Brains
Ski resorts promise breathtaking scenery, fresh powder, and the thrill of the slopes. For many visitors, however, the reality can fall short once they encounter numerous things that don’t meet their expectations. What should be a seamless and memorable mountain experience can be marred by frustrations that take away from the joy of the sport.
These issues are more than simple inconveniences because they influence whether people return, recommend a resort, or even continue participating in skiing or snowboarding at all. For locals, these shortcomings can affect not just their recreation but also their livelihoods and sense of community.
We asked our readers, “What is the biggest thing most ski resorts overlook nowadays?” Below are the top nine responses. Many ski areas perform exceptionally in some of these areas, but understanding where ski resorts in general are missing the mark is essential to creating an experience that works for everyone.
#9 Safety
On-mountain safety is a shared responsibility between guests and resorts, but many feel enforcement is too lax. Clearly posted skier responsibility codes, visible patrolling, and quick response to accidents can prevent injuries and save lives. Neglecting safety not only risks guests’ well-being but also undermines trust in the resort.
#8 Parking and Transportation
Limited parking often forces guests to arrive very early or pay steep fees for a spot. Public transit options to many resorts are either nonexistent or inconvenient, which discourages day trips. Better shuttle systems and affordable parking could significantly improve accessibility.
#7 Crowd Management and Long Lines
Poorly managed lift lines can turn a great snow day into an exercise in frustration. Guests want to see better systems for directing crowds, including clearer signage and more lift attendants. When waits are excessive, the value of a lift ticket drops dramatically in the eyes of visitors.
#6 Employee Support and Wages
Low wages and limited benefits leave many ski area employees struggling to make ends meet, especially in resort towns with high living costs. Seasonal staff often face job insecurity and inadequate housing options. Guests notice when staff morale is low, and it can affect the service they receive.
#5 Food Options and Prices
Dining at many ski resorts is both expensive and limited in variety. Visitors want to see more affordable, nutritious choices rather than just fast food or overpriced basics. Including choices for those with food sensitivities and locally sourcing food options could improve quality while supporting regional farms and businesses.
#4 Value for the Money
Guests expect that the high cost of skiing and snowboarding will be matched by a high-quality experience. This means lifts that run efficiently, facilities that are clean and well-maintained, and enough staff to handle peak periods. When these expectations are not met, skiers leave feeling overcharged and underwhelmed.
#3 Love for Locals and the Community
Many resorts are seen as catering almost entirely to tourists while overlooking the needs of year-round residents. Affordable housing for resort workers and long-time community members is increasingly scarce. Without a focus on the surrounding community, resorts risk eroding local support and damaging their long-term reputation.
#2 Customer Service
Complaints often center on slow, disorganized operations at ticket counters, rentals, and lifts. Unfriendly or undertrained staff can make guests feel unwelcome and undervalued. When combined with long waits and unclear communication, the overall experience can sour quickly.
#1 Affordability
Many skiers feel that prices for lift tickets, rentals, food, and lodging have risen far beyond what the average family can afford. Discount programs often have restrictions that make them inaccessible during peak times, which is when many people actually want to ski. Without more affordable options, the sport risks becoming inaccessible to all but the wealthiest visitors.
The challenges facing ski resorts are not insurmountable, but they require a willingness to listen to feedback and make meaningful changes. Prioritizing affordability, investing in staff, and respecting local communities can create a more welcoming and sustainable ski culture. If resorts commit to addressing these concerns, they can ensure that the mountain experience remains just as thrilling as the sport itself and accessible to those who love it most.
Lift operations. Some years ago, we were skiing at Keystone (Vail Resorts) after skiing mostly Banff (Sunshine, Lake Louise, and/or Norquay) for years. The chair from River Run had excessively long line-ups, so we skied elsewhere. After lunch, we noticed many chairs coming up had 3 people on them. “Let’s go”, I said. “Empty seats; lineup must be minimal”. We went down to that lift. Horrendous lineup. The lifties were not bothering to load the chairs fully. Total incompetence from Vail Resorts relative to the resorts in Banff — where the minute a lift line-up exceeds 3 minutes a liftee is out at the front of the queue ensuring every seat gets loaded.
make the bar without the footrest and I’ll use it every time I ride a lift. It’s the footrest that sucks because you can’t make one the works for every rider.