With the summertime now well and truly behind us, it’s time to dust off those skis and ski jackets and get back on the mountain. The snowflake peeps aren’t the only ones who want to get outside this year – you too may be longing to hit the slopes again. If your spring holiday went as swimmingly as ours, then your body may already be wondering when it’s time to relax a little and hit the slopes again. But let’s face it, the only person you’re going to enjoy that with is inside you, so you may as well do it now!
With the right team and some business acumen, it’s definitely possible to open a ski shop. You may be wondering ‘how do I open a ski shop?’, so here’s a handy little guide to give you an idea of what you might need to start your own ski business.
Table of Contents
Get A License And Register Your Name
Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of how to actually open a ski shop, it’s important to take a second to consider the legal side of things. Unless you’re planning on taking the skiing plunge on a commercial basis, you’ll most likely need to register your business and secure a license (if required) from the Land Court. Both of these are relatively straightforward matters and shouldn’t pose any major challenges to a proactive entrepreneur.
If you’re planning on selling high-quality, branded merchandise then you may also want to consider registering your business with the local Chamber of Commerce. If any of your customers are from out of town and you want to generate some local business, then this could be a good idea. It also allows you to get the word out about your business and generate some genuine interest from potential clients. The local chamber of commerce is also a great place to find reputable contractors and suppliers in your area who may be able to help with your development project.
Choose A Location
With any business, location is key and the same can be said for your ski shop. If you want to be able to pull in the punters, you’ll most likely need to consider setting up a ski lodge or chalet somewhere in the beautiful Canadian wilderness. If you can’t commit to staying in one place for the season, then you might want to look into renting out accommodation at different resorts – the more the merrier! If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the most popular resort towns in Canada, like Whistler or Banff, then you may want to look into buying a property there – that way you can fully enjoy the benefits of a town (everything from employment opportunities to nightlife) without having to worry about selling your product during the off-season.
Get A Sauna
Did you know that saunas were originally invented for skiing in the 1950s? Back then, people would hit the sauna before and after their ski sessions to help with their post-exercise recovery. These days it’s not quite as essential as it was in the past, but it’s still a great way to restore your body’s temperature after a hard day on the slopes. If you want to attract tourists to your area, then you may want to consider investing in a sauna for your hotel or chalet. Not only will it encourage your guests to come back for more, but it’s also a great way of enticing them to book your accommodations for the upcoming winter season. Saunas are also a great way to promote relaxation and restore your body’s natural heat – perfect for generating some extra revenue during the cold winter months. Saunas can also be used as an additional way of exercising, by getting hot and sweaty while listening to some smooth jams.
Get A Jacuzzi
Hot tubs and jacuzzi baths are commonplace these days and their presence in a spa or wellness hotel is pretty much a given. Did you know that jacuzzi baths were originally invented for fishing in Italy in the 1800s? The idea being that if you can’t catch the fish, then you might as well relax and let them pour you a drink while you soak in the tub. If you want to indulge yourself after your skiing session, then a jacuzzi bath is a great way to ease the recovery process. Not only does it let your muscles chill, but it also lets your body’s temperature return slowly to normal after your strenuous day on the slopes. Just make sure you don’t overdo it and risk overheating – you don’t want to ruin your evening after all!
Get A Pool
Did you know that swimming pools were originally invented for sunbathing in the middle ages? The idea being that if you can’t beat the sun by directly facing it, then you might as well let the rays fall on you indirectly. These days pools are such an essential part of any resort – they’re great for cooling off in during the day and for attracting leisure tourists to your location. Pools are also a great way of letting your body’s temperature even out after your workout. Did you know that the Romans used to throw their gladiators into cold pools immediately after their battles to prevent them from overheating? That way they could keep on fighting and potentially win the day – not a bad tactic if you’re a bit of a gladiator yourself! Pools are such an important part of summertime in a Canadian resort, it would be a shame to not to make the most of it and put one at the center of your hotel or chalet.
Get Some Snowsuits
Did you know that Snowsuits were originally designed for motorcyclists in the 1950s? Back then, riding with a lot of wind over your helmet was not only uncomfortable, but it also made you more prone to falling off your bike. The design of the skisuit made it more aerodynamic and thus more suitable for motorcycling. These days snowsuits are basically essential for every skier or snowboarder – not just those who ride motorbikes. They’re also practical for keeping you warm while ice fishing or just hanging out on the slopes. If you want to attract tourists to your area, then you may want to consider investing in some snowsuits for your resort. Not only will they encourage your guests to come back for more, but it’s also a great way of enticing them to book your accommodations for the upcoming winter season.
Get Snowboards And Skis
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or an enthusiast, you’ll most likely know that the best way to have fun on the mountain is on a snowboard or a ski. Did you know that the two terms snowboard and ski are actually abbreviations of snow-riding and ski-ing respectively? The distinguishing factor being that the former is used for walking on the snow and the latter is for skiing. If you’ve never tried it, then getting some skis and/or snowboards may be a good idea to increase your enjoyment of the winter sport. Just remember that the more expensive the item, the more you’ll benefit from it. Expensive equipment is great for keeping you stable on the mountain and allowing you to perform at your best – which is something you may not have the ability to do on less expensive gear.
A Proper Snowboard
We all know what a snowboard is, but did you know that it can actually be broken down into three distinct components? The first being the board itself – this is what enables you to drive on the snow and allows you to perform various tricks. The second being the bindings, which are the straps that hold your feet in place while riding and allow you to steer the board. The third being the helmet, which is a cover for your head that protects it from the whipping wind and snow. If you’re planning on taking the skiing plunge this season, then you may want to consider investing in a proper snowboard as opposed to a pogo stick or a toy truck.
All The Necessary Appliances
You’ve probably heard of RVs (recreational vehicles) – those big vehicles that you see plastered with American flags and parked outside family campgrounds during the summer. Did you know that the acronym RV stands for recreational vehicle? These days RVs are used for everything from skiing to fishing and are great for getting away from the crowds and feeling somewhat like a real alpine pioneer. Having said that, you may want to consider investing in some high-end appliances for your RV, including a comfortable mattress and bedding, a refrigerator, a stove, a water dispenser, and a place to cook.