Message from the Founder,
Tim Flanagan
I created SkiProhet.Com™, LLC. on the premise that the snowsports consumer is the most important component to the success of the snowsports industry. Nothing original here, but I also believe that the consumers are just as important to their own success. Providing them a tangible and quantifiable sounding board is one of the best ways of ensuring their success.
20 plus years ago, the ski industry started seeing itself as being "in the entertainment business." This notion was put forth by one of the legends of the sport and the idea struck a chord with resort operators, resort marketers and even some of the equipment manufacturers themselves.
On its face, the concept had merit. Ski resorts were looking for ways to enhance the skiing experience and expand their offerings both on and off the ski hill. However, many long-time ski industry persons, those who had built the industry, thought this new concept raised serious issues. Many viewed it as an insult to the historical, philosophical spirit of the sport itself.
Indeed, this new train of thought was somewhat flawed. The entertainment business implies that the consumer is looking for a passive experience. You buy a ticket, take your seat and the stage comes to life for you.
Dictionary.com defines the word "entertainment" this way:
- the act of entertaining; agreeable occupation for the mind; diversion; amusement: Solving the daily crossword puzzle is an entertainment for many.
- something affording pleasure, diversion, or amusement, esp. a performance of some kind: The highlight of the ball was an elaborate entertainment.
- hospitable provision for the needs and wants of guests.
Definitions one and two above remotely describe a snowsport participant's experience. But a ski resort is not the same as an amusement park. Persons embarking on a ski or snowboarding trip are seeking the same thing the originators of organized skiing envisioned; a sense of adventure, freedom, exploration and above all, active participation riding on the edge of pure excitement and exhilaration.
Persons embarking on a ski or snowboarding trip are seeking ... a sense of adventure, freedom, exploration and above all, active participation riding on the edge of pure excitement and exhilaration.
A ski museum is in the entertainment business. A ski resort is something much more! The act of riding or skiing is entertaining to be sure, but is so utterly unique that putting it solely in the classification of "entertainment" is an insult unto itself...
Definition number three is the one I view as being in agreement with the role of the ski industry. It also happens to be at the core of my philosophy in regards to the mission of SkiProphet.Com™, LLC..
Above all, snowsports participants are consumers. From equipment to clothing, airfare and a tank of gas, the snowsports consumer is purchasing something that transports them into a world of personal adventure.
In addition, entire communities transformed or built anew to embrace what has become a lifestyle. A new culture, a cult of personality, the culture of snowsports.
SkiProphet.Com™, LLC. is in the snowsports consumer "empowerment business."
My web sites are designed to enlighten, inform, educate and above all, provide a voice for the consumer outside of the current media sources that many consider suspect. How many times have you asked yourself if the ratings and views seem to serve the biggest advertisers?
As a skier and a former ski shop owner, I have continually heard comments from employees and my customers regarding the ski tests and resort ratings, "Who came up with this one?" "What does this person know about tree skiing?" "Why can't I be a ski tester?" "Why should I pay $600 dollars for that pair of boots?" And so on…
This is why Site Members of my web sites are asked to provide specific details about their personal snowsports preferences. It is also the reason why my surveys for rating a resort or product ask specific questions and score them on a scale of 1-100. With the high cost of skiing and riding and the massive expense of equipment and clothing, a detailed review is more important now than ever.
Throughout my entire 48 years of skiing, one constant has remained, trust. The ratings and the Site Members are transparent. You know who the source is, why they reached their conclusions and how.
Mine is not the only web source out there. In fact, I strongly recommend EpicSki.com for its forums. EpicSki.com has a membership and following with amazing in-depth experience and knowledge.
TheSkiDiva.com, a women's specific web site can be found at: www.theskidiva.com/forums. I personally consider this one of the most important snowsports related web sites available today, PERIOD!
The Teton Gravity Research web site has a life all its own! These folks embrace the snowsports lifestyle and their web site mirrors my philosophy and passion. Get there by going to: www.tetongravity.com/forums
The International Skiing History Association web site provides the perspectives and resources for discovering the true passion of skiing at its roots. They can be found at: www.skiinghistory.org
I hope you find all my web sites informative and useful. Let me know if you feel otherwise! Now go make some turns.
Regards,
Tim Flanagan