From snow to sun: How winter sports operators can thrive in warmer months

That quiet stretch after the lifts stop turning? It doesn’t have to feel like the end — it can be your next beginning. 

The snow may be melting, but your business doesn’t have to. If you’re a winter sports tour operator, now is the time to pivot, adapt, and find new ways to keep your revenue flowing. With the right strategy, you can make the transition into spring and summer seamless — and even profitable.

Here’s how to shift your tours, your marketing, and your mindset to stay booked after the final chairlift ride.

Keep the winter magic going just a little longer

Don’t pack away the skis just yet. Before you fully transition, take advantage of those final pockets of snow. Spring conditions bring longer daylight hours, quieter slopes, and a more relaxed pace — perfect for beginners or families.

Lean into “last chance” messaging to draw in travelers looking for one more snowy escape. Highlight perks like sunny après-ski patios, mountaintop picnics, or scenic chairlift rides with snow-dusted views.

Plus, you never know if you’ll get that late season snow storm! 

Pro tip: Post real-time trail and weather updates on social media to drive last-minute bookings and show off your current conditions.

Transition your tours from snow to sun

Once the snow thins out, look for creative ways to extend your adventure offerings. You already know how to run memorable experiences — just shift the landscape.

Here are a few ways to adapt your terrain for warm-weather tours:

• Transform your snowshoe trails into guided hikes
• Offer morning waterfall walks, wildflower tours, or stargazing events
• Convert your base lodge into a hub for yoga, mountain biking, or photo safaris
• Introduce family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts or ecology walks

Take a page from Muskegon Luge Adventures in Michigan, which turns its winter luge track into a summer-friendly wheeled luge experience. When the ice melts, they swap skates for sneakers and run ziplines, archery, and hiking trails — offering the same spirit of adventure, just in a warmer package.

These cross-season tours repurpose your team and terrain, and attract a wider audience of summer travelers.

Pro tip: Use your existing guides and gear in new ways to reduce overhead and ramp up faster.

Refresh your messaging for warmer months

If your marketing still shows snowy peaks, it’s time for a refresh. Swap out winter imagery for sunny trails, alpine lakes, and seasonal wildlife. This isn’t just a cosmetic change — it signals that you’re open, active, and ready to offer new adventures.

Update your tour names and descriptions to reflect the new vibe. Replace “ski” or “snow” with words like “alpine,” “mountain,” or “summer escape.”

Pro tip: Highlight what makes your destination a cool-weather getaway — literally. Mountain locations often stay 10–15 degrees cooler than cities in summer. That’s a big selling point for heat-weary travelers.

Build strategic partnerships for new experiences

You don’t have to offer everything on your own. Partnering with other local businesses can help you create well-rounded experiences and keep visitors in your area longer.

• Connect with hundreds of operators through the FareHarbor Distribution Network — our affiliate program that lets you resell other local tours or have your own tours resold.
• Team up with rafting or kayaking guides for bundled adventure days
• Offer weekend packages with local spas, breweries, or farm-to-table restaurants
• Collaborate with nearby tour operators to create multi-day itineraries

Look to other operators who’ve turned single-day tours into multi-experience adventures through smart partnerships. Think rafting in the morning, a farm-to-table lunch, and a scenic hike in the afternoon — all booked in one place.

Pro tip: Start small. One local partnership can unlock new audiences, extend your tour offerings, and keep travelers engaged longer.

Final thoughts: From seasonal to year-round success

Shifting into warmer months doesn’t mean abandoning your winter roots — it’s about evolving with the weather. By extending your season, refreshing your offerings, and updating your marketing, you can turn your winter operation into a year-round destination.

You already operate in one of the most scenic, adventure-packed settings out there. A smart pivot now can help you reach new customers, build off-season revenue, and keep your business thriving long after the last snowfall.

Ready to build out your warm-weather calendar? Whether you’re launching a hiking tour or partnering with a local zipline, FareHarbor makes it easy to manage bookings, update your website, and stay flexible — book a free demo today.