Ski resorts deliver stunning scenery, fresh powder, and the thrill of carving down the mountain. But for many guests, the experience doesn’t always match the promise. Behind the magic, there are recurring frustrations that can take away from the joy of the day.

These issues go beyond simple inconveniences. They influence whether visitors come back, recommend the resort, or even stay in the sport. For locals, they can impact both quality of life and community health.

We asked skiers and snowboarders: “What is the biggest thing most ski resorts overlook nowadays?” These are the nine key areas where guests say resorts are falling short, and where there’s room for change.

Stopping in a safe place on the mountain

#9 Safety
Mountain safety is a shared responsibility, but many feel resorts are not enforcing it enough. Clear skier responsibility codes, visible patrols, and fast responses to accidents help prevent injuries and save lives. When safety is neglected, trust in the resort drops quickly.

Parking challenges at Vail Mountain | Image: vail

#8 Parking and Transportation
Limited parking often means arriving before sunrise or paying steep fees. Public transit options to many ski areas are rare or inconvenient, discouraging day trips. Expanding affordable parking and offering reliable shuttle services could make ski days easier for everyone.

Crowded lift lines at Vail, Colorado | Image: Slopefillers

#7 Crowd Management and Long Lines
A bluebird day can quickly sour when lift lines are chaotic. Guests want better crowd flow, clear signage, and attentive lift attendants. When waits stretch too long, the value of a lift ticket plummets.

Smiling staff members at Taos, New Mexico | Image: SnowBrains

#6 Employee Support and Wages
Low pay and high living costs in resort towns leave many workers struggling. Seasonal staff face uncertainty and limited housing options. Guests notice when morale is low, and it shows in the service. Fair wages, benefits, and staff housing are not just nice-to-have, they’re essential.

Fueling up for another run | Image: SnowBrains

#5 Food Options and Prices
Dining on the mountain is often expensive and limited in variety. Skiers want healthier, more affordable options, including choices for dietary needs. Sourcing locally could improve quality and help support regional farms and businesses.

Weighing the value of a lift ticket | Image: Cleveland

#4 Value for the Money
If prices are high, the experience should match. Guests expect efficient lifts, clean facilities, and enough staff to handle crowds. When that balance is off, visitors feel overcharged and disappointed.

Locals at Jay Peak Resort, Vermont | Image: Jay Peak Resort

#3 Love for Locals and the Community
Tourists may drive revenue, but locals keep ski towns alive. Affordable housing for year-round residents and resort workers is disappearing fast. Ignoring the local community risks long-term support and the culture that makes mountain towns special.

Mountain hosts greeting guests | Image: Deer Valley

#2 Customer Service
Slow rentals, confusing ticket counters, and unfriendly staff can ruin the day. Clear communication, efficient operations, and a warm welcome go a long way toward keeping guests happy.

Holiday lift ticket crowds at Killington | Image: Killington

#1 Affordability
Lift tickets, rentals, food, and lodging have climbed to levels many families simply cannot afford. Discount programs often exclude peak dates, the exact times most people want to ski. Without better pricing options, the sport risks becoming out of reach for most visitors.

Perfect conditions at Dodge Ridge, California | Image: SnowBrains

The Bottom Line

The challenges facing ski resorts are solvable. Listening to guest feedback, making affordability a priority, and investing in staff and community can ensure skiing and snowboarding remain accessible. A mountain day should leave people talking about the turns they made, not the frustrations they faced.