The operators of Scotland’s ski centres met politicians and top industry experts in a bid to enhance their year-round appeal.
Officials from Glenshee are determined to tap into the popularity of summer pursuits like hill-walking and mountain biking.
Tourism minister Jim Mather met representatives from the CairnGorm, Glencoe, Glenshee, Lecht and Nevis Range ski slopes.
Operators are being joined by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise in launching a probe into how the resorts could broaden their appeal.
“What we are looking at is how the sector can come together and widen its activity base,” Mr Mather said.
“We must investigate how to lengthen the season by extending into the summer, while handling fallow periods of low demand.”
The minister said there was “untapped potential” and suggested resorts could be used by hill-walkers and mountain bikers.
The centres have just enjoyed a bumper season but Mr Mather insists there is no room for complacency.
“We need to get the message out to the rest of Scotland and the rest of the UK now it is becoming more expensive to go abroad,” he said.
“Swedish resorts are giving their customers an all-year-round experience, and that will be looked at in this review.”
The minister added that ski operators could learn from the likes of Bute where a “Play and Stay” ticket for golfers covers ferry fares, accommodation and green fees.
Alan Rankin, chief executive of the CairnGorm business partnership, welcomed the review and insisted there was much to be gained.
“We just have to look at the 170,000 skiers who came to the Cairngorms and the impact they had on the local economy to see how vital they are to our all the year round sustainability,” he said.
“We have big ambitions to grow the quieter shoulder months and outdoor activities can help fill them.”
Andy Meldrum, one of the new owners at the Glencoe slopes, is similarly enthusiastic.
“We need to find a way to modernise Scottish skiing to the same standard as Europe,” he said.
“The likes of Cairngorm and ourselves have lifts that are 40 years old.”
Mr Meldrum said external support would be vital and added that ski operators will have to work together.
“If we want to compete we probably need support, whether that comes from private or public sources,” he added.