Ski Depot and Storage: How to Turn Empty Space into Money (2026)

Anyone who has ever walked in ski boots on the icy streets of Bansko knows how excruciating an experience it is. This is where one of the biggest business opportunities for owners of properties near the base station of the gondola lift lies. The service ski depot (storage) is often underestimated, but the financial indicators are clear: while with ski rental you have depreciation of the asset and service costs, with storage you are effectively selling space and heat. The profit margin here exceeds 90%.

In this guide, we will look at how to organize a modern, secure and profitable ski depot in the 2026 season, which will keep customers coming back to you every year.

1. Types of storage systems: Open vs. Closed

The choice of equipment depends on your budget and the client profile.

Open Systems (Racks)

These are the classic “combs” for skis and walls with pipes for drying shoes.

Advantages: Cheap initial investment; packs a lot of inventory into a small space.
Disadvantages: Risk of ski swapping (intentional or unintentional); visual chaos; smell spreads throughout the room.
Suitable for: Mass groups and student camps.

Lockers

The modern standard. Metal or wooden cabinets that hold 2 or 4 sets (skis + boots + helmets).

Advantages: Premium service with high price; high security; aesthetics.
Disadvantages: They require more space and a serious investment (over 1,000 BGN per cabinet).
Suitable for: Families and individual tourists who pay for comfort.

💡 ROI Calculation: A modern locker for 4 people occupies 0.5 sq.m. At a storage price of 10 BGN/day per person, this locker generates 40 BGN per day. For a 100-day season = 4000 BGN. The investment is paid off in 3-4 months, and the locker “lives” for at least 10 years.

2. The battle with moisture and odor

The greatest enemy of one ski depot It's not the thieves, it's the moisture. If a customer puts on wet and cold shoes in the morning, they'll hate their day and your wardrobe.

Drying technologies:

Ambient Air: Fans bring room temperature into the shoe. Cheap, but slow.
Warm Air: The most effective method. Shoes dry in 1-2 hours.
Ozonation (Disinfection): Mandatory for 2026. Ozone generators kill bacteria that cause bad odors. If your closet smells like “socks,” you are losing customers. Advertise the “Hygienized Depot” service.

3. Locking Systems: The End of Lost Keys

Managing 100 metal keys is a logistical nightmare. Keys get lost, break in locks, and customers forget them in their hotels.

⚠️ Expert advice: Switch to electronic locks (Smart Locks).

The options are:

RFID cards: You can use the customer's lift card as a key for their locker. Super convenient!
PIN code: The customer creates their own code. There is no physical medium to lose.
Application (App): Unlock via Bluetooth via phone.

4. Security and Video Surveillance

In one ski depot Hundreds of thousands of leva worth of equipment is stored. It is your responsibility.

CCTV: The cameras must cover every corridor. The recordings must be kept for at least 30 days.
Access control: No outsiders should enter the personal equipment area. Install a turnstile or chip gate at the entrance to the depot area.
Liability Insurance: Check if your policy covers theft of someone else's property left in storage.

5. Pricing and Packages

How to sell the service?

"Comfort" package: Ski Rental + Depot. Give the depot a 50% discount if they rent skis from you. This is a powerful tool for attracting customers who have their own boots but rent skis.
Family cabinet: Sell the entire cabinet (for 4 people) at a fixed price instead of per person. This incentivizes families to choose you.
VIP service: “Put on warm shoes.” Ensure that the shoes are warmed to body temperature when the client arrives.

Conclusion: Convenience is the new luxury

The modern tourist in Bansko is spoiled. He doesn't want to carry heavy skis on his shoulder. He wants to take a taxi to the lift, get his dry and warm shoes from your locker, drive, leave them back and go to an après-ski bar in sneakers.

Organizing quality ski depot It requires an investment in cabinets and electronics, but it is the asset with the longest life and lowest operating costs. Once installed, it works for you for years.