**Unusual Weather Delays Ski Resort Openings, Increasing Performance Budgets and Season Pass Benefits to Attract Customers**
As winter’s cold winds steadily approach, ski resorts are gearing up for opening. Domestic ski resorts are extending their operational hours and expanding various benefits to attract more skiers.
**Chilly Weather Welcomed by Ski Resorts**
Located in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, Yongpyong Ski Resort and Phoenix Snow Park have set their opening date for the 29th of this month. Although they initially planned to open on the 22nd, persistently high temperatures made snow-making efforts insufficient for skiing. Meanwhile, Vivaldi Park and Konjiam Resort are aiming to start their 24/25 season at the end of this month and the beginning of the next, respectively, but have yet to finalize the dates. Weather fluctuations have prompted them to monitor the situation before deciding. High1 Resort operated by Kangwon Land plans to open on December 6th following a recent temperature drop that allowed snow production for groundwork preparation.
**Strategizing Differentiation with Decreasing Skiers**
With weather variables playing an increasingly significant role, ski resorts are focusing on differentiating strategies to secure skiers during the winter season. Phoenix Snow Park has allocated a larger budget for various performances compared to previous years, intending to entertain guests post-skiing with various shows. Last year featured jazz performances by the Kim Ga-on band, violinist Danny Koo with gypsy guitarist Park Joo-won, and live stages from singers John Park and K.Will. Although this year’s lineup is not yet confirmed, Phoenix Park will continue last year’s momentum by enhancing various events.
Konjiam Resort will extend its dawn/nighttime operations on weekends and holidays during the peak season from December 24 to February 2. On weekends, the ski venue will open at 7 a.m. and operate until 2 a.m., catering to skiers with limited time, such as office workers, allowing them to ski for longer periods. Additionally, certain steep sections of advanced slopes have been made more gradual to accommodate intermediate skiers, allowing them to ski from the top.
Vivaldi Park has expanded benefits in their season pass products. Their premium package, which includes an accompanying child and offers unlimited access alongside 10 complimentary admissions to Ocean World and 5 free entries to Snowy Land, has relaxed its age limit for children from under 13 to under 19. This move aims to attract more family-oriented customers. Additionally, the park plans to enforce mandatory safety helmets from this season to enhance customer safety.
High1 Resort is introducing a new premium season pass this year. It includes benefits such as cable car and lift pass access, along with exclusive lounge, parking, locker access, Snow World theme park passes, and summer equipment storage. The previously suspended premium ski school, halted due to COVID, will also resume.
Industry insiders note that as the number of skiers doesn’t increase, competition to retain the dedicated enthusiasts intensifies. An industry representative stated, “Managing the quality of snow is becoming increasingly difficult due to weather variability. Ski resorts are preparing a variety of content, such as enhancing sledding zones, to target non-skiers during the winter season.”