Why Rainbow Is Changing Its Operating Model in 2026

After careful review of recent seasons, the Rainbow Ski Club Committee has agreed to change how the skifield operates from 2026 onwards. This decision follows the 2025 season, when the field did not open due to poor snow and weather, and reflects broader challenges facing smaller community-owned skifields.

The change is not about reducing Rainbow’s spirit or experience. It is about protecting the future of the club, operating within today’s realities, and ensuring Rainbow can continue to open — and thrive — in good winters.

The Reality We’re Responding To

Like many skifields, Rainbow has been affected by:

• Shorter and more variable winters
• Higher operating and staffing costs
• Increased weather-related risk
• Declining season pass revenue
• Financial losses on marginal mid-week operating days

In the past, Rainbow operated under a traditional model: fixed opening dates, a large seasonal workforce, and a full schools programme supporting seven-day-a-week operations. While this model worked well in strong winters, it now carries too much financial risk when conditions are unpredictable.

Continuing with that approach would put the club’s long-term sustainability at risk.

What the New Model Aims to Do

The 2026 operating model is designed to:

• Reduce financial risk, particularly in poor or marginal snow seasons
• Match operating days to good conditions, rather than fixed schedules
• Lower fixed staffing costs and increase flexibility
• Strengthen Rainbow’s club culture, with members playing a bigger role
• Focus resources on what matters most, and build from there in future seasons

This is a deliberate shift toward a more resilient, member-supported skifield.

How the 2026 Season Will Work

Operating Days

Rainbow’s standard operating days during the season are Saturdays and Sundays, subject to suitable weather, snow conditions, safety requirements, and operational considerations.

Additional midweek operating days may be offered at the Club’s discretion, depending on staffing availability, weather, snow conditions, and other operational factors.

Smaller Core Team, Supported by Locals and Volunteers

• A full-time Operations Manager will live on-mountain and oversee safety, infrastructure, machinery and day-to-day operations.
• A pool of local part-time staff will fill key operational and customer-facing roles.
• Volunteers and club members will support operations in areas such as road patrol, lifts, rentals, patrol support and the café, receiving ski vouchers in return.

This approach builds resilience, retains local knowledge, and reduces reliance on large seasonal workforces.

Member-Led Asset Care

Qualified club members will take responsibility for specific assets such as lifts, buildings, grooming equipment, road access and snowmaking systems. This strengthens institutional knowledge and ensures Rainbow’s infrastructure is well looked after year-round.

No Fixed Schools Programme (But Groups Welcome)

There will be no scheduled schools programme in 2026. However, schools and groups are welcome to book on days when the field is open. This avoids the financial risk of operating on marginal days while still supporting community access.

Simplified On-Mountain Services

• A smaller café offering focused on reliable, efficient service
• No full-time ski instructors, with work underway to support a local, qualified instructor model
• Snowmaking used selectively, when conditions and staffing make it effective

What This Means for Members

• Rainbow remains member-owned and community-driven
• Membership will be more actively focused on people who want to be involved
• Members will have more opportunities to contribute, shape the culture, and support operations
• The club’s reserves are being protected so Rainbow can continue operating into the future

Season passes will still be available, and all previously issued passes have been honoured.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 season is about doing the important few things well. By operating more flexibly and responsibly now, Rainbow can stabilise its finances, rebuild momentum, and expand offerings in future seasons when conditions allow.

This change is about keeping Rainbow open for the long term, not shrinking its vision.

We thank our members, volunteers, staff and supporters for being part of this next chapter.