Gondola Gossip
Posted October 2015
Is BIG Business BAD for Business?
Things aren't always what they
appear to be... There's more to it than meets the eye...
We've all heard these expressions, but how do they apply to
our favorite mountains and resorts? It's simple...just ask.
Asking the right questions of the right people is a great
way to make the most of your mountain experiences.
Want to avoid the horrible ski rental experience, over-priced bad meals and other mountain vacation killers? You can... all you need to do is ask the locals. REAL locals live and work in town before, during and after ski season... and the chances are you're not going to find the owner working at many places. The working locals are the most likely to give you the best information. They probably will even tell you who to ask for by name... and say they sent you. It's only common sense to think that people who do something for a living are a better resource than those who only do it part-time or for a season.
The concierge and websites are a good start, but we suggest you dig a little deeper to get the most accurate picture. Often overlooked is contracts with particular vendors, which limits the guests options and opportunities without them even knowing it. The disguise is the convenience, but really it's a contract with another business...and usually one they own or have a stake in. Venturing out and about the town and resort you will meet all kinds of people, including locals. Find locals who do not work for the resort itself for the best information. Sadly, many times they are trained and or prohibited from providing you with the best answers to your questions. Often as terms of their employment they are required to send visitors to bars, restaurants and shops owned by the resort. Recommending other local businesses could get them in trouble. That's true.
Big Resort companies are great at running their resorts typically, but not so good at operating everything else around the resort. But, that does not stop them from trying at the expensive of the guest and local businesses. Big money and contractual agreements sometimes mean the worst bars, restaurants and shops have the best locations...this includes brand names stores, coffee houses and more. They are all franchises owned and or operated by the resort itself. One give away to these places are that they have great locations that other businesses cannot afford. That's way the best deals and people can be found off the main drag so to speak.
Local businesses typically provide better service and more competitive prices compared to the expensive tourist traps owned and operated by the resort and a handful of corporate partners. How are you going to know where to go if you don't ask... and ask the right questions. Get to know the locals and explore the towns and villages a little and you will enjoy the best meals, deals and stashes on your next mountain vacation.
Want to avoid the horrible ski rental experience, over-priced bad meals and other mountain vacation killers? You can... all you need to do is ask the locals. REAL locals live and work in town before, during and after ski season... and the chances are you're not going to find the owner working at many places. The working locals are the most likely to give you the best information. They probably will even tell you who to ask for by name... and say they sent you. It's only common sense to think that people who do something for a living are a better resource than those who only do it part-time or for a season.
The concierge and websites are a good start, but we suggest you dig a little deeper to get the most accurate picture. Often overlooked is contracts with particular vendors, which limits the guests options and opportunities without them even knowing it. The disguise is the convenience, but really it's a contract with another business...and usually one they own or have a stake in. Venturing out and about the town and resort you will meet all kinds of people, including locals. Find locals who do not work for the resort itself for the best information. Sadly, many times they are trained and or prohibited from providing you with the best answers to your questions. Often as terms of their employment they are required to send visitors to bars, restaurants and shops owned by the resort. Recommending other local businesses could get them in trouble. That's true.
Big Resort companies are great at running their resorts typically, but not so good at operating everything else around the resort. But, that does not stop them from trying at the expensive of the guest and local businesses. Big money and contractual agreements sometimes mean the worst bars, restaurants and shops have the best locations...this includes brand names stores, coffee houses and more. They are all franchises owned and or operated by the resort itself. One give away to these places are that they have great locations that other businesses cannot afford. That's way the best deals and people can be found off the main drag so to speak.
Local businesses typically provide better service and more competitive prices compared to the expensive tourist traps owned and operated by the resort and a handful of corporate partners. How are you going to know where to go if you don't ask... and ask the right questions. Get to know the locals and explore the towns and villages a little and you will enjoy the best meals, deals and stashes on your next mountain vacation.