Ski Resort Operations and Mountain Biking

							Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

Raw NRG’s Experiences
      1992-2007


  “MTB activities
    can work”

  Colin Battersby
     Raw NRG
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking
                      Where we’ve come from…..

!   Raw NRG Mountain Bike Centre in Thredbo since 1992

!   Raw NRG Mountain Bike Centre in Mt Buller 1997 - 2000

!   Recreational mountain bike tours in Thredbo and the
    Kosciuszko National Park in NSW – NPWS Licensed Commercial
    Tour Operator since 1994

!   Event managed 29 National Series, 6 National Championship
    events and 10 Australian Interschool MTB Championships since
    1992.

!   In 1999 and 2002 Raw NRG gained an Award of Distinction in
    the NSW Tourism Awards – Adventure Tour Operator

!   In 2006, Raw NRG registered as a training organisation (RTO) for
    its Guide, Instructor & Advanced Instructor Training
    program and provides nationally accredited training courses for
    MTB Guides and Instructors.
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

Generically, ski resort mountain bike operations tend to
  be successful when:

!   they're located in places where trail access is
    otherwise restricted

!   where mountain biking is well promoted year-round

!   where a race or mountain bike festival occurs

                             Tim Blumenthal, IMBA Executive Director, 2002
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

Specifically, ski resort bike parks are successful when:

!   Accurate color map of trails

!   A base area bike shop

!   Lodging/bike rental/trail pass packages

!   Winter promotion (on trail maps, winter brochures and in base
    lodges)

!   A varied trail system that includes singletrack trails suitable for
    riders of all abilities

!   Technically challenging downhill trails. Lift service is a key
    component of this offering.
                                        Tim Blumenthal, IMBA Executive Director, 2002
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

When Ski Resorts are successful.. Cont’d

!   Beginner and intermediate group mountain bike lessons

!   Guided half-day tours

!   Full-service bicycle repair capability at the base area shop.

!   A 4X race course

!   Technical terrain gardens (practice areas).

!   Social capital
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

Challenges and Opportunities

  "   Focus on winter for resorts - $’s
  "   Winter business reliant on snow falling
  "   Summer is the opportunity to grow visitation/business
       !   outside peak periods, flattens the peaks
  "   Trail Development
  "   Trail Maintenance
  "   Environmental Agencies – NPWS, DOP
  "   Use of assets in downtime – chairlifts
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking


Sustainability – what does it mean?

  "   Environmental
  "   Financial – ROI - $85K on maintenance
  "   Social Capital – critical factor!
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

Risk Management

!   An insurance issue
!   Duty of Care demands a risk
    management approach
!   A managed approach to business
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

•   Strategies for dealing with land managers

    •   IMBA program as a base – best practice
    •   Never BS!
    •   Explain your priorities
    •   Understand theirs and meld together
    •   Read venues Plan of Management
    •   Develop strategies together…partnership MOU
    •   Develop relationship with the agency Business
        Manager
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

•   Why are ski resorts different?

    •   Tourism is your business
    •   Events are your business
    •   Environmental sustainability is your business
    •   Infrastructure already in place
    •   Experience in the business environment
         • Business

         •   Agencies
         •   Marketing
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

Resources to support your argument:

!   IMBA website
!   MTBA website
!   Relevant POM for area
!   Local Chamber of Commerce
!   Local Tourism body
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

MTB Events – a great way to publicise
 your MTB facility

  •   PR from magazines, newspapers, radio
      and TV
  •   Film it and give it to the networks
  •   Rider networks – they talk!
  •   Include local Agencies/Chambers
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

•   Economic impact of MTB Racing
    Australian Open of MTB – March 07
    • 389 riders created over $687K in
      economic benefit to the region
    • Ave spend $707 per visitor

    • Each racer brings 3.1 people with them

    • Stay an average of 5.4 nights

    " Generated 5251 bed nights
    Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
    Biking

•   Importance of Accredited Instructors

    •   Insurance cover
    •   Credibility
    •   Duty of Care
    •   Effective product delivery
    •   Quality staffing
    •   Marketing leverage
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

•   How to get other businesses
    involved and excited
    •   Communicate tourism benefits
    •   Help them build their businesses
    •   Suggestions to be MTB friendly
    •   Support those who support you
    •   Include them in your marketing
         •   Web links
         •   Brochures/trail maps
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

To hire or not to hire?

  •   45 DH bikes, 50 XC
  •   Duty of Care
  •   Spend the money on quality bikes
  •   Helmets and body armour!
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

•   Activities are what it is all about!

    •   People don’t come to a resort to sleep
    •   Promote an experience
    •   Find a trigger – “I think I can?”
Ski Resort Operations and Mountain
Biking

•   Conclusion and questions?