SNOW Operating
SNOW Operating is a ski resort consulting and services firm that helps ski areas improve guest experience, retention, and revenue through its proprietary Terrain Based Learning® methodology, Lean Six Sigma process design, and SnowCloud resort management software, serving 60+ resort partners worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersMontville, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What SNOW Operating does
SNOW Operating is a ski resort consulting and services firm that helps ski areas improve guest experience, retention, and revenue through a proprietary methodology called Terrain Based Learning® (TBL), which uses terrain design to control learner speed and reduce the fear of falling, combined with Lean Six Sigma process improvement tools. Founded in 2013 (evolved from Hession Designs) and headquartered in Montville, New Jersey, the company operates under the SNOW Partners holding entity and serves more than 60 resort teams across North America, Australia, and China, including marquee partners such as Big Sky, Steamboat, Aspen Snowmass, Les Sommets, Killington, and Genting Resort Secret Garden in China.
Its core technology stack is the TBL methodology augmented by SnowCloud, a cloud-based enterprise resort management platform developed using Lean Six Sigma and Idealized Design principles, currently powering Mountain Creek Resort and Big SNOW American Dream. The portfolio also includes the S.L.A.T.™-patented SNO-GO ski bike product line, the Idealized Workforce Management Program (launched May 2024), video-based eLearning courses for partner resort instructors, and the SNOW Studios production suite debuting the BIG the Yeti animated series. Trademarked brands include Terrain Based Learning®, Conversion & Growth™, S.L.A.T.™, and Chairlift Hook™.
The business operates a multi-revenue-stream model: (1) professional services consulting via the Conversion & Growth partner program and 2-day SNOW Assessment engagements priced on undisclosed enterprise contracts; (2) recurring subscription revenue from SnowCloud software; (3) managed-services revenue from owned-and-operated resorts Mountain Creek (acquired Aug 2017) and Big SNOW American Dream (opened Dec 2019, 180,000 sq ft indoor ski facility); and (4) hardware sales and rentals from SNO-GO across 35+ locations and 21 exclusive Ride Center resorts. Go-to-market is sales-led, enterprise field sales targeting resort presidents, general managers, and snowsports directors, supported by industry events (NSAA), partner summits, content marketing, and a referral flywheel through Platinum Partner recognition.
SNOW Operating firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SNOW Operating
- Legal name
- SNOW Operating
- Website
- https://snowoperating.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- SNOW Operating is a ski resort consulting and services firm that helps ski areas improve guest experience, retention, and revenue through its proprietary Terrain Based Learning® methodology, Lean Six Sigma process design, and SnowCloud resort management software, serving 60+ resort partners worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SNOW Operating industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ski Resort Consulting Services
- NAICS
- Skiing Facilities (713920), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing (5321)
- SIC
- Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing) (THAAALAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Winter Equipment Rental, Demo & Repair (Skis/Boards/Boots, Tuning) (THAAAJAH)
Keywords
Where SNOW Operating is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
SNOW Operating business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Resort Partnership Consulting Services: Comprehensive consulting engagements with ski resorts including process design, staff training, goal setting, experience mapping, and ongoing support. Revenue generated through partnership program fees for services including goal setting & tracking, process & experience design, beginner experience process mapping, TBL learning area build out, resort training, and observational reviews.
- Assessment and Consultation Services: SNOW Assessment visits provide 2-day (or more) customized consultation for resorts not ready to commit to full partnership. Provides unbiased third-party feedback on guest experience and processes including observational reviews, process cycle efficiency audits, and design assessments.
- SnowCloud Technology Licensing: Cloud-based resort management software sold to resorts for guest relationship management. Currently powering Mountain Creek Resort and Big SNOW American Dream with plans for open market availability.
- Resort Operations Revenue: Revenue from owned and operated resorts including Mountain Creek Resort and Big SNOW American Dream (North America's first real-snow, indoor ski and snowboard facility).
- SNO-GO Products: Revenue from ski bike manufacturing and distribution through SNO-GO acquisition. Includes rentals, lessons, and retail sales through Premier Partner/Ride Center program at over 35 locations including 21 exclusive SNO-GO Ride Center resorts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SNOW Day Package - Full beginner experience |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Slope Access Tickets - Ages 7+ |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
SNOW Operating product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SNOW Operating provides consulting and process design services to ski resorts worldwide, using Lean Six Sigma tools and the proprietary Terrain Based Learning® methodology to improve guest experience, retention, and revenue. Core deliverables include the Conversion & Growth partnership program, SNOW Assessment consultations, instructor training, and ongoing observational reviews at partner resorts.
