Kicking Off Winter Wonderland:

Timing Your Online Ski Resort Marketing Right

Kicking Off Winter Wonderland: Timing Your Online Ski Resort Marketing Right

Kicking Off Winter Wonderland: Timing Your Online Ski Resort Marketing Right

Picture this: as the first snowflakes of the season touch down, there’s a buzz in the air. Ski lovers are dreaming of the slopes. This is where smart marketing steps in, turning those dreams into bookings.

But when is the right time to market a ski resort?

Is it when the autumn leaves fall, or when winter announces its chilly arrival? And how can you keep the buzz going, from the first snowfall to the last?

In this blog, we’ll slide through the ski resort marketing timeline, picking up on the key moments that can turn a quiet hillside into a bustling paradise for ski lovers. From early-bird promotions to last-minute deals, and holiday specials in between, we’ll uncover the secrets to keeping your resort on the minds of snow chasers all season long.

Whether you’re a seasoned resort owner or just starting out in the frosty world of ski resort business, getting your marketing timing right is crucial. Let’s dive into the snowy adventure of ski resort marketing, and explore how to hit the sweet spot that keeps the bookings rolling in and the ski lifts busy!

Pre-Season Awareness (Early to Mid-Fall)

Imagine a room filled with eager faces, waiting for a show to start. That’s what the pre-season feels like in the ski resort world. It’s a quiet drumroll before the rush of winter fun kicks in. And how you stir the excitement now determines the buzz, bookings, and the smiles we’ll see on the slopes. Let’s uncover why early buzz is your best friend and how to make it work wonders for your resort.

Why Early Buzz?

Early buzz is like sending out invites to a grand party. It gets people talking, planning, and dreaming about the snowy adventures at your resort. When you start the chatter now, your resort becomes the place to be when the season rolls in.

Engaging Future Visitors

Getting people hooked isn’t rocket science, but it does need a sprinkle of creativity. Here’s how:

  1. Digital Peek: Share a virtual tour or cool photos of your resort. Let people take a sneak peek at the fun waiting for them.

  2. Chit-Chat Sessions: Host online chats and talk about what’s exciting this season, and let people ask anything they want.

  3. Social Media Sneak Peeks: Share a few clips or photos of your team getting the resort ready. It’s fun and builds a connection.

  4. Friendly Emails: Send out emails with fun stories or cool photos. Keep it light, fun, and something they’ll love to read.

  5. Early Bird Deals: Who doesn’t love a good deal? Offer special rates for early bookings. It’s a win-win.

    Early buzz sets the mood for a fantastic season. It’s about creating a friendly wave of excitement that carries everyone right to your ski resort’s doorstep, ready to dive into the winter fun. So, start the drumroll, let the chatter begin, and watch the anticipation for the perfect snow day at your resort grow.

    Schedule your FREE ski resort marketing assessment or call us on +44 747-822-5788. You may also use our Contact Form or send us an email to info@duyanmarketing.com

    Opening Season Highlights (Late Fall to Early Winter)

    Opening Season Highlights

    (Late Fall to Early Winter)

    Marketing for the opening season is your shout-out to the world that the stage is set and the adventure is about to begin. It’s the time when your marketing messages ride on the crisp autumn breeze, reaching eager ears awaiting the winter festivities. When done right, opening season marketing not only fills the ski trails but also warms the hearts, leaving lasting memories.

    Crafting a Memorable Opening Day/Weekend Experience

    The opening day or weekend is your resort’s first impression. And we all know first impressions last. Here’s how to make it a hit:

    1. Theme Magic: Organise a theme for the opening day or weekend. It could be anything fun or festive – like a Winter Wonderland theme.

    2. Fun Competitions: How about some friendly skiing competitions? It’s all in good fun and gets everybody moving.

    3. Warm Welcomes: A little warmth goes a long way. Hot chocolate stations and marshmallow roasting spots could be your way to everyone’s heart.

    Local Business Partnerships for Cross-Promotions

    Joining forces with local businesses is like inviting neighbours to a party – it makes the celebration bigger and better.

    1. Discount Collaborations: Work together with local businesses to offer discounts. Maybe a meal discount at a local restaurant with every ski pass?

    2. Event Sponsorships: Local businesses could sponsor some fun events or contests during the opening weekend.

    3. Spotlight Shares: Share the local love on your social media and ask them to do the same. It’s about creating a community buzz that benefits everyone.

    Marketing for the opening season is all about creating that spark of excitement mixed with a dose of community warmth. It’s the time to roll out the white carpet (of snow), get the celebration started, and invite everyone to the party. With a memorable opening, the local community by your side, and a dash of marketing charm, your ski resort will be the talk of the town as the place to be this winter.

    Mid-Season Momentum (Mid-Winter)

    Mid-season is a ripe time to keep the dialogue with your guests warm and engaging. It’s the period to reaffirm that the snow fun at your resort is still in full swing.

    1. Regular Updates: Share daily or weekly snow reports, fun guest testimonials, or highlight hidden gems around your resort that visitors may not have explored yet.

    2. Interactive Contests: Run fun contests on social media where guests can share their favorite moments. It’s engaging and showcases the joy others are having at your resort.

    Hosting Events or Themed Weekends

    A little extra fun never hurts, right? Hosting special events or themed weekends injects a fresh wave of excitement.

    1. Themed Weekends: Themes like Retro Ski Weekend or Family Fun Festival can offer a unique charm and a reason for visitors to come or come back.

