19 Business Ideas For Skiers [2024]
As a skier, you understand the unique dynamics of the slopes and the lifestyle that comes with it. If you have a knack for business, leveraging your passion for skiing could open up exciting opportunities. 2024 brings fresh ideas that cater to both your love for the sport and your entrepreneurial spirit.
You could start a ski equipment rental service, providing quality gear to fellow enthusiasts. Another possibility is developing a ski tour guide business, offering personalized experiences on the mountains. Additionally, you could explore creating an online store specializing in niche ski products or apparel.
For those interested in tech, you could design apps tailored to skiing, like tracking conditions or connecting skiers. Embrace your expertise and local knowledge to turn skiing into a profitable venture. Explore these ideas and find the one that suits your skills and ambitions best.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other skier businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a skier can be a fantastic way to capitalize on your passion and expertise in the sport. By sharing your experiences, tips, and insights, you could engage a dedicated audience while supplementing your income. From providing gear reviews to sharing the best skiing destinations, your content can attract brands for sponsorships and affiliate marketing opportunities. To get inspired, you might want to check out some lifestyle blog success stories.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could monetize your passion with affiliate marketing and sponsorships from ski brands.
- You could build a dedicated community of skiing enthusiasts who value your advice and insights.
- You could use your expertise to create engaging content that keeps readers coming back, ultimately growing your influence and online presence.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel might be an exciting venture if you have a passion for skiing and a knack for creating compelling video content. By sharing your skiing adventures, tips, and tricks, you could not only build a dedicated audience but also generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. This platform provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your expertise and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires dedication and planning. You'll need to consistently create quality content, engage with your viewers, and have a good understanding of SEO and social media marketing. Despite the hard work, the financial and personal rewards could be significant.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could monetize your passion. Sharing your skiing experiences could turn your hobby into a profitable side business.
- You could build a community. A YouTube channel allows you to connect with other skiing enthusiasts and share your journey.
- It's versatile and creative. From tutorials and vlogs to gear reviews, there's no shortage of content you could produce.
For more insights on how to start and succeed with a YouTube channel, check out this Starter Story.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
3. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website as a skier could be a perfect way to combine your passion for skiing with entrepreneurial pursuits. You could create a dedicated site focusing on ski gear reviews, best ski locations, or tips for improving skiing techniques. With well-researched and engaging content, your website could attract a loyal audience of skiing enthusiasts.
Monetization opportunities, including affiliate marketing, ad placements, and selling digital products like e-books or courses, can turn your niche website into a source of extra income. Building and growing a niche website requires time and dedication, but with your expertise in skiing, you could create a valuable resource that serves the skiing community well. For real-life success stories, check out these niche website success stories on Starter Story.
Why start a niche website?
- You could share your skiing expertise with a broader audience while earning passive income.
- As a skier, you likely already have valuable insights that other enthusiasts are searching for.
- It's a flexible side business that you can manage alongside your ski trips and other commitments.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
4. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a skier, you have a unique opportunity to transform your passion and skills into a profitable venture by starting an online course sales business. Whether you specialize in advanced techniques, safety tips, or even the basics of skiing, there’s a growing market of enthusiasts eager to learn from experienced professionals like yourself. This can be a perfect side business or even a primary income source, considering the e-learning market is expected to be worth over $645 Billion in the next few years.
Your pathway to launching this business involves targeting the right audience, creating valuable content, and selecting an ideal platform to sell your courses. Imagine sharing your expertise while earning passive income as people worldwide enroll in your classes, benefiting from your knowledge. You can find more detailed information and inspiring success stories right here.
Why starting an online course sales business?
- You could generate passive income. Your course could continue to sell long after you've created it.
- You already have the expertise. Share your skiing knowledge with a global audience who are eager to learn.
