Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort
Draft Master Development Plan

Master Development Plan - Phase 1

Phase 1 of the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort Mountain Master Plan is graphically illustrated on Figures 13a (JPG | PDF) and 13b (JPG | PDF) . The first phase of development in this Master Plan includes the retention of one of the existing chairlifts in its current alignment, realigning and replacement of one of the existing chairlifts with a detachable quadruple chairlift, replacement of one existing chairlift with a platter lift, and the installation of two additional fixed grip quadruple chairlifts, a platter and two new moving carpets, and the realignment of the existing moving carpet lift. Ski trail developments and improvements are planned to balance with the lift capacities, provide novice skill class terrain, and expand the capacity of the beginner skill class terrain. Development during this phase will increase the Skier Carrying Capacity of the ski area, as well as the variety of the terrain. All of the Phase 1 trails with snowmaking will also be lit for night skiing. The Phase 1 base area includes daylodge facilities and other winter and summer recreational activities.

Phase 1 lifts

Lift 1 (Green Triple Chair), will be retained in its current configuration. The Inventory section of this report has previously indicated that the existing ski trails in this pod have a lower capacity than the existing lift. In order to address this deficiency, Ecosign proposes widening existing ski trails 1A (Blackjack), 1E (Slot Alley), 1F, and 1G (Grandma's). Additionally, Ecosign proposes two new ski trails, 1C and 1D, both of which have slope gradients suitable for intermediate skiing.

Lift 2, the Black Chair, is an old technology, fixed grip, double chairlift which will be 26 years old in 2008. Ecosign proposes to replace this antiquated lift with a detachable quadruple chairlift on a new alignment. This new lift will provide a higher capacity and a much higher level of service than the existing chairlift. The top terminal of the new Lift 2-R (Replacement) will be located close to the existing top terminal site; however, the bottom terminal is relocated approximately 250 feet to the northwest and lowered approximately 18 feet to the 8,662-ft. elevation to allow ease of access to the lift with the base area development. The new bottom terminal will be graded in conjunction with the base area redevelopment, creating a level staging area between Lifts 1 & 2-R and the proposed daylodge. Ski trail expansion in this pod includes Trail 2A, which utilizes an existing tree clearing, and intermediate Trails 2B and 2H. Ski Trails 2D (The Strip), and 2G (Flying Home) are also widened to increase capacity and improve guest experience. Ecosign recommends that Lift 2-R is installed with an initial capacity of 2,000 pph and a future capacity of 2,400 pph which will be introduced when Lift 2-R becomes a staging access lift in Phase 2.

Lift 3, the Rabbit Peak fixed grip double chair is proposed to be replaced by a surface platter lift in a new alignment with a capacity of 720 pph. The new Lift 3-R alignment will provide significantly more beginner terrain and reduce skier congestion adjacent to the proposed daylodge. Platter lifts are economical and ideally suited to beginner clientele, as they eliminate the "fear of heights" experience and the loading / unloading difficulties sometimes associated with fixed grip chairlifts. The top unload will be located 165 feet southeast of the existing top terminal and the bottom will be located 72 feet south of the existing bottom terminal. The Rabbit Peak ski trail (3A) will be widened to optimize the utilization of the limited beginner skill class terrain available at Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

Lift 4a, the beginner moving carpet lift, will utilize the existing lift equipment and be slightly realigned in conjunction with the construction of the proposed daylodge. The load elevation of the lift will be at 8,610 feet and the unload elevation of 8,640 feet will be level with the lower floor of the proposed daylodge. A second moving carpet Lift 4b, is also proposed to be installed directly below Lift 4a, between the elevations of 8,585 and 8,610 feet. The two lifts installed in "series", will be used for return-skiing by beginners and as potential morning staging lifts. It will be possible for both skiers and non skiers to walk from the overflow parking to the base of the tubing park and maintenance facility via a relatively level walkway. Guests who require transport to the daylodge can walk up past the maintenance facility and utilize these two moving carpet lifts.

Lift 5, a double platter lift, is proposed to service the novice terrain identified in the Development Analysis (Pod D), located to the east of the existing area. This dual, parallel lift system would service three trails in the novice skill class, have a combined capacity of 1,440 pph and an SCC of approximately 340 skiers per day. The double platter is much better suited for novice skiers and is also more economical to install than a double chairlift. The bottom terminals are located to allow skiers to slide via Skiway A to the bottom of the existing resort. An additional skiway (Trail B) would be provided midway down Trail 5A, which would allow novice skill class skiers to return directly to the proposed daylodge.

