How To Start a Ski and Snowboard Lessons and Rental Business

Don't rush the process; take the time to develop a well-rounded plan for your business idea. Planning is the fun part; you can brainstorm and creatively explore your dream. There are a few specific things you will want to think about when generating your business plan.

• Business Name. Choosing your business name is exciting. To some, a name has sentimental value, to others, it's all about being eye-catching. It's your opportunity to be imaginative. Be sure to check the business registry on your secretary of state's website to ensure your name isn't already in use.
• Location. To compete with existing ski resorts, you're going to need the right location. Skiers and snowboarders need big hills, the biggest hills you can find. If you already have a place in mind, check your city's zoning ordinances to make sure you don't run afoul of the rules.
• Rental Equipment. Are you going to offer ski and snowboard rental services? If you're breaking into the equipment rental industry for the first time, start with what you can reasonably afford as a new rental company. Buy quality products that will last, even if that means buying a smaller amount of them. Make your snowboard and ski rental business as big or small as you can manage. Stock your rental shop with good snowboarding and skiing equipment. Expand your supplies as your customer base and your business grows. Consider looking into rental software to keep your business organized.
• Lessons. Are you planning to offer snowboarding and skiing lessons? If so, you should have a system to organize your lesson calendar. Your potential customers will appreciate the option to utilize online booking. Consider whether there is a third-party service you would like to use for this or design your own system to manage your appointments. Think about how you can structure lessons to make them enjoyable. Customer experience is everything when you're building a reputation.

Once you've thoroughly considered all of the preceding factors, you can calculate your startup costs with some accuracy.

Requirements for business licenses vary based on what type of business you are opening and your location. You should review the licensing requirements for your type of business to ensure you have the proper licensure. Your state may have its own specific requirements for other permits and or licenses for the type of business you want to open. You should research this within the resources your state has online.

Many small business owners elect to form a limited liability company (LLC). Forming a limited liability company protects you from being personally liable for the conduct of your business. Under an LLC, your business is its own entity to sue and be sued, protecting your personal assets from danger. There are also tax benefits from forming an LLC as opposed to other business structures. Owners of corporations, for instance, are at risk of double taxation. This occurs when the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and you personally pay taxes on your dividends. You do not file corporate taxes with an LLC, so you only pay once in your individual taxes.

Setting up an LLC is easy using our trusted partner LegalZoom to handle your business formation filing for $99 plus filing fees.

Your new business will need an employer identification number (EIN), a number assigned by the International Revenue Service (IRS). You use this number to identify your business for tax-related purposes. You can apply for your business's EIN on the IRS website.

Separating your business assets from your personal assets is a good idea for practical purposes. However, it's an absolute must if you set up your business as an LLC or a corporation. The personal liability protection afforded to you through your LLC or corporation only covers you so long as you adhere to corporate formalities and keep your personal assets from mixing with those of your business.

By taking the time to plan and organize your business, running a ski and snowboard lessons and rental shop will be downhill.

In the world of winter sports, accidents happen. Even if you do everything right as a business owner, it's nearly impossible to prevent injuries on your premises. Especially when your business involves activities like skiing and snowboarding. You should look into liability insurance for your business. You should also have your customers sign a waiver releasing your business from liability.

You need to develop a marketing plan for your business. Do some market research. Look at how other companies like yours are reaching their target market in peak season. Consider your target audience's demographics and strategize how you can reach them. Certainly, you will use social media to spread your name, attract potential customers, and fill your calendar with bookings. You should also explore social media partnerships that could help expand your brand awareness to new customers. You want all of the skiers and snowboarders in the area to know your name, whether they're beginners or professionals. A successful business requires good marketing.