Executive Summary
WorldSKIpes is an up-and-coming ski lodge in Aspen, Colorado, a hotspot for winter travel. We are a cozy establishment with 24 bedrooms, split into 10 two-bedroom units and 2 one-bedroom units. This split is optimized to accommodate families and groups comprising most ski lodge visitors.
Close to 1.5 million ski in Aspen yearly and spend hundreds of millions when they are in the area. This is a lucrative market to enter.
WorldSKIpes is owned by Poppy Astor, who will manage the establishment in its first three years. Emily Rothschild is a silent partner and the owner of the property atop which WorldSKIpes sits.
We will diversify our offering by hosting summer activities such as watersports in the off-peak seasons. The cabins are also available to rent year-round.
WorldSKIpes is seeking $1,500,000 in start-up or growth capital to fund operations, marketing, and staffing in the first 12 months.
Financial highlights:
| Metric | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $680,000 | $950,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Gross margin | 58% | 58% | 58% |
| Net profit / (loss) | ($18,000) | $32,000 | $86,500 |
Company Overview
WorldSKIpes is a ski lodge in Aspen, Colorado. Our mission is to bring a cultured, worldly feel to skiing in America. Gone are the days when you could only experience top-tier winter vacations in Europe.
We have 10 two-bedroom units and 2 one-bedroom units on our property. Our lodge is all-inclusive, meaning all guests have free parking in a weather-safe area and all the amenities you can expect from the world’s top hotels.
Poppy Astor is WorldSKIpes's founder and owner. The lodge is incorporated as an LLC in Colorado. Poppy is investing $300,000 into the business and partnering with Emily Rothschild, who owns the property where WorldSKIpes is located. They will make a loan for renovations.
Legal structure: LLC
Mission: To deliver exceptional ski lodge services to clients in Aspen, Colorado, USA, building long-term relationships through quality, reliability, and deep expertise.
Objectives:
- Year 1: Establish operations, reach initial revenue target of $680,000, and build a loyal client base
- Year 2: Expand service capacity, grow revenue to $950,000, and hire additional staff
- Year 3: Achieve operational profitability, strengthen market position, and evaluate expansion opportunities
Market & Customer Analysis
The global mountain and ski resorts market was valued at $16.11 billion in 2022. This figure is expected to increase to $31.46 billion by 2029. The CAGR for this industry between 2024 and 2029 is 11.8%.
Ski resorts are primarily populated in winter. Winter sports enthusiasts frequent them. The activities commonly found at a ski resort comprise skiing and snowboarding. These establishments are attached to lodging facilities as the slopes are naturally in the mountains, away from other accommodations.
The establishments are also populated with a variety of restaurants and shops for visitors’ entertainment.
Driving up the interest in your ski location during the peak season is important. Maximizing exposure in seasonal industries is important. Businesses do this by hosting competitions and festivals at their premises. This attracts people who partake in these sports, as well as spectators who would not have visited the resort otherwise.
The current climate crisis is a market restraint. Inconsistent snowfall patterns shorten the season and reduce the number of visitors the resorts get. Something like this can be detrimental for a business that only has a short window of activity each year already. This unpredictability can be combatted with an artificial snow machine. However, resorts are encouraged to find a way to extend their establishment's popularity to off-seasons as well.
Customer analysis:
The are four categories of visitors at ski lodges:
- Families
- Solo travelers
- Groups
Families make up the bulk of ski resort visitors. A ski resort is a popular destination for family locations because everyone is in one place, and there are activities for every age range.
Ski resort visitors range in age from below 15 up to 55 and above. The most prevalent subset in this age range is 26 to 25-year-olds. This statistic can be attributed to this group's higher level of disposable income and the likelihood of traveling.
Competitor analysis:
| Competitor | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| The Little Nell | Established brand, wide reach | Higher price point, less personalised |
| Limelight Hotel Aspen | Strong marketing, national presence | Generic offering, less specialist focus |
| Hotel Jerome | Competitive pricing | Lower service quality, limited expertise |
WorldSKIpes's competitive edge: Specialist expertise, personalised service, and a clear focus on the underserved segment of the market set us apart from the established players listed above.