- It’s flexible and scalable. Work at your own pace and potentially expand into more advanced courses or related topics over time.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
5. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business aligns perfectly with a skier's entrepreneurial aspirations. You could leverage your passion for skiing by curating niche products that cater to other skiing enthusiasts. Offering a monthly subscription box filled with ski-related items—from high-quality gear and apparel to exclusive accessories—could provide skiers and winter sports aficionados with unique and valuable goods that enhance their experience on the slopes. Subscription boxes are highly profitable and in demand due to their ability to add value to customer service and offer exclusive products.
Why starting a subscription box business?
- You could tap into a passionate and growing market of skiing enthusiasts who are always looking for new gear and accessories.
- Subscription boxes create recurring revenue streams, providing financial stability and the potential for high profitability.
- This business allows you to share your expertise and favorite products, building a strong community of loyal subscribers who trust your taste and recommendations.
For more inspirational ideas, you could explore success stories at Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
6. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business could be a great way for skiers to supplement their income, especially during off-seasons. By leveraging their passion for skiing, skiers could design and sell custom apparel and gear that appeals to fellow enthusiasts. The flexibility and minimal startup costs of this business model allow for operations to be run remotely, making it easy to blend seamlessly with the skiing lifestyle.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- There are minimal upfront costs and no need to hold inventory, reducing financial risk.
- You could create unique ski-themed products, capturing the attention of a niche market.
- You'll have the flexibility to manage your business from anywhere, perfect for a skier's on-the-go lifestyle.
For more information on what it takes to start a print-on-demand business, check out our success stories.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
7. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a skier offers a unique opportunity to share your passion for the slopes with a broader audience while supplementing your income or even building a lucrative side business. By choosing skiing as your niche, you can create engaging content that draws in fellow enthusiasts, discussing everything from the latest gear and technique advice to interviews with professional skiers. With minimal upfront investment in recording equipment and hosting platforms, you could quickly establish your podcast and build a loyal audience.
Why consider starting a podcast?
- Tap into a niche market: Skiing has a dedicated community eager for content that caters specifically to their interests.
- Monetization opportunities: Once you build a following, you could attract sponsors and advertisers tailored to the skiing industry.
- Flexibility and creativity: Podcasting allows you to create content on your schedule, from anywhere, giving you the freedom to share your love for skiing in your unique voice.
For more insights on starting and growing your podcast, check out podcast success stories.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
8. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
As a skier, you could start a dropshipping business to supplement your income during the off-season. This business model allows you to sell products without holding inventory, so you can focus on finding the right niche and running your store from virtually anywhere. By leveraging platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, you could quickly set up an online store and start sourcing products from reliable suppliers on AliExpress.
Why consider starting a dropshipping business?
- Dropshipping offers flexibility; you could manage your business from ski resorts or your home.
- With a low startup cost, you could scale your store gradually and focus on your passion for skiing.
- You could target niche markets related to skiing gear or winter sports equipment, tapping into your existing expertise.
Learn more about starting a dropshipping business and see how other entrepreneurs have succeeded in this field.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
9. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a skier, you could tap into the growing digital market by developing a mobile app. Your app could cater to skiing enthusiasts, offering functionalities like trail tracking, weather updates, or a community for skiers to connect and share experiences. Whether you have a brilliant idea for enhancing the skiing experience or solving a common skiing-related problem, a mobile app could become a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture.
Why create a mobile app?
- Mobile apps are integral to daily life, offering immense opportunities for innovative solutions in the skiing community.
- You could create an app that serves a niche market of skiers, filling gaps in current offerings and meeting specific needs.
- With dedication and the right strategy, your app could gain significant traction, driving downloads and generating substantial revenue.
For more insights, check out this collection of mobile app success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
10. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a skier, you could leverage your passion for fitness and healthy living by developing a health and wellness app. This digital tool can provide users with customized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, integrating skiing-specific workouts that enhance performance on the slopes. An app like this serves as a virtual coach, guiding users to achieve their health goals, whether they're gearing up for the ski season or looking to maintain peak physical condition year-round.
