Red Mt.’s New The Mountain Project
Red Mountain redefines the ski resort experience by creating a multi-faceted program dedicated to equipment development and preserving mountain lifestyles.
Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, BC, Canada, a ski and snowboard destination resort, has launched The Mountain Project (TMP).
The what?
TMProject creates a new environment for outdoor products development, and for redefining what it means to live in one of nature’s greatest mountain playgrounds.
Now that’s a mouthful.
TMP establishes a singular synergy between Red Mountain Resort, local residents of Rossland and outdoor industry leaders. In essence, TMP turns the people of Rossland (pop. 3,800), and visitors of Red Mountain Resort, into a unique focus group for equipment innovation and the sustainability of one of North America’s most unique mountain communities.
TMP represents numerous firsts for the ski resort industry, mountain locals and the leading forces in outdoor lifestyle equipment. The conduit between these groups will be TMP’s headquarters at the base of Red Mountain.
TMP’s home base will also house the Mountain Works product test lab, of which K2 and Gore will be the first charter members.
"This sort of synergy The Mountain Project will create between equipment manufacturers, local town residents and a world-class resort is something that has never existed before in outdoor recreation," said Anthony DeRocco, global vice president of marketing for K2 Sports.
More than just a laboratory for the development of new products, TMP will serve as a launch pad for the preservation and regeneration of the mountain lifestyle.
Too often the words "resort" and "development" evoke a negative connotation in the minds of outdoor enthusiasts. TMP will bring together multiple aspects of mountain life, not just skiing and snowboarding, into a single, integrated environment.
Another goal for TMP will be to help preserve, and in some cases bring back, cultural aspects of mountain living that makes mountain communities appealing.
Notable activities for TMP in 2007-2008 include:
- contemporary woodcarving by master Swiss artists
- a "Red is Green" series of sustainable energy demonstrations
- K2’s popular "Couloirs to Bars" film and photography events
- and backcountry freeride ski, snowboard and bike events.
"As an active skier for over 40 years, I’ve seen the resort industry’s focus shift from a celebration of skiing and mountain culture to the commercialization of the ski experience with a pervasive sameness centered on the ‘village’ as the epicenter of mountain living. With more than 110 years of skiing history, Red Mountain Resort intends to preserve and promote the 'endangered species' of mountain culture and lifestyle for like minded people who seek the simple and honest experience that they grew up to enjoy," said Howard Katkov, Red Mountain Resort CEO.
TMP’s headquarters will also host the Red Mountain Guiding Service office. The guides will provide skiers and riders with a off-piste experiences ranging from first-time to multi-day backcountry tours.
More in Outdoor & Recreation
Latest Articles