SWOT analysis:
| Positive | Negative | |
|---|---|---|
| Internal | Strengths: Specialist expertise; experienced founder; strong client relationships; differentiated positioning | Weaknesses: Limited brand recognition as a new entrant; single location; reliance on founder capacity in early years |
| External | Opportunities: Growing market demand; underserved niche segments; digital marketing reach; referral network growth | Threats: Established competitors with greater resources; economic downturn reducing discretionary spend; regulatory changes |
Sales & Marketing Plan
WorldSKIpes will work hard to not only be a winter vacation location. The impressive slopes and winter activities are our main attraction, but we will cater to adventurous spirits in the warmer months as well.
Our cabins are an escape from reality that does not have to wait for winter. The stunning summer views are enough to convince anyone to visit. We offer guided hikes, team-building activities, and water sports in spring and summer.
A portion of our sales revenue will also come from the food shops and restaurants we have on-site.
Pricing strategy: Pricing is set to be competitive within the Aspen, Colorado, USA market while reflecting the quality and specialist nature of the services delivered. All pricing is reviewed annually against market benchmarks.
Marketing channels:
- Digital presence (website + SEO) — professional website with content marketing to attract organic search traffic from clients searching for ski lodge services in Aspen, Colorado, USA
- Social media — active presence on relevant platforms to build brand awareness and engage prospective clients
- Referral programme — incentivised referral programme for existing clients; target 30% of new clients via referral by end of Year 2
- Local networking and partnerships — attendance at industry events and partnerships with complementary businesses in Aspen, Colorado, USA
- Google Ads — targeted paid search campaigns for high-intent keywords during launch phase
Marketing budget Year 1: $47,600 (7% of projected revenue)
Additional marketing notes:
Our primary form of marketing is via our website. Most visitors are from out of state, so local advertising is less effective.
We host our rooms on popular booking platforms and pay an advertising fee so they’re promoted to potential visitors.
We prioritize December marketing in our budget. Each year, we will have a group of social media influences visit WorldSKIpes to promote our facilities. We also pay for space in the local December activity newsletter.
Operating Plan
Personnel Department Task Deadline Poppy Astor Human Resources Recruit and hire lodge staff, convenience store staff, ski rental staff, cleaning staff, maintenance staff, assistant manager, and manager. One month before the launch Assistant Manager Inventory Management Track inventory across stores at the lodge. Weekly Poppy Astor Marketing Acquire a marketing agency contract to promote WorldSKIpes. Three months before launch.
Staffing plan:
| Role | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Kuznetsov (Owner / Director) | Full-time | Full-time | Full-time |
| Operations / Senior Staff | Part-time | Full-time | Full-time |
| Support / Junior Staff | — | Part-time | Full-time |
Legal & compliance:
- All required licences and permits for ski lodge operations in Aspen, Colorado, USA
- Professional liability and general liability insurance
- Data protection compliance in accordance with applicable laws
- Health & safety policies and risk assessments in place before trading begins
Management Team
Poppy Astor will manage the daily operations at WorldSKIpes. She has experience managing hotels in France and will apply that to WorldSKIpes.
In its first two years, Poppy will be the sole management member of WorldSKIpes. She will work closely with a general manager to oversee the company's operations.
Anna Kuznetsov — Founder & Director
Advisory support: The business will engage an experienced accountant and a business mentor through the local enterprise support network to provide financial oversight and strategic guidance during the first three years of trading.