You could partner with health experts, app developers, and experienced skiers to ensure the app offers valuable and authentic content. By tapping into the growing demand for personalized wellness solutions, you could create a thriving side business that aligns with your interests and benefits the skiing community.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could integrate skiing-specific fitness routines, catering to a niche market of active skiers.
- The health app market is expanding, offering significant potential for growth and revenue.
- Offering personalized advice and tracking can help users stay motivated and committed to their wellness goals.
For more details on the startup costs and success stories, check out Starter Story.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
11. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an excellent way for skiers to supplement their income. By promoting skiing-related gear, apparel, and travel packages through affiliate links on your blog, social media channels, or YouTube videos, you could earn a commission from every sale. This allows you to generate a passive income while indulging in your passion for skiing.
Affiliate marketing is particularly appealing for skiers who already have an audience and can easily integrate product recommendations into their content. For more information on the profitability and success stories of affiliate marketing businesses, check out this page on Starter Story.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- You could turn your skiing passion into profit by recommending products you already use and love.
- Affiliate marketing provides a flexible income stream that you can manage from anywhere, even from the slopes.
- Leveraging your existing social media or blog audience creates a seamless way to earn additional income without significant upfront investment.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
12. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business is a savvy way for skiers to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. Skiers can specialize in reselling ski gear, winter apparel, or other outdoor products, leveraging their expertise and passion for the sport. By establishing an online store, you could eliminate the upfront costs of producing goods and instead focus on curating a selection of items that you know fellow skiers would love.
Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?
- You can sell a wide range of products without the need for manufacturing.
- You could operate the business from anywhere, making it ideal for skiers who travel often.
- You will leverage your insider knowledge to offer products that resonate with the skiing community.
For more insights, you can check out a comprehensive guide on Starter Story about the pros and cons of starting an ecommerce reselling business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
13. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As a skier, starting an AI-based business solution could be a strategic way to supplement your income while leveraging cutting-edge technology. By integrating AI tools into existing businesses, you could help companies enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make more informed, data-driven decisions. With the growing demand for AI solutions and many user-friendly platforms available, you don’t need a tech background to get started.
Consider focusing on high-impact areas such as customer service, inventory management, or personalized marketing to make your mark. This business model allows you the flexibility to continue enjoying your time on the slopes while tapping into an expanding market. For more insights on how to kick-start this venture, check out some fantastic AI-based business solution success stories on Starter Story.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- Demand is rapidly growing. More businesses are realizing the competitive benefits of AI, increasing the market for these solutions.
- Flexibility and scalability. It allows you to balance your skiing lifestyle while growing a potentially lucrative business.
- No tech expertise needed. Many AI platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support, making entry easier.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
14. Start an outdoor shooting range business
As a skier with a passion for outdoor activities, starting an outdoor shooting range business could be a natural extension of your love for the great outdoors. In the off-season or when the slopes are less busy, you could leverage your knowledge of outdoor terrains and safety to create a profitable business. According to the $38.6 Billion market projection for shooting ranges, there's significant potential for growth. By offering a space for rifles, shotguns, pistols, archery, or air guns, you can tap into a diverse clientele of firearm enthusiasts, hunters, and archery fans, ensuring year-round income.
Why consider starting an outdoor shooting range business?
- Diversify your income: Using your outdoor skills, you could supplement your income with a profitable venture that operates year-round.
- Community engagement: Create a gathering spot for outdoor enthusiasts, fostering a strong sense of community.
- Leverage your geography: Utilize scenic and sufficient space available in skiing areas to set up a unique, natural shooting range.
For more insights on the opportunities and costs associated with this venture, check the profitability and startup costs of an outdoor shooting range business.
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
15. Start a sneaker reseller business ($37.5K/month)
As a skier, you're likely already connected to a community that values style, performance, and exclusivity—qualities that make the sneaker reselling business an excellent side hustle or even a primary business. By leveraging your network and understanding of trends, you could easily tap into the high-demand sneaker market. This could be particularly rewarding during the off-season when skiing is not an option, allowing you to maintain a steady income year-round. For more insights, check out these success stories.