Product overview
SNOW Operating is a ski resort consulting and services company that operates as part of the SNOW Partners family of companies. Its core product is the Terrain Based Learning® methodology combined with the Conversion & Growth Program, which uses Lean Six Sigma tools to help resort partners enhance guest experiences and grow their businesses. The portfolio also includes SnowCloud (cloud-based resort management software), the Idealized Workforce Management Program, eLearning courses for instructor training, and the recently acquired SNO-GO ski bike brand. SNOW Studios produces animation and training content including the BIG the Yeti series. Services include the SNOW Assessment consultation, observational reviews, and process audits. The company also owns and operates Mountain Creek Resort and Big SNOW American Dream (indoor ski facility).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SNOW Studios: Video production and animation content creation suite. Debuted with 'BIG the Yeti' animated series for children ages 2-5.
- Terrain Based Learning
- Conversion & Growth
- SnowCloud
Products and services
- Terrain Based Learning® Program Proprietary instructional methodology that uses natural terrain features to control guest speed and assist learning for first-time skiers and snowboarders, reducing fear of falling and enabling instructors to deliver structured teaching.
- Conversion & Growth Program End-to-end resort partnership program for ski areas covering goal setting, process and experience design, beginner experience process mapping, TBL learning area build-out, staff training, and observational reviews.
- SNOW Assessment Customized 2-day (or longer) on-site consultation that provides resorts with unbiased third-party feedback on guest experience and processes, including observational reviews, process cycle efficiency audits, and design assessments.
- SnowCloud Cloud-based enterprise software platform for resort and amusement businesses that enables operators to manage dynamic, friction-free relationships with guests. Developed using Lean Six Sigma strategy and Idealized Design principles.
- Idealized Workforce Management Program Workforce management solution for ski areas covering hiring, staffing, scheduling, and operating plan development through on-site workshops, Lean Six Sigma HR process evaluation, centralized scheduling setup, and onboarding roadmaps.
- eLearning Courses Interactive video-based eLearning courses for ski and snowboard instructor progressions featuring quizzes and Certificates of Achievement, available exclusively to SNOW Operating partner resort teams.
- SNO-GO Ski Bikes Ski bike product line featuring patented S.L.A.T.™ technology that lets riders turn, stop, and carve by leaning on the handlebars; rentals and sales distributed through 35+ locations including 21 exclusive Ride Center resorts.
- SNOW Studios Production and animation studio creating video content for e-learning, training materials, and entertainment including the BIG the Yeti animated children's series aimed at increasing familiarity with skiing and snowboarding.
Quantifiable outcome
- Partner resorts typically see 5% increase year-over-year in new beginner trial visitation
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use SNOW Operating
Customer profileNamed customers17 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
SNOW Operating technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
SNOW Operating partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.
- SNO-GOcoreSNOW Partners acquired controlling interest in SNO-GO, the premier ski bike manufacturer with patented S.L.A.T. technology. SNO-GO has introduced thousands of customers to a new way to experience slopes. The ski bike enables new participants to access the entire mountain on their first day, with 75%+ advancing to intermediate level within one day. Available at 35+ locations including 21 exclusive Ride Center resorts. First and only ski bike endorsed by PSIA-AASI.
- SNOW PartnerscoreParent entity formed in October 2021 to preside over SNOW Operating's various operating businesses. Comprised of ownership and executive teams for resort operating and resort services divisions. Includes Mountain Creek, Big SNOW, SnowCloud, and SNO-GO under unified leadership.
- SNO-GO (Pre-acquisition partnership)coreInitial formal partnership announcement (June 2020) brought SNOW Operating CEO Joe Hession to SNO-GO board and provided strategic consulting for growth. SNO-GO onboarded 18 resorts to Premier Partner Program in 2020 season with plans to double in 2021.
- American DreamcorePartnership with American Dream entertainment complex for Big SNOW indoor ski facility. 5 million square foot entertainment and retail complex in New Jersey Meadowlands. Don Ghermezian, CEO American Dream cited SNOW Operating's industry credibility as key to partnership.
- PSIA-AASIcoreProfessional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors partnership for training and education content. Collaboration includes YouTube videos and eLearning courses for instructor training. PSIA-AASI endorsed SNO-GO as the first and only ski bike endorsed by the organization.
- Mt Hotham Ski CompanyregionalMulti-year partnership making Mt Hotham the first ski area in Australia to implement Terrain Based Learning. Mt Hotham is considered the top ski area in Australia with 320 hectares of skiing. Planning considerable investment in family and beginner guest experiences.
- Mountain Creek ResortcoreLong-term partnership for resort operations including winter ski, snowboard, snow tubing businesses and mountain biking. SNOW Operating CEO Joe Hession returned to resort where he started career. $5 million investment in improved snowmaking over five years committed.
