Question 1

What is a good yield per skier for a resort?

Accepted Answer

This varies dramatically based on resort size, location, and brand. A premium destination resort might aim for a yield of $150+, while a smaller regional mountain's yield might be closer to $50. The key is to track your own yield over time and against your direct competitors.

Question 2

How is 'Total Skier Capacity' determined?

Accepted Answer

This is often called the 'Comfortable Carrying Capacity' and is determined by factors like lift capacity (uphill transport rate), trail acreage, and lodge space. It's the number of skiers your mountain can comfortably accommodate at one time while maintaining a good guest experience.

Question 3

Does this calculator account for season pass holders?

Accepted Answer

This tool is primarily designed for day-ticket yield. To include season passes, you would need to calculate a 'per-visit revenue' for each pass holder (Total Pass Price / Number of Visits) and add that to the Total Revenue for the day. Many resorts analyze pass yield and day-ticket yield separately.

Question 4

What is the first step to implementing dynamic pricing?

Accepted Answer

Start by analyzing historical data. Identify your peak demand days (holidays, powder Saturdays) and your low demand days (midweek, early season). Create a tiered pricing structure with a significant price difference between these tiers. This encourages skiers to visit during off-peak times and allows you to capture maximum revenue during peak times.

Question 5

Is it better to have a full mountain or a high yield?

Accepted Answer

The ideal scenario is both! However, yield management often involves finding the optimal balance. A slightly less crowded mountain (e.g., 90% occupancy) where every skier paid a premium price can be significantly more profitable—and provide a better guest experience—than a 100% capacity day achieved through heavy discounting.

Lift Ticket Yield Management Tool

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Understanding Lift Ticket Yield Management

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