Need help with a school project...ski resorts

Hello – First post. I am doing a school project on selecting a ski resorts. I wanted to see what data points were important to people when they look at a resort.

Here are some ones that I look at are: Total # of runs, # of highspeed lifts, vertical feet, annual snowfall.

I also want it to be affordable, cheap hotels and lift tickets.
Finally, it needs to be in a good town and easy to get to. A lot of good restaurants and close to the airport.

Like I said, this is for a school project so the analysis has to be based on data and cannot be my subjective reasoning of why one resort is better than another.

What are some data points that you think about when selecting resorts?
THANKS.

I think about height first and foremost - especially with the seasons as they have been over the last 10 years, and preferably an area with a glacier that is used in the summer.

I then think of links - ie loads of runs to chose with links to other resorts -ie big ski areas - such as 3 valley, Espace Killy & Paradiski.

Don't like big towns that are spread out - ie Chamonix.

Ideally no cars -(Saas fee)

Then distance to airports - normally Geneva for me.

the other factors are just cherries on the top... ie high speed lifts/restaurants etc.

There my twopenneth :)

resort height
skiing height
how well linked are the runs/lifts (any bottlenecks)
convenience - ski door to door, a bus to/from skiing is an absolute no no for me :lol:
number of linked bubles/cable cars - OH does not ski but loves to get up the hill

and then .....
All the subjective criteria!!
In my view choice of resort is pretty much subjective, it is what we feel like, what prejudices we have, what experiences and where we have been previously.
The bulk of ski holidays are booked through subjective and not objective criteria.
Have fun - hope you enjoy your project and manage to get the results you need.
:thumbup:

First requirement is ski area, in terms of extent available.
Altitude is also the top priority, but having a reasonable knowledge of many ski areas, I will probably only search ski areas I know to have sufficient altitude

Other factors considered important are resort facilities, ie choice of bars/restaurants etc

Distance for transfer from airport is next

Snow record in ski area is taken into account, but if altitude has been considered this should not be a problem

Cost of respective packages to this area is then assessed; we have travelled with different types of accommodation including catered chalets, B&B, all inclusive and half board so not overly fussed about this as I can always find something suitable
Then its a case of choose our dates to travel, and wait/search for the best possible deal, so price again the issue.

I'm not fussed about the lift systems, having been to resorts where reviews warn you of slow lifts and not had an issue with any of them. I'm there for the skiing, and a lift is a way of getting to the top of the slope to ski down, so it doesnt have to play music or wipe my nose for me

None of who we travel with are non skiers so resort facilities are not an issue, ie things like ice skating, swimming pool etc are not a concern.

Bottom line is to choose somewhere to ski where you know you are going to get guaranteed skiing with no concerns over if it will be open or not.

I always look for:

1)Snow sure - don't want a week looking at a green hill, can do that at home cheaper

2)Number of runs/good skiable area - don't want to get bored

3) Type/level of accommodation - finding something that suits our needs in terms of size, accessibility, extras - we are on holiday after all

4) Distance to lifts from hotel/accom - no buses or lugging skis great distances please, too exhausting

5) Price. I know skiing is not a cheap holiday but it doesn't want to cost the earth either - otherwise how will I afford to go twice in one season!

6) Distance from airport (if flying) - 5 hours on a bus can put a dampner on things

7) Language - I find French easier than German

8) Apres ski in terms of good restaurants/bars, hopefully not too expensive but most are these days!

9) Going somewhere new if possible

Thhinking off the top of my head, in order of preference:

1. Height of resort - especially in these days of 'warmer winters'....tell that to those skiing atm!

2. Quality of ski area/number of runs & how well they are linked

3. Proximity to the airport - how long is the drive from airport to resort

4. Price of accomodation

5. Type of accomodation - we tend to stay in apartments and want a seperate room each. So if there are 4 of us going an apartment that advertises, "sleeps 4" is no use. We need more of a "sleeps 8"

6. Whether we can ski in/out

7. Is it 'Alpine'? At risk of upsetting some on here, I think Tignes is a very ugly town.

8. Facilities - bars, restaurants, supermarkets, parking

9. Price of Ski Pass - if all of the above are satisfied, this one is not likely to even get a consideration :D

Share any interesting results you get :D

We look at the following when considering where to go:

Resort height/snow hisotry
Accessibility by train or plane
Transfer time
Ski in/out
Number of lifts/accessible skiing
Costs in resort (lunch etc)
Resort charm (as previous post - some are ugly)

Good luck!

1. Snow certainty
2. Length of flight/travel time from home (Europe preferred)
3. Size of accessible area (largest preferred)
4. Distance from accommodation to slope (ski in/out = preferred)(bus/lift needed = always avoid)
5. Accommodation availability (catered = must)
6. Cost of package (although if Mrs Smartski asks then cost comes in a no.1).

(this is for a 'without the kids trip'...kids coming for the first time this year, so priority may change next)

Nice school project!