Harvard Case - Aspen Skiing Company (A)
"Aspen Skiing Company (A)" Harvard business case study is written by Michael W. Toffel, Stephanie van Sice. It deals with the challenges in the field of Business & Government Relations. The case study is 27 page(s) long and it was first published on : Sep 13, 2010
At Fern Fort University, we recommend Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) prioritize a multi-pronged strategy focused on sustainable growth through innovation, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. This approach will address the company's challenges related to environmental sustainability, economic growth, and community relations, while ensuring its long-term viability in the face of climate change, competition, and changing consumer preferences.
2. Background
The case study focuses on Aspen Skiing Company, a leading ski resort operator in Colorado, facing challenges related to environmental sustainability, competition, and economic uncertainty. The company is grappling with the impacts of climate change, including shorter ski seasons and increased operating costs. Furthermore, ASC faces competition from other resorts, particularly those in the emerging markets of the West and the growing popularity of alternative winter sports. The company is also navigating a complex regulatory landscape, including environmental regulations and labor laws, while striving to maintain its strong community ties.
The main protagonists are the Aspen Skiing Company's management team, who are tasked with developing a strategy to ensure the company's long-term success.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
SWOT Analysis:
Strengths:
- Strong brand reputation: ASC enjoys a strong brand reputation for its high-quality skiing experience, commitment to sustainability, and community involvement.
- Experienced management team: ASC has a seasoned management team with deep experience in the ski industry.
- Diverse offerings: ASC offers a variety of activities beyond skiing, including snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking, attracting a wider audience.
Weaknesses:
- Dependence on snow: ASC's business is heavily reliant on snow conditions, making it vulnerable to climate change.
- High operating costs: ASC faces high operating costs, including labor, energy, and maintenance.
- Limited geographic reach: ASC operates primarily in one region, limiting its potential for growth.
Opportunities:
- Growing demand for outdoor recreation: The demand for outdoor recreation is increasing, particularly among millennials and Gen Z.
- Innovation in technology: New technologies can be leveraged to improve efficiency, enhance the guest experience, and create new revenue streams.
- Partnerships with other businesses: ASC can partner with other businesses in the region to offer bundled packages and expand its offerings.
Threats:
- Climate change: Climate change is a significant threat to the ski industry, leading to shorter ski seasons and increased operating costs.
- Competition: ASC faces competition from other ski resorts, particularly those in the West and those offering alternative winter sports.
- Economic uncertainty: The global economy is subject to fluctuations, which can impact consumer spending and travel patterns.
Porter's Five Forces Analysis:
- Threat of new entrants: Low due to high capital investment and regulatory hurdles.
- Bargaining power of buyers: Moderate, as guests have multiple options for ski resorts.
- Bargaining power of suppliers: Moderate, as ASC relies on suppliers for equipment, labor, and other resources.
- Threat of substitute products: High, with alternatives like snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.
- Rivalry among existing competitors: High, with competition from other ski resorts in the region and those offering alternative winter sports.
4. Recommendations
1. Embrace Sustainability and Innovation:
- Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure: ASC should invest in snowmaking technology, develop alternative winter activities, and explore options for extending the ski season through artificial snowmaking or other innovative solutions.
- Implement energy efficiency measures: ASC should invest in energy-efficient technologies, such as renewable energy sources, to reduce operating costs and minimize its environmental footprint.
- Develop sustainable tourism practices: ASC should promote sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and promoting responsible travel.
- Leverage technology: ASC should leverage technology to enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and create new revenue streams through digital marketing, mobile applications, and personalized services.
2. Strategic Partnerships and Diversification:
- Form strategic partnerships: ASC should form strategic partnerships with other businesses in the region, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation companies, to offer bundled packages and attract a wider audience.
- Expand into new markets: ASC should explore opportunities to expand into new markets, particularly in the West and other regions with growing demand for winter sports.
- Diversify offerings: ASC should diversify its offerings to include activities beyond skiing, such as snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor recreation activities.
3. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility:
- Invest in community development: ASC should invest in community development projects, such as affordable housing, education, and healthcare, to strengthen its ties to the local community.
- Promote responsible tourism: ASC should promote responsible tourism practices that minimize the impact on the environment and local communities.
- Engage with stakeholders: ASC should actively engage with stakeholders, including employees, guests, and local residents, to build trust and foster a sense of shared ownership.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on a comprehensive analysis of ASC's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, taking into account the competitive landscape, economic trends, and consumer preferences. They are aligned with ASC's mission to provide a world-class skiing experience while promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement.
The recommendations are also supported by the following considerations:
- Core competencies: ASC has a strong brand reputation for its commitment to sustainability and community involvement, which will be enhanced by these recommendations.
- External customers: The recommendations cater to the growing demand for outdoor recreation, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, who value sustainability and authentic experiences.
- Internal clients: The recommendations will improve employee morale and attract top talent by fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability.
- Competitors: The recommendations will position ASC as a leader in the ski industry, differentiating it from competitors and attracting new customers.
- Attractiveness: The recommendations are expected to lead to increased revenue, improved profitability, and enhanced brand value.
6. Conclusion
By embracing sustainability, innovation, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, Aspen Skiing Company can navigate the challenges of climate change, competition, and economic uncertainty while ensuring its long-term success. This approach will position ASC as a leader in the ski industry, attracting new customers, fostering a strong community, and contributing to the economic growth of the region.
7. Discussion
Other alternatives not selected include:
- Focusing solely on cost reduction: This approach would be short-sighted and could lead to a decline in quality and customer satisfaction.
- Merging with another company: This option could lead to a loss of brand identity and control over operations.
- Doing nothing: This approach would be risky and could lead to a decline in market share and profitability.
The recommendations are based on the following key assumptions:
- Continued growth in the demand for outdoor recreation: This assumption is supported by demographic trends and the increasing popularity of outdoor activities.
- Availability of funding for investments: ASC will need to secure funding for its investments in technology, infrastructure, and community development.
- Government support for sustainable tourism: ASC will need to work with local and federal governments to secure support for its sustainability initiatives.
8. Next Steps
- Develop a detailed implementation plan: ASC should develop a detailed implementation plan outlining the specific actions, timelines, and resources required to implement the recommendations.
- Secure funding: ASC should secure funding for its investments in technology, infrastructure, and community development.
- Engage with stakeholders: ASC should engage with stakeholders, including employees, guests, and local residents, to build support for the recommendations.
- Monitor progress: ASC should monitor the progress of its implementation plan and make adjustments as needed.
By taking these steps, Aspen Skiing Company can ensure its long-term success while contributing to the economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being of the region.
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Case Description
Having begun improving the environmental performance of its own operations, Aspen Skiing Company is considering "greening" its supply chain and lobbying for greenhouse gas regulations. A world-renowned ski resort vulnerable to global climate change, Aspen's activities often garner media attention, which can promote its causes. But these initiatives, which attempt to compel other firms to improve their environmental performance, risk a public relations backlash and charges of "greenwashing," given that Aspen's ski resorts are themselves environmentally intensive operations.
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