Ski resort counts visitors with an unrivalled 99% accuracy

Photo credit: Janet Ramsden, (CC BY 2.0)

Manchester’s premier leisure attraction, indoor ski resort The Chill Factor^e, improve their business decisions with visitor count data. Recent tests to check the accuracy of the people counting system, validated the performance to an exceptional 99%.

When we first installed the system, the Chill Factor^e just wanted to monitor footfall across the main entrances into the venue and store the data centrally on their server. They could analyse the data as they wished and integrate the footfall counts with their existing database of key performance indicators (KPIs).

Chill Factor^e soon found that the information generated through the video counting system helped them run the ski resort more effectively and efficiently. For instance, it contributes to:

• Effectively scheduling staff;
• Monitoring and analysing footfall trends throughout the year;
• Analysing and benchmarking footfall into the venue during special events;
• Verifying successful promotional and marketing strategies;
• Justifying rents charged to shops within the venue;
• Monitoring and benchmarking key performance indicators like sales conversions;
• Comparing the visitor counts with tickets issued for skiing events.

If they wished the Chill Factor^e could also use their system to monitor queues, display occupancy and create heat maps of most and least used areas.

The visitor counting system uses CCTV cameras and intelligent people counting units running video analytics software. Managers who are equipped with the secure log-on details can remotely control and configure the units from any internet-enabled computer. Wide entrances and areas are handled by linking several cameras across the ceiling.

The counts are easily validated by watching videos of the counting zones.

About the Chill Factor^e

Chill Factor^e is the UK’s longest indoor skiing and snowboarding slope. As well as skiing, the complex has a climbing wall, children’s play area, bars, cafés, restaurants and shops, employing around 250 people in total. In its first five years it attracted more than three million visitors.

For more information on visitor counting in the leisure industry contact Retail Sensing.