Gondola Gossip

Ask any skier or snowboarder and they'll tell you balance is important. Many ski resorts and mountain businesses work hard to maintain a balance with the environment...even boasting about those efforts. So, why does it seem that balance only applies to popular and convienent things but nothing else. Let's take a closer look at the rest of the year...AKA the BIG Picture.

During the winter almost all local businesses and big businesses are working in a common direction surrounding the snowsports and high traffic visitor season. In some instances they have snowboard events and concerts in attempts to farm the next generation of customers. This is a smart thing to do, especially considering the gen X & gen Y combined won't add up to equal the numbers of baby boomers exiting the mountains and snow sports today. Still this is a fight.

A handful of wealthy baby boomers who have retired in resort communities have changed the landscape of being able to pull together during the rest of the year. No one is against these folks, however many people are asking the question... how do you expect to connect with the next generation of visitors and potential property owners if you are only interested in their business during ski season? The money and influence these folks exert has put the community out of balance. Orchestras, wine festivals, art festivals all have a place in the mountains...but not at the expense of maintaing the balance necessary for all residents and visitors.

Some resorts and communities make a better effort to make everyone feel welcome and included...while others want to make it clear its their town...not yours. If the same level of effort and cooperation was made to connect with past, present and future customers all year round many mountain communities would face less challenges. The problem in most instances is the old guard won't allow the future to have an equal opportunity. It is that simple...they have a bunch of tactics to prvent a level playing field... in addition to a plethora excuses as to how its bad for the community.

When one event or organization can use community and resort facilities for free and others have to pay thousands... how is that fair or equal? When permitting processes are used against new events. Personality conflicts between older and younger audiences. Sponsorships restrictions and corporate allgences are destroying opportunities for other audiences. When their events have issues or growing pains they get a second chanc and more money, while others are not afforded the same level of support.

If you're in your 20s or 30's or have kids that age you may want to look at the mountain communities you vacation at and spend money in more closely... especially if you want to get your money's worth. If you like popular music, concerts, nightlife and other activities that appeal to the 20 and 30 year-old demographics not ever mountain town wants you business.

Balance is important. Just like young people stay away from the concerts and events that are for rich old people... why can't those people simply allow the younger crowd to have a few some concerts and events while they stay away? Instead they complain and obstruct these opportunities.  Weak leadership among the resorts and community continues to cowtow to the ways of the past ...while asking how to conect with and build relationships future customers. Here's an idea give them an opportunity...stand by them and help buildthe event and connection to the audience. That may require you telling the loud complainers in the minority that the fleas come with the dog.

The gap is enormous. Grand parents and grand kids, but everyone else is supposed to make do...even though there is nothing here for them. That seems like a really bad strategy.