Study Design

British Columbia is a natural choice as a snow-sport destination, however during these times of global warming, safeguaring ecologically sensitive areas and market saturation of traditional ski resorts, a new kind of ski resort must be developed. As an avid ski resort and backcounty user, I have come to appreciate the the variety of desires of skiiers/snowboarders as well as respecting a myriad of variables that must be considered in choosing areas designated for recreational purposes.

The focus of this GIS term project is to determine a suitable area in B.C. for a low-impact high alpine ski resort. Due to a number of pertinent issues regarding ski resorts in B.C. such as global warming, Native land claims, and ecologically sensitive areas, 7 Ravens Ridge is being proposed as an alternative to the current ski resorts in B.C.

Sustainable practices are important for longevity, which is why 7 Ravens Ridge is committed to green building codes and the highest levels of ecological preservation. Construction planning will be limited only to what is necessary with attention to sustainability.

Some features of 7 Ravens Ridge include:

• A full-facility daylodge built out of local and recycled materials capable of seating up to 300 visitors.

• An intensive recycling program including composting toilets and a greywater system in order to reduce waste outputs.

• Parking for 500 vehicles as well as a frequent daily shuttle service.

• Overnight service for recreational vehicles in a designated area.

• 3 High-speed quad lifts accessing 2,675 ha of some of the most beautiful glacial and alpine regions of B.C. and an additional 4,127 ha of backcountry access.

• In strict compliance with provincial regulations regarding Environmental Assessments

Although, the resort will be small compared to others in B.C., the goal is to access as much high alpine area by constructing as few lifts as possible and by removing minimal forest cover. By maintaining a sustainable approach to ski resort development, impact will be greatly reduced in the short and long term.

By conducting a multi-criteria analysis in IDRISI using a number of variables, a suitable location for this resort may be achieved. Variables in the analysis include:

• Elevation
• Slope
• Aspect
• Snowfall
• Exclusion of provincial parks
• Exclusion of Native areas
• Exclusion of ecologically sensititive areas
• Exclusions of rivers and lakes
• Distance from areas of high population densities
• Distance from roads and highways

A new way of ski resort development must be realized in B.C. for industry longevity. 7 Ravens Ridge is paving the way for skiiers and snowboarders to enjoy big mountain turns without a traditional ski resort feel.