Granite Peak Travel

Elevating a Midwest Treasure

A Snowy Haven with Untapped Potential

Nestled in the rugged beauty of Wisconsin, Granite Peak Ski Resort offers some of the best skiing in the Midwest. Known for its expansive terrain and family-friendly atmosphere, the resort has long been a favorite for locals and regional visitors. However, as the market for winter sports evolved, Granite Peak faced growing competition from larger ski destinations in the Rockies and beyond. To maintain its position as a premier resort, Granite Peak needed a refreshed strategy to attract a broader audience and highlight its unique appeal.

No items found.

Challenges in Standing Out

Granite Peak Ski Resort had a lot to offer—exceptional skiing, cozy accommodations, and a welcoming atmosphere—but these strengths were not fully reflected in its branding or marketing efforts. The resort struggled to communicate its value proposition to younger families and adventurous skiers. Its digital presence needed modernization, and it lacked cohesive storytelling to tie together its rich history and modern amenities.

Additionally, as ski tourism increasingly relied on dynamic social media and experiential marketing, Granite Peak needed a strategy that would resonate with audiences looking for more than just great slopes.

Crafting a Fresh Identity

Watson Creative worked with Granite Peak Ski Resort to develop a brand identity that highlighted its strengths: family-friendly experiences, approachable luxury, and a sense of adventure. A revitalized logo and visual design were created to convey the resort’s character, blending its rugged roots with modern sophistication.

The resort’s digital presence underwent a transformation. A new website featured intuitive navigation, stunning visuals, and optimized content to improve engagement and bookings. Targeted social media campaigns showcased the resort’s offerings, from group lessons and night skiing to après-ski activities.

We also introduced experiential marketing strategies, including seasonal events and collaborations with local influencers, to generate buzz and attract new visitors. Analytics tools were implemented to track campaign success, ensuring continuous improvement.

Insights, Tips, and Recommendations

RESEARCH

  • Highlight Regional Advantages: Emphasize what makes your destination special within its geographic context, like affordability or accessibility.
  • Appeal to Families: Tailor messaging to showcase family-friendly packages, lessons, and activities that cater to all ages.
  • Embrace Experiential Marketing: Host seasonal events and partner with local influencers to create memorable guest experiences.
  • Optimize for Mobile: Ensure websites are mobile-friendly, as a significant portion of travelers book trips on their phones.
  • Promote Unique Offerings: Use social media to highlight special features like night skiing, group lessons, or scenic trails.

No items found.

Results

Results That Resonate

Within the first season of the rebranding campaign, Granite Peak Ski Resort saw a 23% increase in ticket sales, with family packages and night skiing passes being particularly popular. Website traffic grew by 31%, with a noticeable uptick in mobile bookings. Social media engagement soared, doubling follower counts across platforms and creating a new generation of Granite Peak fans.

Granite Peak’s partnership with Watson Creative not only enhanced its brand but also reinforced its reputation as a must-visit destination in the Midwest. The resort now competes confidently in the broader ski market while maintaining its unique appeal.

Benefits

Matt Watson

CEO, Watson Creative
“Granite Peak Ski Resort exemplifies the charm and adventure of Midwest skiing. Helping them craft a modern identity while honoring their history has been a rewarding experience for our team.”

Not Everything. Just What Works.

Strategy

Build from insight. Strategy isn’t guesswork—it’s groundwork. We listen, research, and distill what matters to guide smarter decisions and set a solid creative direction.

Content

Make it meaningful. From naming to narratives, we create content that speaks with purpose—rooted in truth, tuned to your audience, and built to connect.

Digital

Design for behavior. We craft digital experiences that are intuitive, scalable, and aligned with how real people move, click, swipe, and search.

Experiential

Bring brands to life. Physical spaces, moments, and memories matter. We design experiences that feel human—and stay with you long after the lights go out.

Marketing

Drive connection. Our marketing approach blends data and instinct—getting the right message to the right people, in ways that actually move them.

Consulting

Partner on progress. We work alongside your team to solve real problems, shift thinking, and build internal alignment—without the agency ego.