The Economics of Everyday Things 87. Ski Areas
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Apr 7, 2025 
Rob Goodell, the Chief Operating Officer at Loveland Ski Area, shares his insights from over 30 years in the industry. He discusses the innovative revenue strategies ski areas are employing, including unique events to boost community engagement. The challenges faced by independent ski resorts, especially in financial sustainability against larger competitors, are pivotal topics. Goodell also delves into the importance of staffing and operational safety, particularly the role of ski patrols in avalanche prevention and safety regulations.
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Labor in Ski Areas
- Ski areas require significant manpower for operations, with labor being a major cost.
- Loveland Ski Area employs 60 year-round staff, increasing to over 600 during peak season.
Hiring Challenges at Mount Ashland
- Mount Ashland faces hiring challenges due to unpredictable snowfall.
- Delayed openings lead to staff finding other jobs while on standby.
Snow Preparation
- Ski areas operate for 180-200 days annually, requiring extensive snow preparation.
- Loveland utilizes nine snowcats to groom trails overnight, even in challenging conditions.