With interest in summer business continuing to grow, it’s no surprise that this year’s Summer Ops Camp, held at Vail, Colo., Sept. 3-5, drew a record attendance of 150 from both resorts (46) and suppliers (34). Campers from North America, Chile, and China participated in range of business, activity-specific, and risk management seminars and discussions, and got hands-on with activities at Vail’s Adventure Ridge, Glenwood Caverns, Breckenridge Fun Park, and at the suppliers’ demo area in Vail Village.

Among the topics: summer’s growth curve, and how to find the mix of activities and attractions that will succeed in your local market; trends in aerial adventure courses and technology; mountain bike parks small and large; evaluating the business model for summer ops; and new entertainment models. Small-group breakout sessions gave Campers several opportunities to discuss topics ranging from the Forest Service’s evaluation process for summer activities to water possibilities, summer marketing to transitional season success, and improving your customer experience.

The chance to try out and experience a broad range of activities with fellow operators remains a key component of Camp, and Adventure Ridge, Glenwood Caverns and Breckenridge provided adrenaline seekers all they could handle—in some cases, more than they wanted. In every case, though, that experience helps Campers evaluate the potential that such activities have for creating a viable, long-term business.

The following photos provide a peek at what Camp looked like …  

>> 2014 SUMMER OPS CAMP AGENDA

Summer Ops Camp 2015 Dates and Location: TBA

Questions: E-mail olivia@saminfo.com