As another dump of snow settled on the slopes, Red Mountain closed its lifts to the public on April 3 looking back on what general manager Erik Kalacis called a "very good" season.
"The snow certainly kept the pass holders coming and we're grateful for that, and for all the patrons and passholders," Kalacis said.
Marketing manager Mika Hakkola said "Business is up, year over year, it went really well. Season passes were up, Vertical Value cards were up, lodging occupancy was up."
"The goal here is to make the business thrive and that helps the local economy," Hakkola said.
Unfortunately, Kalacis noted, "we were behind on lift ticket sales" —although "just a little bit" — based on performance in previous years.
Kalacis attributed the decline to a "soft" U.S. and destination market.
Ultimately, however, the business depends on real estate sales. Vice president Don Thompson reported that the new series of Elevate cabins had "a lot of people kicking the tires," but no sales.
There are a lot of interacting factors, Thompson said, such as a general ebb in buyers of second homes and ski-resort real estate, no sense of "urgency" among them, and the relatively few jobs in the area.
Nevertheless, Red did sell its two last Slalom Creek units this winter.
Red's real estate manager, Jim Greene, was optimistic: "I think it's starting to pick up. There's a lot of people inquiring, a lot more than a year ago. A lot are looking at Elevate, and Caldera as well." Greene is currently working with a "half dozen potentials."
Relative to other ski resorts in North America, Greene said "we're doing just fine."
"The steady interest is a good sign," Kalacis said, adding that the hill was "staying the course" with no intention to sell the resort. "We're going through the budget right now and reviewing everyone's capital proposals," he continued.
"It was a nice snowy season," Kalacis said, "and we were delighted with the feedback on the day lodge renovation. We're going to strive to continue to improve our guest experience."