The finale: When do freestyle projects create real added value for ski resorts?

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When do freestyle projects create real added value for ski resorts?

We deliberately chose to publish this series of newsletters during the Olympic Games. There is hardly a better moment to highlight the role that snow parks, freestyle infrastructure and event design play in winter sports today. At the same time, the Olympics, World Cups and media productions clearly show the direction in which our sport is developing – technically, economically and organisationally.

Over the past few weeks, we have therefore jointly examined four key topics relating to modern freestyle infrastructure:

how technology makes today's top-level events possible in the first place
what snow park products are available – and who they are built for
who plans, builds and operates these projects
and how freestyle sports themselves are increasingly changing

Today, I would like to summarise the most important findings for ski resorts – and give you a few concrete ideas for your snow park products.

Do you have any questions?

Write to me

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The most important lessons learned from the series

1. Technology makes projects possible – but does not automatically guarantee success Modern snowmaking, park machines and digital measurement systems now enable unprecedented precision and predictability. But technology alone does not determine success – the right product is crucial.

2. Not every ski resort needs a top-level setup
The higher the media value of a park or event, the smaller the direct benefit for your own guests – and the higher the costs. Top-level events are primarily marketing tools. Public products are tools for creating experiences and guest loyalty.
→ Example: watch video

3. The economic key lies in guest reach
Products such as funlines, kids' slopestyle and freeride cross often reach 30–60% of guests. This is where the real economic effect comes into play.

→ Example "Kids Slopestyle": watch video

4. Expertise is more crucial than ever
Snow parks are no longer just ‘piles of snow’, but planned sports and adventure facilities. The right expertise often determines whether a park becomes a magnet and generates revenue potential.
→ All information about snow parks

5. Freestyle sports themselves are changing
Increasing standardisation in competition is making creative, experience-oriented public products in ski resorts even more important.

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What does this mean specifically for ski resorts?

If freestyle infrastructure is to create real added value, three simple questions can help:

Does the product suit my guest structure?
Does it extend the length of stay and enhance the experience?
Does it support my positioning and communication?

Successful ski resorts do not have the largest parks – they have the most relevant products.

More info

Two management recommendations for
successful snow park products

1. Think in terms of user experiences, not individual elements

More than individual features, it is the overall experience that counts. Flow, fun, orientation and safety determine usage. Successful facilities function as well-designed experiential spaces – not as a collection of individual obstacles.

Get advice now

2. Making targeted use of visibility and staging

Snow park products and guest offers only create added value if they are visible and presented in a high-quality manner. Savings in design or experience quality directly reduce the effect. Costs can usually be managed more efficiently through smart planning of snow, terrain selection and efficient use of snow groomers – these are the biggest cost drivers.