Tier 1: Operations & Readiness Assessment

“Should we do this, and are we ready?”

Who this is for

  • Small–mid sized ski areas

  • New GMs / Ops or Patrol Directors

  • Boards needing clarity

  • Patrols under stress

  • Resorts considering change (growth, summer ops, paid staffing, etc.)

What SafeSlope Does

  • Site visit and virtual meeting

  • Leadership interviews

  • Patrol operations review

  • Staffing & coverage reality check

  • Facilities & access review

  • Risk & response system snapshot

  • Constraints & deal-breakers identified

Deliverables

  • 1–2 page written assessment

  • Go / Conditional Go / No-Go

  • Top risks (ranked)

  • Phased high-level options

  • Clear next steps

Ski areas often reach a point where leadership knows change is needed but lacks clear insight into readiness, risk, or next steps. This typically occurs during periods of operational strain, leadership transition, program growth, or when considering new initiatives such as expanded summer operations or opening a bike park. Moving forward without a grounded understanding of current conditions can expose the resort to unnecessary safety, financial, and reputational risk.

The Operations & Readiness Assessment provides focused, objective clarity. Through on-site observation, document review, and structured conversations with leadership and key staff, I evaluate patrol operations, staffing and coverage, facilities, and risk and response systems as they function in real conditions. The result is a concise, actionable assessment that identifies strengths, constraints, and primary risks, along with realistic options for moving forward.

This service is designed to support informed decision-making. It helps boards and leadership teams align expectations, reduce uncertainty, and determine whether further planning or action is warranted before committing resources or making operational changes.

Common Triggers for a Readiness Assessment

  • Patrol staffing challenges or volunteer fatigue

  • Leadership or management transition

  • Considering paid patrol, restructuring, or expansion

  • Planning new summer operations or a bike park

  • Anticipated capital improvements or facilities changes

  • Board concern about risk, sustainability, or readiness

  • A sense that “something isn’t working,” but no clear diagnosis

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