Financial Plan
Projected Profit or Loss Statement
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Sales $90,000 $170,000 $300,000 Direct Cost of Sales $20,500 $30,000 $82,000 Production Payroll $0 $0 $0 Other $0 $0 $0 Total Cost of Sales $20,500 $30,000 $82,000 Gross Margin $69,500 $140,000 $218,000 Gross Margin % 77% 82% 73% Operating Expenses
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and Marketing Payroll $20,000 $40,000 $40,000 Advertising/Promotion $800 $1,000 $1,000 Travel $0 $0 $0 Miscellaneous $500 $500 $500 Total Sales and Marketing Expenses $21,300 $41,500 $41,500 General and Administrative Expenses
General and Administrative Payroll $20,000 $40,250 $100,250 Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses $0 $0 $0 Depreciation $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Dues and Subscriptions $200 $200 $200 Professional Fees $300 $300 $300 Rent $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Software Purchases $0 $15,000 $0 Insurance $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Telephone and Internet Access $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Utilities $400 $400 $400 Miscellaneous $0 $0 $0 Payroll Taxes $500 $1,200 $3,000 Other General and Administrative Expenses $0 $0 $0 Total General and Administrative Expenses $28,400 $64,350 $111,150 Other Expenses:
Other Payroll $0 $0 $0 Consultants $0 $0 $0 Contract/Consultants $0 $0 $0 Total Other Expenses $0 $0 $0 Total Operating Expenses $28,400 $64,350 $111,150 Profit Before Interest and Taxes $19,800 $102,840 $225,410 EBITDA $19,800 $103,860 $226,430 Interest Expense $800 $3,632 $2,957 Taxes Incurred $0 $24,802 $56,540 Net Profit $19,000 $34,150 $65,350 Net Profit/Sales 21% 20% 22%
Projected Cash Flow Statement Cash Received Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Cash from Operations
Cash Sales $90,000 $170,000 $300,000 Cash from Receivables $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Cash from Operations $90,000 $170,000 $300,00 Additional Cash Received
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received $0 $0 $0 New Current Borrowing $20,000 $0 $0 New Other Liabilities (interest-free) $0 $0 $0 New Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Sales of Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 Sales of Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 New Investment Received $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Cash Received $110,000 $170,000 $300,000 Expenditures
Expenditures from Operations
Subtotal Spent on Operations $48,900 $94,350 $111,150 Additional Cash Spent
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out $800 $0 $0 Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing $10,000 $10,000 $0 Other Liabilities Principal Repayment $0 $0 $0 Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment $0 $0 $0 Purchase Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 Purchase Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 Dividends $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Cash Spent $59,700 $104,350 $193,150 Net Cash Flow $50,300 $65,650 $106,850 Cash Balance $19,000 $34,150 $65,350 Projected Balance Sheet Assets Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Current Assets
Cash $90,000 $170,000 $300,000 Accounts Receivable $0 $0 $0 Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 Total Current Assets $90,000 $170,000 $300,000 Long-term Assets $10,000 $9,000 $8,000 Accumulated Depreciation $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Total Long-term Assets ($1,000) ($1,000) ($1,000) Total Assets $100,000 $179,000 $308,00 Liabilities and Capital
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $0 $0 $0 Current Borrowing $20,000 $10,000 $0 Other Current Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Current Liabilities $20,000 $10,000 $0 Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Total Liabilities $20,000 $10,000 $0 Paid-in Capital $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 Retained Earnings ($20,000) ($30,000) $41,000 Earnings ($12,000) $44,000 $160,000 Total Capital ($2,000) $44,000 $231,000 Total Liabilities and Capital $18,000 $54,000 $231,000 Net Worth $80,000 $169,00 $308,000
Wrapping up the Ski Lodge Business Plan That brings us to the end of the ski lodge business plan guide!
We covered each part of the business plan and highlighted the importance of every step of the way. The examples showed you how to apply our explanations.
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3-year profit & loss projection:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $680,000 | $950,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Room operating costs and guest amenities | $285,600 | $399,000 | $525,000 |
| Gross profit | $394,400 | $551,000 | $725,000 |
| Gross margin | 58% | 58% | 58% |
| Salaries and wages | $204,000 | $285,000 | $375,000 |
| Marketing and advertising | $47,600 | $66,500 | $87,500 |
| Rent and utilities | $120,000 | $120,000 | $126,000 |
| Other operating costs | $40,800 | $47,500 | $50,000 |
| Total operating expenses | $412,400 | $519,000 | $638,500 |
| Net profit / (loss) | ($18,000) | $32,000 | $86,500 |
Break-even analysis:
- Estimated fixed monthly costs: $30,400
- To cover fixed costs, WorldSKIpes needs to generate approximately $52,400 in monthly revenue
- Break-even is projected to be reached in Month 9 of trading
Key financial assumptions:
- Revenue growth of 39% in Year 2 and 31% in Year 3 based on planned capacity expansion and marketing investment
- Room operating costs and guest amenities estimated at 42% of revenue throughout the forecast period, consistent with industry benchmarks
- Staffing costs set at 30% of revenue, scaling incrementally with new hires in Year 2 and Year 3
- Marketing budget fixed at 7% of revenue; reviewed quarterly and adjusted based on channel performance
- No bad debt assumed; payment terms enforced from day one
Funding requirements:
WorldSKIpes is seeking $1,500,000 to fund the following:
| Use of funds | Amount |
|---|---|
| Equipment and fit-out | $600,000 |
| Working capital (6 months) | $525,000 |
| Marketing launch | $225,000 |
| Legal, licences, and professional fees | $150,000 |
| Total | $1,500,000 |