Q&A with Tony Hicock, Marketing Director, Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort

Q: How long have you been at Mission Ridge?

A: The 2019/2020 season marks my 8th at Mission Ridge.

Q: How many different systems has Mission Ridge used to sell passes?

A: Two

Q: How did Mission Ridge sell season passes before Cloud Store?

A: Previously we utilized Siriusware for both onsite and online sales.

Q: What made you decide to switch from that system to Cloud Store?

A: We were looking for a better e-commerce experience for our guests. We were also looking to change the way we sold passes by moving away from the date-driven model. Liftopia was a great fit for both these needs.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Cloud Store for Season Pass sales?

A: The e-commerce experience matches guest expectations. Cloud Store works well and looks good.

Q: How have your customers responded to the user experience?

A: Change is always going to bring about the opportunity to communicate with guests who are used to doing things a certain way. But as we are into year 2 selling passes through Cloud Store, the lack of negative guest feedback we have received compared to previous years is a clear indication of the success of the platform.

The user experience is by far superior and streamlined from our prior e-commerce solution. Guests are able to flow through the transaction process smoothly across all platforms and devices. A solution of this caliber would cost us significantly to develop or purchase. The commissions are reasonable and can be built into the pricing we charge.  

Q: How have you or your staff benefitted from Liftopia support during season passes sales?

A: The change to Cloud Store in conjunction with a change to a quantity-driven price model (rather than a date driven one) has allowed us to provide better guest service while shifting sales to the beginning of the pass sale and significantly decreasing the need for late spring, summer, and fall pass processing labor.

Q: Anything else we should know? Favorite ice cream flavor?

A: All resorts should be looking at throwing away the old date driven price model. Liftopia provides a perfect partnership opportunity to help make this shift a smooth and successful one.

Thanks Tony! We didn’t learn your favorite ice cream flavor but we’re happy you are excited about Cloud Store.