Catalyst Action Sports Camp at Copper Mountain Resort

Abstract

Many mountain resorts lack balance in revenue from season to season. Mountain resorts are most often geared toward, and capitalize on, peak ski season, receiving much less visitation and revenue in the summer season and even more so in the spring and fall. Due to projected climate changes, “increasing temperatures will affect important winter activities such as downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, which require snow on the ground. Projections indicate later snow and less snow coverage in ski resort areas” (Karl, Melillo, Peterson, 133). This indicates an even greater need for a shift to year-round attractions for visitors in order to balance the revenue stream of mountain resorts. The infusion of an all-season action sports camp is a catalyst to generate an increase in year-round visitation and profit for the resort. Examples of action sports include skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, BMX biking, and mountain biking. When integrating an action sports camp into the existing resort, striving for balance, harmony, and oneness between the existing and proposed is imperative to success. These principals are present in the sports and allow for the connection from the athletes to the landscape. With any proposed development, specifically in mountain environments, potential environmental impacts are an issue, especially at a site where the natural scenic beauty is in such high demand. “It is the resort’s environment that draws the customer” Schwanke, 119). The relationships between the mountain, resort, camp, and users must be balanced and work in harmony with each other.

Copper Mountain Resort provides an ideal location to implement this strategy. Catalyst Action Sports Camp plays on the tension between the mountain and the human, capitalizing on the balance, harmony, and oneness between them. Campers are connected to the surrounding mountain majesty through directed views, inspiring and exciting them to progress their skills and challenge their fears and become one with the mountain. Catalyst is infused into the existing resort, harmonizing with resort operations and stimulating life in the village in all seasons. Ultimately,Catalyst Action Sports Camp helps balance the revenue stream and provide additional stability given changing climate scenarios.