Double Platter Lift for Beginners

Lift 6, a moving carpet lift, is proposed as a transportation solution for novice skill class skiers to access the double platter lift, Lift 5. The bottom load of the lift is located at the same elevation of the bottom of Lifts 3 and 4a, at 8,585 feet for ease of access for lower ability level skiers. This lift system is used for access and, as such, does not have any skier carrying capacity associated with it.

Lift 7 is a fixed grip, quadruple chairlift with a rated hourly capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour and a vertical rise 850 feet. This lift services the advanced skill level of skiers and services approximately 440 skiers per day. A total 7 trails encompassing 26 acres have been proposed as part of Lift 7 in Phase 1.

Lift 8, also a fixed grip, quadruple chairlift, has a proposed rated hourly capacity of 2,000 passengers per hour and a vertical rise 620 feet. This lift services terrain up to the 9,550-foot elevation and increases the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort's total vertical drop by 203 feet to a total of 965 feet. This lift services skiers ranging from novice through intermediate, and services approximately 680 skiers per day. A total of 6 ski trails encompassing 28 acres are associated with Lift 8. The capacity of Lift 2 is also planned to be increased by 20 percent in conjunction with the installation of Lift 8, in order to provide staging for Lift 8.

At the completion of the proposed Phase 1 development, the ski area will be able to comfortably support 3,200 skiers. The proposed lift specifications are listed in Table IV.1.

Phase 1 Ski Trails

The detailed specifications for the Phase 1 ski trails are listed in Table IV.2. The Phase 1 ski area would have a total of 40 trails and skiways covering approximately 123.2 acres.

Table IV.3 lists the skill level distribution for the Phase 1 trail development. The Phase 1 trails are moderately well balanced, with a shortage of high intermediate and a surplus of novice and low intermediate terrain, as illustrated in Plate IV.2. As previously mentioned, the surplus of the lower skill level terrain will be beneficial for the quickly growing regional Southern Nevada market.

Plate IV.2 graphically illustrates the relationship between lift and trail capacities for the Phase 1 lift systems. Phase 1 was designed to ensure that each ski pod contains a reasonable balance between lift and trail capacities. Lift 2 has been planned with a higher capacity than the inventoried Lift 2 ski trails in order to service the planned terrain parks in this ski pod, and to reduce the space required for lift-queuing immediately adjacent to the proposed daylodge.

The apparent over-lifting of trails serviced by Lift 7 is due to the advanced skill level classification of all 7 trails in this ski pod. Ecosign anticipates that the trails serviced by Lift 7 may also be utilized by high intermediates if the trails are groomed on a regular basis. In such a scenario, the lift to ski trail capacity of Lift 7 will be well balanced.

Phase 1 Snowboarding Facilities

Snowboard parks are an essential part of a winter resort area and are enjoyed by both snowboarders and skiers utilizing the twin tipped skis. Snowboarding at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard resort is a very important activity; 75 percent of the users that buy lift tickets are snowboarders. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort currently has a halfpipe and snowboard park suitable for low end snowboarders located on the lower portion of Trail 2E, The Strip. In Phase 1, the number of hits and features would be expanded. Additionally, with the introduction of the ski-cross in the 2010 Olympics, a combination snowboard/ski cross course could be installed on west side of Trail 1A.

The snowboard facilities are generally made up of a halfpipe and other snowboard park features such as:

• "Rails" - The top sliding surface of rails are constructed of metal
• "Hits" - Jumps built out of snow
• "Pipes" - Halfpipes or Quarterpipes

Beginner features are located on gentle terrain with an average slope gradient between 15 and 30 percent, similar to the terrain found on "the Strip", Trail 2E. The lead-in approach ramp onto the feature, or the uphill side, should be smooth, allowing the park user to easily slide up onto the feature. A sample "Box Jib" known as a "Battleship" is illustrated in the following photograph.

Beginner "Battleship" box feature
Note the green circle markers and gentle terrain ~17% slope

Low intermediate features allow users to graduate to more difficult activities with the introduction of a small "jumping" sensation. To ensure that park users of this ability level obtain a maximum speed that is within their skill level, low intermediate features should be located on 20-25 percent average slope gradients, with a short in-run with a maximum slope gradient of 30 percent.

Low Intermediate "Picnic Table" feature

Intermediate features are located on 25-35 percent slopes and should also be placed at slope transitions to allow for a shallow in-run and a short outrun of 35-45 percent slope. Limiting the length of the in-run will ensure that park users do not approach the feature with excessive speed, resulting in the user overshooting the feature completely. "Jibs" and "rails" should introduce a horizontal gap between the entry ramp and the feature. The top surfaces of intermediate features are typically between 6 and 7 inches wide and may be constructed of flat, steel bar.

