skiseason

The term skiseason refers to the distinct period during which ski resorts and related tourism businesses operate at reduced capacity, following the conclusion of the main winter season. It is generally understood as the time between the final day of the official ski season and the reopening of lifts for the next winter period. During this interval, resorts may close permanently for maintenance, run short “summer ski” events, or offer snow‑making and grooming work to preserve slopes for the next season.

The concept emerged in the late 1990s when mountain towns began to formalise their year‑round operations and highlight the importance of planning for off‑peak periods. By institutionalising a skiseason, operators could better forecast revenue, schedule staff rotations, and coordinate marketing campaigns for winter re‑opening. The term is most often used in North America and Europe, where ski chains operate across multiple mountains and must synchronise their closing and opening dates.

Economically, the skiseason has notable impacts on local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and ski schools typically see a steep drop in patronage. The transition period is also an opportunity for resorts to invest in infrastructure and offer discounted season passes to early‑bird customers. From an environmental perspective, many ski resorts use the skiseason to conduct ecological assessments, carry out trail re‑grading, and optimise snow‑making processes, thereby reducing carbon footprints.

Looking ahead, climate change is likely to shift the length of the winter season, making the definition of skiseason more fluid. Resorts are experimenting with “all‑weather” facilities—heated slopes and glacier lifts—to extend recreational opportunities beyond the traditional bounds of the skiseason.