Base Area Development Potential
The Development Suitability Plan, Figure 12 (JPG | PDF) illustrates the total base lands potential for resort development. In addition to exploring the resort development potential for the gentle terrain at the base of the mountain, the same land also needs to be assessed for its potential as beginner slider terrain, as it can be serviced with lifts that are within walking distance from day use parking areas.
Comfortable Walking Distance
The resort staging and commercial facilities in the base area should be easily accessible by car and bus. These services should be on the main circulation route from the main guest drop-off area and parking lot(s) to the slopes. The distance from parking lots to the staging lifts should be such that guests in ski or snowboard boots, carrying equipment, will be able to negotiate this distance comfortably in approximately 10 minutes. Ecosign uses the standard distance of 1,500 feet on flat ground, which is reduced in length by 4 feet for every 1 foot of vertical grade change. This "Comfortable Walking Distance" (CWD) is a major determining factor for the location of the resort centre, day lodge and the parking, as these elements relate to the main staging lifts. If the resort is to be truly pedestrian oriented, all parking and development in the resort center should be within a comfortable walking distance of the lifts and ticket windows.
Potential Development Sites
Ecosign has conducted a base area slope analysis and a base area land development suitability analysis using available mapping with 10-foot contour intervals. As a result of our analysis, we have identified four sites with slope gradients between 0 and 15 percent, offering good potential for resort services and day slider parking development. The four potential development sites are identified on Figure 12 (JPG | PDF) and are labeled Areas 1 through 4.
In consideration of the existing facilities, lifts and other site conditions, the specific areas have attributes that lend themselves to certain types of development. A description and explanation of possible development scenarios is outlined below.
Area 1 - 1.37 Acres -Area 1 occupies an area east of the existing Rabbit Peak chairlift and contains the generator building and maintenance facility. This development zone sits in a very central location relative to the existing Rabbit Peak lift, the resort permit boundary and the other potential development sites. This area is also within "Comfortable Walking Distance" (CWD) from both the existing main day lodge base and the lower Rabbit Peak staging area. This development pod could possibly function as a new guest drop-off with guest service facilities. The existing pathway connection (east) to the road/parking area above could be widened to meet acceptable roadway standards, as the grades along this connector currently do not exceed 8 percent.
Area 2 - 3.65 Acres - Area 2 located immediately adjacent and to the southeast of Area 1, exhibits some of the most level and development-friendly terrain on the site. Area 2 is beyond CWD of the existing main day lodge base and within CWD of the Rabbit Peak base. The gradient characteristics of this parcel and its location beside Area 1 a potential new main staging area, lend themselves best to the development of a day slider parking lot. Alternative land uses could include the development of a tubing park, snow play area or a teaching/beginner slider zone. There currently exists a huge demand for an organized and well managed tubing / snow play area.
Area 3 - 4.32 Acres - Area 3 encompasses one of two current day slider parking areas at the resort. The existing parking lot is located east of the main access road just below the roadway parking area and is beyond CWD of both the Rabbit Peak and existing main day lodge staging area. There is an opportunity for the construction of a pedestrian pathway from this parking lot to Area 1. Walkway grades would not exceed 2 percent and over the horizontal distance of approximately 1,300 lineal feet, a portion of this existing parking lot would fall within slider walking distance. It is planned that this development parcel will remain as day parking.
Area 4 - 0.45 Acres - Area 4 is a small, relatively level area of terrain located north of the existing main day lodge base area. In consideration of the re-development of resort services and the expansion of recreational activities, this site could provide for the relocation of the generator building and resort maintenance facility. Area 4 is easily accessible off the main access road for delivery, loading and service. The site also has a direct slopeside connection providing both rubber tire and snow surface access. Due to this potential development area's proximity to sensitive plant populations, it has been eliminated from viable development consideration.