Smooth Operations

Mountain operations teams have traditionally functioned and stayed organized largely by routine, using paper checklists and clipboards, and relying on institutional knowledge. Introducing a new software platform that promises to make their work more efficient and provide management with solid data should be a welcome change—but that doesn’t happen by simply flipping a switch. In reality, migration to a new software platform usually takes at least a few months and requires a team effort. 

The end results for guests, employees, and the business are what matter most, and many ski resorts are reporting great success through automation of previously-manual work processes. But how do we re-organize the operation to accommodate new data sources, new workflows, and the changing scope of staff responsibilities? It sounds hefty, but could simply mean re-focusing a few staffers’ daily tasks. One example could be reassigning maintenance team members that no longer need to, say, log shift updates to higher-value activities in line with their skills.