places in Mass, Connecticut has smaller areas but same deal) Gunstock has all but the summit chair and a few trails around the side open at night, and others have hardly any terrain open and only run Saturdays, Bretton Woods & Sunday River come to mind.

Anyways, how practical is night skiing? I'd imagine it could be used as a way to get more pass sales. Crotched mountain in NH stays open until 3 in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays, 4 hours longer than it's competition, Pats Peak. It attracts a lot of college aged students who just want some decent cheap skiing from what I see. But is running the lights, and the lifts for extra hours, and paying people to be there really practical in terms of profits? I'd imagine that they probably lose more money than they make to run night skiing operations.

[JHappel]

Night passes do make up a big part of our night skiing income but most of it comes from school groups and grade school age racing. We are a lot busier at night then we are during the day midweek. Is it profitable? Yes. I would say we lose more money running during the day light hours midweek.

[MNSkier]

JHappel, on 24 March 2016 - 10:12 AM, said:

I would say we lose more money running during the day light hours midweek.

From a midwest perspective I would say this is probably an accurate statement....

[snoloco]

Night skiing works well for mountains that are close to densely populated areas. That's why Wachusett has it. People can come out after work and school and get some turns in. It also works for some destination resorts that have a large on-mountain bed base. People might ski on and off throughout the day, or do another activity during the day and ski at night. Camelback has a large hotel with an indoor waterpark and full night skiing. Some people might go to the waterpark first and ski later.

This post has been edited by snoloco: 24 March 2016 - 10:50 AM