    2. Special Events: Whether it’s a snow sculpture contest, live music event, or a ski race, special events promise memorable experiences and lots of fun pictures to share.

    Remarketing Strategies to Previous Visitors

    Sometimes a gentle reminder is all it takes to reignite the interest of previous visitors.

    1. Email Reminders: A friendly email reminding previous visitors of the ongoing fun, upcoming events or new features could entice them back.

    2. Special Offers: Exclusive offers or personalized deals for return visitors create a sense of value and appreciation.

    3. Engagement on Social Media: Engage with past visitors on social platforms by sharing memorable moments or asking for their favorite memories.

    Mid-season is not the time to lay low but to amplify the excitement. With some clever marketing moves, engaging events, and a friendly nudge to previous visitors, you can keep the slopes lively and the winter charm of your resort bubbling with joy. And remember, every moment of engagement crafted now, is a step towards ensuring guests mark your resort as their go-to winter haven year after year.

    Schedule your FREE ski resort marketing assessment or call us on +44 747-822-5788. You may also use our Contact Form or send us an email to info@duyanmarketing.com 

    Late Season Push (Late Winter to Early Spring)

    As the snow begins to thin and the sun peeks out a little longer each day, the late season arrives with a soft whisper. It’s the time to make that final, memorable mark on the winter season while warming up to the promises of spring. How do you make the most of this transition period? Let’s explore how a late-season marketing push can keep the winter spirit aglow while beckoning the fresh allure of spring.

    Attracting Last-Minute Visitors

    The late season comes with its own serene charm. It’s the perfect time to entice last-minute visitors for that one more slide down the snow-clad slopes.

    1. Spotlight the Serenity: Promote the quieter slopes, shorter queues, and the peaceful ambiance that the late season offers. It’s a different, more relaxed vibe that many would love.

    2. Last-Minute Deals: Offer enticing last-minute booking deals. Highlight the value and the unique experience awaiting late-season visitors.

    Promoting Spring Skiing and End-of-Season Deals

    Spring skiing is a delight of its own with softer snow and sunnier skies. And who could resist a good end-of-season deal?

    1. Spring Skiing Perks: Promote the joys of spring skiing – the softer snow, the sunny skies, and the ease of skiing in lighter attire.

    2. End-of-Season Deals: Offer special packages or discounts to draw guests in for one last winter hurrah or a gentle glide into spring skiing.

    Engaging with Customers for Feedback and Reviews

    The end of the season is the beginning of preparations for the next. And who better to help you refine the experience than the guests themselves?

    1. Feedback Forms: Make it easy for guests to share their thoughts. A simple online form or a friendly chat over a cup of hot cocoa can provide invaluable insights.

    2. Encourage Reviews: Encourage guests to share their experiences online. Reviews not only provide feedback but also build trust for potential visitors planning for the next season.
    3. Social Media Engagement: Ask guests to share their favourite moments or pictures on social media. It’s a fun way to reminisce and keep the conversation going even as the season winds down.

    The late-season period is more than just the tail end of winter; it’s a bridge to the next season filled with its own unique charm and opportunities. With a gentle marketing nudge, the late season can transform from a quiet end to a grand finale of winter, while softly ushering in the promises of the spring.

    Off-Season Engagement (Spring to Summer)

    The off-season is your chance to keep the spirit of the resort alive in the hearts of past and potential visitors. It’s like keeping the embers glowing in a fireplace, ready to blaze up with the first winter snowflake.

    1. Year-Long Relationship: Building a year-long relationship means your resort stays in the hearts and minds of guests, creating a community rather than just visitors.

    2. Anticipation Building: Keeping the connection alive means you’re also building anticipation for the next season.

    Sharing Resort Updates and Pre-Booking Opportunities

    Your resort might be on a snow break, but behind the scenes, it’s all about preparations and improvements. Sharing these updates keeps the interest piqued.

    1. Resort Improvements: Share updates about any new facilities, renovations or improvements. It’s a peek into the exciting things awaiting guests next season.

    2. Early Bird Offers: Announce pre-booking opportunities with special rates for loyal guests or those who book early. It’s a call to lock in the next snow adventure at a sweet deal.

    The off-season is not a period of disconnect, but a time to foster and deepen the relationship with your audience. It’s about keeping the resort a lively topic of conversation, engaging in a way that when the first snowflakes of winter fall, a community of eager guests is already dreaming about the slopes of your resort. 

    Through thoughtful engagement, sharing exciting updates, and celebrating past moments, you’re not just marketing your resort, but nurturing a community eagerly awaiting the snow to grace your resort once more.

    Partnering with Duyan Marketing: Your Year-Round Resort Marketing Companion

    Duyan Ltd is composed of individuals who breathe ski resort marketing. With an in-depth understanding of the industry’s seasonal nuances, we are adept at crafting marketing strategies that resonate with the ebbs and flows of a resort’s yearly cycle.

    1. Tailored Marketing Plans: From pre-season buzz generation to off-season engagement, our marketing plans are tailored to reflect the unique charm of each season at your resort.

    2. Result-Driven Strategies: Our primary goal is to keep your booking rates healthy all year round. With a track record of success, our strategies are designed to drive tangible results.

    We don’t believe in off-seasons when it comes to marketing your resort. Our team is on standby, ready to spring into action regardless of the calendar page.

    Schedule your FREE ski resort marketing assessment or call us on +44 747-822-5788. You may also use our Contact Form or send us an email to info@duyanmarketing.com