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Edition #6, Friday, December 19th, 2025
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- Why beginners matter most
- Your employee discount
- Avalanche skills training
- F&B & SRS Instructor Incentive Program
- Reminders
- We want to hear from you
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Happy Holidays!
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WHY BEGINNERS MATTER MOST
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Why Beginners Are the Most Important Guests at Any Ski Resort…yes even WB
I was going to write an article about Guest Service and this is what I came up with…
When we think of ski resorts, it’s easy to picture expert skiers carving down steep slopes or snowboarders tackling terrain parks. But the truth is, the most important guests at any ski resort aren’t the seasoned pros…they’re the beginners.
Why Beginners Matter Most
Beginners represent the future of the sport. Every experienced skier or rider started as a first-timer, and their initial experience often determines whether they return, become lifelong addicts (right Valentin?), and bring friends and family along. A +ve first impression can create loyal guests who return year after year, fueling not only the resort’s success but the entire winter sports industry.
For resorts, beginners are also the gateway to growth. They drive lessons, rentals, and ancillary spending on food, lodging, and retail. More importantly, they bring diversity and inclusivity to the slopes, ensuring skiing and snowboarding remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
The Challenge
Trying something new…especially a sport that looks intimidating…can be daunting. Barriers like co$t, fear of failure, fear of commitment, and lack of knowledge often keep people away. Resorts that ignore these challenges risk losing potential lifelong customers before they even start.
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Enter “Never Ever Days”
Recognizing these hurdles, in 2011 we (WB) launched Never Ever Days, a program designed specifically for first-timers. Built on the premise that beginners are the most valuable guests, the initiative offers an affordable, welcoming introduction to skiing and snowboarding.
For a nominal fee of $25, participants receive:
- Lesson with the best of the best… Snow School Pro
- Gift Card of $25 – making the day essentially free
- …and comeback offers to do it again
The goal is simple: remove barriers and create a fun, stress-free environment where newcomers can fall in love with the sport. By making the first experience accessible and enjoyable, Never Ever Days helps convert curiosity into passion.
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Why it works…
…in our industry NED is just coffee…BB’s wacky analogy...
Let’s be honest…coffee is the MVP of first dates. It’s short, sweet, affordable, and comes with an easy escape route if things go south. Worst case? You’re stuck for 20 minutes pretending to care about someone’s “Pickleball journey” (sorry Bradburry) while sipping a latte. ‘A Weekend Away’ A.K.A. (other industry beginner programs) …that’s a full 48-hour hostage situation where you might discover they clap when the plane lands (apologies to all that do…you know who you are…) or worse they like cats or even worse they like small dogs named ‘Precious’ – sorry I digress - With coffee, you can bail faster than Wade on a morning session. Plus, if sparks fly, you upgrade to dinner. If they don’t? You’re not trapped in a cabin listening to someone regurgitate Sauve’s jokes with no end in sight. Coffee: low risk, high caffeine, zero Sauve…
The Ripple Effect
Every beginner who has a great first day becomes an ambassador for winter sports. They share their experience, invite (borderline verging on harassment) friends, and often return with family. This ripple effect strengthens resort communities and ensures the sustainability of our industry.
Final Thoughts
Ski resorts thrive when they prioritize beginners. Programs like Never Ever Days aren’t just marketing initiatives…they’re investments in the future of skiing and snowboarding. By embracing first-timers and making their experience unforgettable, we secure the growth and vitality of the sport for years to come.
I would like to express my gratitude to all who worked their butt off through NED this past weekend…I can’t thank you enough. Final BB thought…’The Galaxy Learning Center is painful! At the moment it’s necessary…your patience is very much appreciated!’
Bartosz
Bartosz Barczynski | Sr. Manager - Adult Programs & Private Lessons
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Enjoy Your Employee Discount This Holiday Season!
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As we head into the holidays, don’t forget one of your great perks as a Vail Resorts employee—special discounts on gear, rentals, and tuning services at Vail Resorts Retail (VRR) locations. It’s our way of saying thank you for all you do!
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this benefit:
Discount Details
- Retail Merchandise: 40% off full price at 250+ VRR locations
o If an item is on sale, you’ll get the better deal (never below cost +10%). - Ski Hardgoods: 40% off Minimum Advertised Price (MAP).
