Liftopia, a web site that provides a pricing and discount directory for ski lift tickets at various resorts, has taken in $1 million in a second round of funding just in time for winter. The San Francisco, Calif. company tracks prices as they rise and fall depending on the time of year, time of week, popularity of resorts and quality of snowfall -- that way users will be able to find the most affordable prices for the locations that interest them most.
Liftopia says it will be offering bargains on tickets at 120 to 140 resorts this winter. It plans to use its new money to continue building out its web site, add more partnerships with resorts (allowing it to adjust its pricing on a daily basis based on conditions and demand), and strengthen its marketing campaigns. Last year, it attracted only 65,000 unique visitors at its peak in the month of January, so it has a ways to go.
The recent round of funding was led by Amicus Capital -- spearheaded by new partner Erik Blachford, the former CEO of Expedia. Sand Hill Angels, North Bay Angels and several private angel investors also participated. The company also raised $1 million from Sand Hill and Blachford (as an individual) last March.