Why start a sneaker reseller business?
- Capitalize on the high resale value of exclusive sneaker releases.
- Flexibility to start small and scale up, adapting to your ski season schedule.
- Utilize your existing network and online platforms to sell locally or globally.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $140,000/month
How long does it take to build: 213 days (?)
This case study follows founder Chris Casseday's journey in creating 513 Kicks, an online sneaker shop that went from sporadic income to an average profit of $2,000 per month within two years through strategic branding, SEO, social media, and email marketing.
16. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be a lucrative side hustle for skiers with a passion for capturing breathtaking mountain landscapes and action shots on the slopes. Stock photography involves selling photographs on an exclusive basis to buyers for marketing and advertising purposes. By investing in high-quality photography gear and building an impressive portfolio, you could generate passive income through royalties each time your photos are downloaded.
Why consider a stock photography business as a skier?
- Unique Access: As a skier, you have unique access to stunning winter scenes and dynamic action shots that are in high demand.
- Market Demand: Businesses often seek high-quality, authentic winter sports and nature photos for their campaigns, providing a steady customer base.
- Passive Income: Once uploaded, your photos could continue earning royalties, providing a source of ongoing passive income without additional effort.
For more insights on starting a profitable stock photography business, visit Starter Story's success stories.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
17. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Navigating the world of stock investing can be a lucrative venture, especially for entrepreneurial skiers who have a knack for financial markets. A stock investing business revolves around buying and selling stocks to generate profit, relying heavily on analyzing market trends, making informed decisions, and executing trades with precision. This business can be a perfect fit if you’re keen on finance and numbers, allowing you to channel your analytical skills into a profitable side hustle or full-time endeavor.
For skiers who already embrace a dynamic and adventurous lifestyle, the flexibility of stock investing is appealing. With educational resources and trading platforms at your disposal, you could supplement your income from the slopes with strategic investments. Success in this field, however, requires dedication, continuous learning, and a keen eye on market movements. If done right, stock investing offers not just financial returns but also a rewarding entrepreneurial journey.
Why start a stock investing business?
- You could earn extra money during the off-season when the slopes are closed.
- The flexibility of remote trading allows you to invest from anywhere, even a ski lodge.
- You could leverage analytical skills to capitalize on market trends and generate additional income.
For tips and success stories from those who've ventured into stock investing, check out this page.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
18. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Venturing into a real estate investment firm could be an excellent way for skiers to supplement their income or even launch a full-scale business. With the seasonal nature of skiing, diversifying into property management and investments can provide a steady income stream all year round. Imagine scouting lucrative properties in ski resort areas during the off-season or managing rental properties in popular ski destinations—these activities perfectly complement a skier's lifestyle.
Why consider starting a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate appreciates significantly, offering substantial profit potential and long-term financial security.
- Managing rental properties in ski areas can generate a steady, passive income stream during both peak and off-peak seasons.
- Combining a passion for skiing with real estate expertise provides unique opportunities to invest in and profit from properties in high-demand ski destinations.
For comprehensive insights and success stories, check out the Starter Story page on real estate investment firm success stories.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
19. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As a skier, starting an email marketing tool could provide you with a steady stream of income while allowing you to maintain the flexibility you need to hit the slopes. The email marketing industry is booming, with the market expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, making it a lucrative endeavor. By creating a tool that helps businesses manage and automate their email campaigns, you could tap into a high-demand market while potentially setting yourself up for a location-independent lifestyle.
Why launch an email marketing tool?
- The email marketing industry is growing rapidly, providing ample opportunities for new entrants.
- Creating and managing an email marketing tool can be done from anywhere, offering you flexibility to ski whenever you want.
- You could build a long-term, scalable business that serves diverse clients, from startups to real estate agents, boosting your income significantly.
Explore more about starting an email marketing tool here.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