Intermediate rail slide - Note the blue square markers, horizontal gap between ramp and feature Intermediate "Hip" jump. Gentle in-run ensures that users do not overshoot the feature

Advanced and expert features require the user to approach at maximum speed, with in-runs up to 45 percent. Average slope gradients for these features should fall between 30-40 percent. Expert features are typically located on natural slope "roll overs."

Rails typically contain a horizontal and vertical gap between the entry ramp and the feature. The park user is required to "step up" onto the feature. Rails are constructed of a single steel tube, or two tubes welded together with a surface width between 1 and 3 inches. Often, the rail surface will contain multiple slopes within the sliding surface.

Expert Rail Slide. Note the black diamond marker and "Step up" required between ramp and feature

Expert jumps typically require the park user to jump a minimum of 32 feet horizontally, to reach the landing zone of the feature. Users that attempt expert features with insufficient speed will risk injury by landing on the flat portion of the feature. To minimize impact during landing, the landing area slope gradient should be up to 65 percent.

In order to allow movement of features, all rail and box features should be placed either directly on or into the snow. Jump features must be constructed entirely from snow. Artificial snow is the ideal construction material, as it is more consistent than natural snow. However, in order to reduce the amount of water used for snowmaking, earth fill may be strategically placed to form the feature. It is recommended that the halfpipe also be pre-formed with earth to minimize the amount of snowmaking required.

Expert Jump
Note the double black diamond markers
High speed required to reach landing zone

Snowboard Cross

The snowboard cross, sometimes referred to as the boarder cross is a snowboarding course that includes cambered turns, gap jumps, berms, drops, and steep and flat sections designed to challenge the riders' ability to stay in control.

Up to four snowboarders are allowed on the course at one time. It is not uncommon for racers to collide with each other. The snowboard cross was first introduced into the Olympics in Turin in 2006. The skier cross is on a similar course. The skier cross event will debut at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, Canada. The course is generally constructed of snow. In order to reduce the amount of machine made snow required, some earth shaping will be required. The snowboard cross is proposed to be located on the west side of Trail 1A.

Snowboard Cross

Phase 1 Snowmaking Coverage

A significant expansion of the existing snowmaking reservoir and distribution system is planned in Phase 1 of the Mountain Master Plan. The existing 1-million gallon reservoir is slated to be expanded to between 7 and 9 million gallons. Ecosign roughly estimates that the expanded reservoir will be sufficient to cover 50 acres to a depth of 12 inches. This rough estimation assumes an industry average conversion factor of 0.55 ft³ of water required to produce 1.0 ft³ of snow (4.1 gallons water = 1 ft³ snow). Additionally, a second reservoir with a usable capacity of approximately 30 million gallons is planned in a naturally formed gully, located between the 8,920- 9,000-foot elevation. In conjunction with the expanded existing reservoir, Ecosign roughly estimates a Phase 1 snowmaking capacity of 38 million gallons, sufficient to cover 141 acres to a depth of 18 inches, or 106 acres to a depth of 2 feet. The proposed Phase 1 snowmaking coverage is illustrated on Figure 14 (JPG | PDF) and listed in Table IV.4.

The proposed reservoirs will provide sufficient capacity to cover all Class 1-5 terrain with 24 inches of snow. Any remaining snowmaking reservoir capacity will be used to build snow features in the terrain parks and re-cover trails as required throughout the ski season. All of the Phase 1 trails with snowmaking will also be lit for night skiing.

Phase 1 Grooming Requirements

As stated in the Inventory section of this report, grooming is an essential component of mountain operations and any expansion of terrain must be matched by the expansion of the existing grooming fleet. Based on the methodology and assumptions outlined in the Inventory section, the grooming requirements for Phase 1 of development are listed in Table IV.5.

Phase 1 Other Winter Activities

Other than skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing is becoming a very popular activity at winter resorts. Figures 15 (JPG | PDF) and 16 (JPG | PDF) graphically illustrate the snow tubing area.

Snow Tubing

Kids of all ages will enjoy the thrill of snow tubing. Tubing requires no special skills or athletic abilities to participate, making it suitable for almost everyone. Tubes and riders are transported uphill by a mechanical lift, whereupon they choose a tubing lane and begin their ride. Lanes are groomed for various experiences and skill levels.

Carpet Tubing Lift Cable Tubing Lift

At the top of the tubing lanes there is a start area where tubers prepare themselves for launching down the tube lanes. Normally, a starter attendant gives the signal for the tubers to start when the lane is clear of tubers below. The starting/acceleration zone is usually around 25 percent slope gradient for 15 to 30 feet of vertical drop. Each lane is shaped with a slight depression in the center and a berm on each side to keep the tubes within their respective lanes.