- Rental & Tuning: 50% off for VRI employees.
Who Can Use the Discount?
- All active employees are eligible.
- Just make sure you:
o Are present at the time of purchase.
o Provide your employee ID number.
o Show valid ID (driver’s license, passport, or active employee ski pass).
How Can You Use It?
- Retail Discounts:
o For your personal use.
o For your partner or dependents (with you present).
o For gifts for friends and family. - Rental & Tuning Discounts:
o For employees only.
What’s Not Allowed?
- Reselling discounted items for profit
- Getting reimbursed for purchases
- Accepting tips, cash, or anything of value in exchange for using your discount
This benefit is meant for personal use or gifts—please help us keep it fair for everyone.
Other Important Notes
- Discount starts your first day as an active employee
- Cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons
- Credit/debit card used must be in your name
- All transactions are monitored to ensure fairness.
For full details, visit EpicEmployee > Perks > Retail and Rental Discount.
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AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING
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Avalanche Skills Training Refresher (AST):
This session is for instructors (ski or snowboard) who have the AST cert 1 who would like to practice their backcountry skills in a safe controlled environment (INBOUNDS Flute Zone). This session will cover: trip planning and interpreting the avalanche forecast; identifying avalanche terrain and safe travel habits up and down; companion rescue (transceiver use).
Participants should bring: touring gear, transceiver, shovel, probe & lunch. Be prepared for a full day out!
Split-Boarding Curious:
A session for instructors (skiers also welcome) interested in touring. You'll learn how to set up your equipment, important mobility techniques and practice by going for an inbounds tour in the Flute Zone. This session does NOT cover avalanche skills training.
Participants should bring: split-board (or skis), touring skins, poles & lunch. Be prepared for a full day out!
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F&B & SRS INSTRUCTOR INCENTIVE PROGRAM
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This incentive program will run throughout the 2025/26 winter season. Our goal is to strengthen the relationship between the two divisions, with F&B offering incentives for instructors who bring their clients to our restaurants.
Program Scope
Eligibility:
Ski & Ride School (SRS) instructors are eligible for a complimentary meal and beverage at GLC, Dusty’s, and Merlin’s, under the following conditions:
- Instructor must bring a minimum of 3 paying guests
- Meal: One main entrée or appetizer
(Excludes wings, nachos, and platters at Dusty’s and Merlin’s)
- Beverage: One non-alcoholic drink
(Fountain drinks, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate)
- No add-ons or upgrades included
- No mandatory gratuity for the instructor; cash tips are appreciated
- If the guest pays for all meals, 15% discount will be applied to the bill
- Guests receive 15% off their bill as a thank-you for choosing Valley bar locations
- For instructors with 2 or fewer guests, 15% off applies to the bill, and the instructor may use their 50% staff discount
- Discounts do not apply to alcoholic beverages
To ensure smooth execution, both F&B and SRS employees must follow these guidelines:
- Do not discuss discounts or this program with clients/guests
- Instructor must present their employee pass for scanning at billing
- If guests are paying for the instructor’s meal, they should not be made aware of the incentive program
o If issues arise, step away from guests and involve a manager
- Additional items ordered by the instructor will be billed separately at 25% off
- No alcohol consumption by SRS employees while working or in uniform—no exceptions
- Report any issues to respective managers for follow-up
Monthly Prize Draw Incentive
We’re expanding the program to include all SRS instructors:
- Every time an instructor brings their group/clients to a Valley bar location, they receive a ballot for a monthly prize draw
- Draws occur at the start of each month during a Snow School après party hosted by a Valley bar
- At least one meal must be paid for to receive a ballot
- Ballots will only be valid for the month they are submitted and the final season give away
- More ballots = more prizes; prize quantity increases with participation
- The amount of prizes will increase with the number of ballots submitted, so the more you bring the more prizes there will be to win
We believe this program will be a fantastic opportunity for both SRS and F&B. Here’s to a great winter season!
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To check your Schedule:
Privates & Corporate
Whistler Kids
Schools on Snow, Recreational Club & Roundhouse Club
Adult, Ex-Can, Gap & Adaptive
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Do you have anything you would like to share with your Ski and Ride leadership team? Please do so using the below link:
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