In the latest episode of The Unique Hospitality Podcast, host Nick Purslow and guest Josh Turner of Blackstrap Glamping Resort take a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of operating a winter glamping destination. Located just 25 minutes outside of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Blackstrap Glamping Resort has become a prime example of how outdoor hospitality can thrive year-round—even in Canada’s notoriously harsh winters.
Setting the Scene: Blackstrap Glamping Resort
Josh Turner, co-owner of Blackstrap, describes the resort as a luxury escape in the heart of nature. The property features six beautifully designed, insulated domes offering all the creature comforts a winter guest could want: heated floors, king-size beds, plush duvet covers, bathrobes, slippers, and private bathrooms with showers. This five-star experience is nestled within Blackstrap Provincial Park, providing both relaxation and adventure just a short drive from Saskatoon.
Josh highlights that while summer draws families and travelers from across Canada, winter attracts a slightly different demographic: young couples, health professionals in need of a mental break, and families who are new to Canada seeking a unique, close-to-home getaway.
The Practicalities of Winter Glamping
Operating in a province where temperatures can plunge to -40°F (so cold!), Blackstrap’s team has learned that winter glamping is not for the faint of heart. As Josh explains, winter requires meticulous preparation and infrastructure to ensure guest comfort and operational success.
Key Solutions to Winter Challenges:
- Insulation and Heating:
- Blackstrap domes use closed-cell spray foam insulation, providing a vital vapor barrier to prevent mold and condensation. This layer is essential for balancing extreme temperature shifts.
- Each dome relies on a combination of heating sources: a dual air system for main heating and cooling, baseboard heaters under the bathroom and porch areas, and an electric fireplace for ambiance and additional warmth.
- Air Circulation:
- To combat moisture buildup caused by luxury amenities like showers, Blackstrap installed HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) systems. These units cycle fresh air into the domes while warming it up, maintaining a comfortable interior environment.
- Snow Management:
- Snowfall creates a significant operational challenge. Josh recounts needing to hire a Bobcat operator at $125/hour for snow clearing, alongside staff manually shoveling pathways and tobogganing supplies to the domes. The costs add up, but proper snow removal is non-negotiable to ensure guest access and safety.
- Guest Experience in Subzero Temperatures:
- Amenities such as saunas (with rolling in the snow encouraged), ice fishing packages, and tobogganing add to the winter allure.
- Guests are provided with the tools they need, like electric ice augers for ice fishing, maintaining a balance between guided activities and self-sufficient adventures.
Why Winter Glamping? The Opportunities
Despite the high operational costs, winter glamping can present significant opportunities, both financially and in building a unique brand.
1. Marketable Experiences: Winter glamping offers a rare opportunity to capitalize on the magic of snow-covered landscapes and crisp, clear skies. Josh highlights the Northern Lights as a huge, underutilized draw. Blackstrap’s location in a dark-sky area makes it a prime spot for guests hoping to witness this natural phenomenon, particularly during the current peak in solar activity.
2. Unique Selling Points:
- The Bay Windows: One of Blackstrap’s signature features is the expansive bay window in each dome, allowing guests to lie in their king-sized beds and gaze out at the snow-covered park, Northern Lights, or wildlife, such as deer that roam the property.
- Dark Skies and Silence: Guests repeatedly rave about the unparalleled sleep quality, the silence of falling snow, and the chance to truly disconnect from city life.
3. Social Media Appeal: Visual storytelling is at the core of Blackstrap’s success. Josh emphasizes that while high-budget drone shots and professional content are valuable, some of their best-performing social media posts are authentic, handheld videos of himself walking through the property and sharing the guest experience firsthand.
The takeaway? Don’t underestimate the power of genuine, personal content. Guests resonate more with an owner’s passion and the behind-the-scenes reality than they do with polished commercials.
Operational Realities: It’s Not All Snow Globes and Hot Chocolate
Winter operations are labor-intensive and expensive. Between snow removal, slower housekeeping due to snowy boots and messier conditions, and higher heating demands, Josh candidly admits that winter costs can rival summer revenue.
This raises a critical point for glamping operators: winter rates should not be discounted. While some guests might expect reduced prices during off-peak seasons, Josh argues that the added operational costs justify maintaining consistent pricing year-round.
In fact, Blackstrap’s winter packages, such as ice fishing rentals and the addition of snowshoes, enhance the guest experience while keeping revenues strong.
Marketing Winter Glamping
Blackstrap has successfully tailored its marketing strategy to highlight the seasonal appeal of winter glamping.
- Content Strategy:
- High-quality visuals and videos showcase the domes against snowy backdrops, ice fishing adventures, and cozy interiors.
- Social media campaigns promote winter activities like stargazing, sauna experiences, and even unique offerings like a rentable tank-like vehicle called a “Sherp” for ice excursions.
- Leaning Into Local Demand:
- With fewer long-distance travelers in winter, Blackstrap focuses on attracting local guests who want a quick but memorable escape without worrying about icy road conditions.
- Shorter stays (including one-night options with a slight premium) have helped maintain occupancy during shoulder seasons when longer bookings are less common.
- Leveraging Seasonal Highlights:
- From Christmas content to Northern Lights photography, Josh emphasizes the importance of capturing evergreen seasonal material that can be used year after year.
Key Takeaways for Glamping Operators
For those considering winter glamping, Josh Turner’s insights from Blackstrap provide invaluable lessons:
- Invest in Proper Infrastructure: Insulation, air circulation, and snow management are critical for winter success.
- Highlight Unique Experiences: Whether it’s the Northern Lights, saunas, or winter sports, focus on what makes your location special.
- Content is King: Authentic, engaging content—even on a limited budget—can outperform professional productions when it comes from the heart.
- Price with Confidence: Winter operations are costly, and rates should reflect the added challenges while emphasizing the premium experience.
Final Thoughts
Blackstrap Glamping Resort has proven that winter glamping can be both profitable and deeply rewarding for guests and operators alike. By embracing the challenges of cold-weather operations and showcasing the beauty of Saskatchewan’s winters, Josh Turner and his team have built a unique offering that stands out in Canada’s glamping industry.
For outdoor hospitality businesses looking to expand into winter operations, Blackstrap’s journey is an inspiring example of what’s possible with preparation, creativity, and a commitment to guest experience.