Introduction
CCSAA conducted a brief survey of ski areas asking 8 questions about how they have been impacted by the COVID-19. 21 ski areas completed the survey providing insights into their thoughts about the current situation facing cross country ski areas. Our hope is to learn more about the actual impact to cross country ski areas.
Question #1 â Was Your Ski Area Closed Due to The Virus?
Just over half, 52%, of the ski areas reporting indicated that they closed due to the impact of the virus.  The cross country ski areas were incredibly lucky this virus hit when it did. That is not to say that many ski areas are not losing revenue to the virus and those that were forced to close are suffering losses not only for trail passes, but food, rentals, lessons and retail.
Question #2 – What Changes Have Been Made to Staffing Levels in Response to COVID-19
52% of respondence said they have not needed to reduce staffing or staff hours do to the virus. There are two things in play here, several ski areas were already closed and many smaller ski areas would not normally have many staff on payroll at this time of the month.
42% are reducing staff and hours.
Question #3 â In the Next 60 Days, What Additional Changes Do You Expect to Make to Staffing Levels Due to COVID-19
70% of responses indicated that there would be no additional changes to staffing or hours for those still working. Many ski areas are heading into their dormant period where they would be having a very skeleton crew of staffing, or none at all.
Question #4 – How Concerned About Career/Personal/Family Life Are You Due To COVID-19
95% of those who responded have concerns about their career, personal or family life ranging from somewhat concerned to extremely concerned . This indicates that the ski area future is more concerning for many than their current situation. This mimics the confusion and uncertainty at the state and national levels.
Question #5 â How Concerned Are You About the Ski Area’s Performance/Financial Situation Given COVID-19
Only 20% said they were not concerned about their ski areas situation due to COVID-19 while 40% are extremely concerned. There is so much that is not know at this point there is good reason for concern.
Question #6 â Where is Your Overall Marketing Strategy and Outreach as of 3/30/2020
It was good to see that 71% of the responding ski areas are continuing with some form of messaging, only 29% have everything on hold. This indicates that there is some positive thinking with a view towards the future. The world will get beyond this, but there is uncertainty about what it will look like on the other side.
Question #7 â How Concerned Are You About Your Summer Business
A full 40% of respondents do not have summer business and not overly affected by the happenings over the next few months. An additional 5% are not concerned for their summer business while 55% have some level of concern.
Comments:
- Next season would appear to be threatened.
- We closed our lodge, provided rentals by appointment and encouraged members to get out and get some fresh air and great skiing, we have been very busy on the trails, and people are very happy to get out!! Not to many options out there for safe recreation.
- Our dairy farm store is extremely busy. We sell milk and meat directly to the walk in customer and we have done some outside customer pick up.
- This survey didn’t give me the opportunity to say we were closed due to lack of snow two weeks before the COVID closures. We didn’t close because of health concerns, but we would have closed asap. We had no illusions that we were not all at risk. So, the only light in this situation is that none of us were exposed to skiers from the southern states which actually gives me some piece of mind.
- We have had the busiest end of the season ever with increased hours for staff. We do not rent so our contact with patrons has been minimal. The community has been using us as a resource to keep healthy.
- Due to the base snow depth, we closed for the season March 15 so weren’t affect by the virus.
- Given the givens we were pretty lucky. If this had happened in November, there would have been no season at all.
- Skiing/snowshoeing was closed 2 weeks early, bigger impact is the cabin/yurt rentals now and looking forward next 1-2 months (so far), concerned about need to cancel upcoming weddings and events starting late April and into May
- Luckily we closed two weeks before the end of season but that two weeks was spring break. However, within a few days of closing the ski area there were virtually no visitors in our resort (Whistler) so we have only been opening the ski area for local pass holders or day ticket customers
- For your next survey, suggest you include options for multi-location Nordic ski area In the case of Jackson Hole, Grand Teton NP closed, thus limited crust cruising, open trail skiing. Several Nordic centers closed prematurely, yet several extended their grooming thanks to a big snow year, and Nordic skiing offering a relatively safe, social distancing recreation.
- Staff has been sent home with pay through April 15. Seasonal staff laid off on expected closing date but paid until then. Venue closure timed with lose of natural snow. Would have stayed open on man made but season was winding down quickly due to weather. Lucky to be a state authority
Conclusion
The industry is extremely lucky as it was nearing the end of its season when the brunt of the virus hit. Although the virus has and will continue to impact the industry, the overall effect is far less than other industries, including the alpine industry. Due to the uncertainty and mixed messages coming from the Federal Government, the future remains a mystery.
