Mountain Design Analysis
Accurate topographic mapping is a prerequisite for good mountain planning. During the technical assessment phase, the planning team utilized new topographic mapping at a scale of 1" = 200' with 10-foot contour intervals of study area. The slope map encompasses approximately 1,200 acres.
Utilizing the provided topographic mapping, the most critical analysis map for the ski area design and evaluation process was prepared: the Mountain Slope / Terrain Capacity Analysis Map (Figure 10a (JPG | PDF) ). Figure 10b (JPG | PDF) illustrates the Slope / Terrain Capacity Analysis in a 3-dimensional perspective. The Slope Analysis Map delineates the areas that can be negotiated by the various slider ability levels, as well as areas that are considered too flat or too steep for skiing and snowboarding. The natural slope gradients were carefully measured and color-coded into the following five classifications.
| Slope Gradients | Color | Type of Skiing |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 8% | white | flats, marginal skiing |
| 8 - 25% | green | beginner and novice skiing |
| 25 - 45% | yellow | intermediate skiing |
| 45 - 70% | blue | advanced and expert skiing |
These maps were then utilized in the evaluation of the terrain and play a critical role in developing conceptual alternatives.