Mountain Capacity Analysis

Slider Carrying Capacity

The determination of an area's Slider Carrying Capacity (SCC) is perhaps the most critical step in ski area planning. Often referred to as the "Comfortable Carrying Capacity" or the "Sliders at One Time", this figure represents the number of sliders that the area's lift and ski trail system will provide a "perceived" quality experience for each slider ability level. Slider Carrying Capacity is determined via the integration of lift capacity, operating hours, acceptable slope densities, slope gradients, slider skill classifications and vertical feet of lift-serviced terrain.

Each slider ability level places different demands upon an area's lift and ski trail system. Empirical observations have determined that each slider ability level will ski a relatively constant number of vertical feet per day. As the proficiency of the slider increases, the demand for vertical feet also increases. During the past several years, Ecosign has undertaken and reviewed substantial research dealing with sliding demand, slider skill distribution and slider densities. These reviews have continued to support the bell curve distribution of slider skill levels (Table II.9, Plate II.4) and the current normal vertical sliding demands.

TABLE II.9
LAS VEGAS SKI AND SNOWBOARD RESORT
SLIDING DEMAND BY SKILL CLASSIFICATION

Skill Classification Planning Goals Skier Demand VTF/Day
Low Average High
1 Beginner 5% 2,000 2,320 3,090
2 Novice 10% 4,500 5,225 6,950
3 Low Intermediate 20% 6,000 6,970 9,270
4 Intermediate 30% 8,000 9,290 12,360
5 High Intermediate 20% 10,000 12,540 16,680
6 Advanced 10% 12,600 14,628 19,460
7 Expert 5% 18,000 20,904 27,800
Weighted Average 8,310 9,836 13,083

In Europe, western Canada and the western United States, we generally use the industry high VTF demand to ensure a quality, uncrowded sliding experience for the better conditioned, more aggressive sliders. The average or even the low level of demand is commonly found in Japan, Australia and Korea. Ecosign feels that the high level of VTF demand is suitable for evaluation and planning of Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

SLIDER SKILL CLASS DISTRIBUTION

PLATE II.4

Table II.10 summarizes the planning parameters which will be used for evaluating and planning at Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

TABLE II.10
LAS VEGAS SKI AND SNOWBOARD RESORT
PLANNING PARAMETERS

Skill Classification Skill
Mix 		Acceptable
Terrain
Gradients 		Slider
Demand
VTF/Day 		Slider Densities
On Trail At Area
1 Beginner 5% 8-15% 3,090 12 30
2 Novice 10% 15-25% 6,950 12 30
3 Low Intermediate 20% 25-35% 9,270 9.6 24
4 Intermediate 30% 30-40% 12,360 9.6 24
5 High Intermediate 20% 35-45% 16,680 7.2 18
6 Advanced 10% 45-60% 19,460 3.6 9
7 Expert 5% 60% + 27,800 4.8 12

Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort SCC Analysis

Based upon the design VTF demand, we have calculated the Slider Carrying Capacity (SCC) of Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard's existing lift facilities, as listed in Table II.11. Based upon this analysis, the existing lift system can comfortably accommodate 1,230 sliders per day.

The capacity analysis assumes that sliders are distributed throughout the mountain, with the waiting time for each lift equal to the lift's ride time. The VTF demand on each lift is determined by the terrain balance of the trails serviced by that lift.

TABLE II.11
SLIDER CARRYING CAPACITY

Lift Lift Name Lift Hourly Vertical VTF/Hr VTF Loading Access SCC
No. Type Capacity Feet (000) Demand Effic. Reduc.
1 Green 3C 1,800 638 1,148 13,128 90% 0% 550
2 Black 2C 1,200 670 804 9,592 90% 0% 530
3 Rabbit Peak 2C 660 67 44 3,090 80% 0% 80
4 Beginner MC 500 21 11 1,000 95% 0% 70
TOTAL 4,160 1,396 2,007 1,230
Rabbit Peak Trail