TOP 5 LIST october 2016

TOP 5 Apres Destinations

Why does it seem some of the highest rated products, services and resorts fall short of expectations when they are ranked so highly by corporate media? Well, publications often rank their advertisers ahead of the facts. Keep in mind those publications are getting free lift tickets, lodging, meals and more to rate and review the experience so they can sell it to you. Real locals and customers are far more likely to tell you truth than resort spin doctors and employees obligated to bosses, budgets and policies set by profit driven corporations. Resort advertising dollars influence media rankings, stories and coverage intentionally and unintentionally. Corporate media has costly brick and mortar overhead plus expensive executives in addition to their employees to pay for. This often results in features and rankings influenced by advertising dollars or personal agendas. Therefore, it's easy to understand why many publications and local print, TV and radio outlets are beholden to their ad revenues for their very survival.

Curious how rankings can be VERY different from one publication to the next, always consider the source? There's always more than just one variable that goes into polls, rankings, etc. First, remember resorts are in business to make a profit and they use their media influence to project an image that drives sales. That's what advertising is and what businesses do. That's why resort companies rush to post their ad photographers powder day and marketing photos, and their media partners rush to retweet them. Did you notice they're not doing the same to prepare customers for early trail closings and reduced terrain due to warmer temps and lack of snow. Second, media outlets are not always so adept at everything they do. Some maybe better with gear and equipment reviews, another might provide more accurate weather reports, etc. In many instances these digital and print media outlets control the message. Third, many corporate media outlets aren't even in the mountans full-time... they are based in BIG cities and only visit resorts on weekends, holidays and special events. So, remember resorts and media are BIG business first and foremost, and businesses always find ways to justify putting profits ahead of people.