Local News
How High Of Wages Can Restaurants Stomach?
- The Virginia House of Delegates’ proposed Bill 395 would raise the state minimum wage to $9 an hour and increase it each year until $15 an hour in 2023.
- In order to cover the cost that they are paying their employees, restaurant owners will have to increase menu prices, cut their number of employees and be more strict about benefits such as breaks, schedules and free food.
- Massanutten Resort has minimum wage employees in its four restaurants, in addition to housekeepers, cashiers, dishwashers and lifeguards at its two pools.
Massanutten Resort a Mountain Wedding Retreat
- Engaged couples are more frequently choosing Massanutten Resort, with its incredible views and on-site lodging, as their wedding ceremony venue.
- Guests can experience a weekend adventure and wedding all in one place, as golf, hiking, rappelling, ziplining, rock-climbing and swimming are all available during their stay.
- Weddings at the resort can accommodate about 150 people and can occur during any season of the year. Ceremony packages start at $3,000.
Social Media
4K on the Fairway – Facebook
Massanutten Resort is opening a new slide at its outdoor waterpark this summer and is looking for name submissions that fit the theme of the existing attractions. The winner will receive two annual waterpark passes.
Reviews, Do’s and Don’ts at Massanutten Resort – Critic Blog
This site offers an overview of Massanutten Resort from a family-friendly perspective and details reviews from prior resort patrons. It lists activities that the author loves, along with items of interests and amenities that the author believes families should take advantage of.
Massanutten Resort Calls For Name Submissions For New Waterslide – Facebook
4K on the Fairway, in conjunction with Massanutten Resort’s Snow Moon Festival, is a race being held to benefit Elkton Area United Services, a social service agency that serves Rockingham County. Along with the race, this festival will offer live music, raffles, fireworks and parades.
Industry News
Coronavirus spreads into European tourist hotspots
- The coronavirus has spread to European tourist hotspots, including top ski resorts.
- The economic effects of this potentially severe pandemic could reach those of the financial crisis and crash of 2008.
- Although the illness has taken its largest foothold in Asia and Europe, there are confirmed cases of infection and death across North America.
- If the virus becomes rampant on America’s East Coast, tourism may decline and Massanutten Resort may feel the financial impact with fewer patrons.
Winter’s last gasp? East Coast watches potent storm set to lurk offshore late week
- A large storm is expected to hit the East Coast this weekend, potentially the last chance for any meaningful winter weather.
- The southern half of the East Coast is expected to get a mix or rain and wet snow throughout Friday with temperatures that will not be cold enough for solid snow accumulation.
- Ski season along the East Coast is ending earlier than a typical year due to above average temperatures, as Virginia is experiencing its fifth warmest winter on record.
Advisory
It is important for resort management to be aware of possible wage increases and verify that the resort has the financial capacity to retain its employees. Maintaining and grooming the facilities will be critical, as spring brings the start of the wedding season. While the coronavirus outbreak is not extreme on the East Coast yet, Massanutten must maintain awareness of the problem. If the outbreak worsens and visitors decline, the resort’s economic success may be harmed. With the lack of natural winter weather, Massanutten Resort should be prepared to either produce more artificial snow or shut down its slopes earlier.
Massanutten Resort Blog 