When you operate a relatively small operation compared to some of the massive ski facilities spread across the South Okanagan and most of British Columbia, you face many challenges. But thankfully the terrific staff and a dedicated ownership team at the Mount Baldy Ski Area have managed to tackle those challenges head on.
There aren’t any secrets to success.
With Apex Mountain in Penticton and Big White in Kelowna going after the same client base, the only reasonable prospect of success at Mount Baldy is to offer exceptional customer service at a reasonable price. In both those areas, Mount Baldy has done a phenomenal job.
Mount Baldy mountain manager Matt Koenig admits he might be a little biased, but he thinks the ski and snowboard experience offered at the local facility at the prices being charged are the biggest reason the facility continues to draw solid numbers and remain in business.
For the third-consecutive season, a price freeze has been put in place on just about everything from yearly and weekend passes to food, so skiers and snowboarders are able to enjoy a fantastic experience and not have to travel several hours to do it.
The reality is Mount Baldy has tough competition, but it remains a fantastic facility with great amenities and the price is most certainly right. To enjoy the same quality of amenities in Ontario or Quebec, skiers and snowboarders would be paying three or four times what is charged at Mount Baldy.
With a yearly pass still under $500 and a day pass under $50, the price most certainly is right.
Since the worst recession in more than 70 years started in 2008, ski operators across the country have had their work cut out as expensive hobbies like skiing and playing golf are often cut out when families are struggling to pay their mortgage and bills.
Despite the lack of population in the Osoyoos-Oliver-Okanagan Falls corridor and the competition from Penticton and Kelowna, Mount Baldy has managed to pay its bills and try and improve the facility with each passing year.
Koenig firmly believes the biggest challenge is to attract skiers and snowboarders to Mount Baldy for the first time. Because after they see just how great the facility is and realize other operators can’t match the prices being charged, a large majority will return.
Mount Baldy may “never become a mini-Whistler” as the owners might have originally envisioned, but the goal remains to offer a wonderful outdoor experience at an exceptional value. And if that corporate philosophy remains in place, Mount Baldy is going to be around for a long, long time.
And that’s great news to thousands of people who love to ski and snowboard in this area.