- Genting Resort Secret GardenregionalMulti-year partnership with China's top ski area (12 million annual skiers, 20%+ yearly growth). Secret Garden hosted 2021 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships and 2022 Beijing Olympics. Partnership aims to revolutionize how snow sports are taught in China using Terrain Based Learning.
- SnowCloudcoreTechnology company founded by SNOW Operating in 2016. Offers cloud-based resort management enterprise software for dynamic, friction-free guest relationships. Development guided by Lean Six Sigma strategy and Idealized Design principles. Currently powers Mountain Creek Resort and Big SNOW American Dream with open market expansion planned.
- PRINOTHcorePRINOTH is the official 'Grooming Partner' of SNOW's Terrain Based Learning Program. Partnership focuses on improvement and development of grooming machines designed specifically for building and maintaining Terrain Based Learning features. PRINOTH's NEW HUSKY snow groomer is used for its power, agility, and ability to work in tight spaces encountered during TBL builds.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
SNOW Operating competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SE Group: Leisure, hospitality, and resort industry consulting firm with deep mountain-resort expertise, providing master planning, guest experience, and operational advisory services that overlap directly with SNOW Operating's Conversion & Growth program.
- SnowWorld: Dutch operator of indoor ski and snow centers in Europe. Most directly comparable to Big SNOW American Dream as an indoor real-snow ski facility operator, providing a benchmark for the indoor snow business model and capital economics.
- RRC Associates: Recreation and snowsports industry consulting firm that advises ski areas on operations, guest experience, and economic impact studies. Most directly comparable to SNOW Operating's process and experience design practice; SNOW's own CFO Dave Belin came from RRC.
Broad incumbents
- Vail Resorts: Largest North American ski resort operator (Epic Pass) running 40+ resorts. Comparable because it operates ski resorts at scale and is a potential partner or acquirer of TBL/SnowCloud services, even though its primary business is lift-ticket-driven rather than consulting.
- POWDR Corporation: Independent ski and adventure resort operator running resorts like Copper Mountain and Killington. Comparable as a portfolio operator and potential SnowCloud/TBL customer, with significant overlap in partner network (Killington is a SNOW Platinum Partner).
- Boyne Resorts: Family-owned operator of ten US and Canadian ski resorts including Big Sky. Comparable as a multi-resort operator and likely SnowCloud/TBL customer; Big Sky is an existing SNOW Platinum Partner.
- Alterra Mountain Company: Major US ski resort operator (Ikon Pass) and direct competitor in mountain resort operations. Frank DeBerry, now SNOW Partners President, was previously COO of Alterra's four West Coast resorts, making this a direct talent and customer overlap.
Others
- National Ski Areas Association (NSAA): US ski industry trade association whose CEO publicly recognized TBL as one of the greatest industry innovations in 20 years. Comparable as the industry convener that shapes demand for SNOW Operating's programs and provides partnership/event channels.
- PSIA-AASI: The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors is the governing body for instructor certification and a strategic partner of SNOW Operating for training content and SNO-GO endorsement. Comparable as an industry-shaping ecosystem player that the company is integrated with rather than competes against.
Regional players
- Ski Dubai: Indoor ski facility inside the Mall of the Emirates in the UAE. Comparable to Big SNOW as a year-round indoor real-snow ski operation but serving a different geography and consumer market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SNOW Operating social profiles
Digital presenceSNOW Operating financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SNOW Operating leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
SNOW Operating subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
SNOW Operating funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SNOW Operating M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SNOW Operating
What does SNOW Operating do?
SNOW Operating provides consulting and process design services to ski resorts worldwide, using Lean Six Sigma tools and the proprietary Terrain Based Learning® methodology to improve guest experience, retention, and revenue. Core deliverables include the Conversion & Growth partnership program, SNOW Assessment consultations, instructor training, and ongoing observational reviews at partner resorts.
Is SNOW Operating a public or private company?
SNOW Operating is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was SNOW Operating founded?
SNOW Operating was founded in 2013. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is SNOW Operating based?
SNOW Operating is headquartered in Montville, United States, in the North America region.
How does SNOW Operating make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Resort Partnership Consulting Services are the primary driver. The others are assessment and Consultation Services, snowCloud Technology Licensing, resort Operations Revenue and SNO-GO Products.
Who are SNOW Operating's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SE Group, SnowWorld and RRC Associates. Broad incumbents are Vail Resorts, POWDR Corporation, Boyne Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company. Others are National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) and PSIA-AASI. Ski Dubai is listed as a regional player.
Does SNOW Operating have an API?
No public API is recorded for SNOW Operating.
What industry is SNOW Operating in?
SNOW Operating's product category is Ski Resort Consulting Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAALAF, Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing), with a secondary code of THAAAJAH, Winter Equipment Rental, Demo & Repair (Skis/Boards/Boots, Tuning). Its NAICS code is 713920 and its SIC code is 8742.