Carpet Tubing Lift and Tube Slope

As the tube rider progresses down the tube lane, the slope gradient decreases. The bottom of the lane has a flat run-out and deceleration zone that may even include a slight counter-slope area to slow down and then stop the tubes. The average gradient between the start zone and the stopping point of the tubes is approximately 12-15 percent depending on the types of tubes used.

Tubing Lanes and Run-Out Areas

We have prepared a conceptual tubing hill location adjacent to the existing maintenance facility, as illustrated on Figure 22 (JPG | PDF) . This facility would have up to 8 lanes in Phase 1. This tube facility could be serviced with either a moving conveyor lift or a cable/handle lift to service approximately 50 feet of vertical. There will be some grading required in order to establish the proposed tubing lanes.

It will be possible for people using the tube facilities to walk directly from the overflow parking lot to the base of the tube hill on a path with gentle grades. A small tube service building of approximately 900 square feet will be required at the base of the tube hill. This building will house ticket sales, tube storage and repair, hot chocolate and snack sales, accessory retail and restroom facilities.

There are currently several ski areas on USFS lands that operate tube sliding parks. These include Keystone Mountain, Colorado which has the tube facilities located at the top of the Gondola; Mt. Bachelor, Oregon, which has tube facilities located at the West Village; and Vail, Colorado which has its tube park located at the top of the Lion's Head Gondola, for example.

Phase 1 Summer Activities

Summer activities are extremely important to the success of the resort's year-round recreational potential. These activities can make use of the infrastructure and facilities already in place for winter recreation, as well as other improvements which add diversity to the overall recreation potential. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort area is situated above the 8,500-foot elevation and, as such, is much cooler than the desert valley below. This cooler temperature makes it ideal for activities that normally would be unbearable at the lower elevations.

In the future, the diversity of the summer use will increase and expand to include other activities. The following is a list which describes anticipated on-mountain summer activities for Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

• Lift Accessed Sightseeing and Hiking
• USFS Nature Interpretive Hikes
• Evening Star Gazing
• Mountain Biking
• Conference Retreats and Seminars, Weddings, Family Reunions
• Mountain Music Concerts and Festivals
• Alpine Coaster Slide
• Climbing Wall
• Bungee Trampoline
• Beach/Grass Volleyball
• Zip Trek
• Car Rally and Show 'n Shine, "H.O.G" (Harley Owner's Group)
• Disc Golf
• Art Festivals

It should be noted that activities such as go-carts, dirt bikes or horseback rides will not be pursued due to their potential environmental impact.

Lift Accessed Sightseeing

In Phase 1, it is anticipated that Lift 1, the detachable chairlift, or Lift 2, a fixed grip triple chairlift can be utilized to transport foot-passengers up the mountain for sightseeing, during both the winter and summer seasons. During the summer, foot- passengers will venture out from the top terminal location to hike around the different parts of mountain. Summer lift accessed sightseeing and hiking is fairly common at ski areas located on USFS lands. Most of these areas also operate their mountain restaurants for the summer sightseers. Areas on USFS land currently operating sightseeing lift rides and mountain top restaurants include Vail (Blue Moon Bar and Restaurant at the top of the Lion’s Head Gondola); Copper Mountain (Solitude Station Restaurant at the top of the American Eagle Chairlift); Winter Park (The Sun Spot Restaurant at the top of the Zephyr Chondola); all in Colorado, and Big Mountain, Montana for example.

USFS Nature Interpretive Hikes

The hiking program will be expanded to include nature interpretive hikes with USFS staff assisting in the interpretive hikes, similar to the program that is currently undertaken during the winter by the Snow Rangers at some areas. Highlights of the tours will include the identification of Species of Concern. Indoor and outdoor interpretive displays will also be installed in and around the lodge facilities.

Evening Star Gazing

Several evenings per season could be centered around stargazing, with telescopes for optimal viewing, far away from the bright lights of Las Vegas. Special events can also be planned for observation of astronomical displays such as the Perseid meteor showers, etc.

Mountain Biking

The proposed mountain biking and summer hiking will utilize the existing trails and mountain roads. These mountain bike trails will include use of the existing summer road system, as well as more advanced single track trails. The snowboard terrain park can be used as a mountain bike park during the summer.

Bike trails will be built in an environmentally sensitive manner. Areas with sensitive plant species or riparian lands will be avoided. The mountain bike trail system will be maintained and signed so that offshoot trails will not be established. All biking will be confined to designated trails only. Additionally, the maintenance will include measures to make sure that any run-off is diverted back into the natural vegetation so that erosion does not take place on the trail surface. Signage will also be installed to identify both natural and sensitive species, as part of a proactive interpretive measure to educate the trail users on why it's important they stay on the trail, as well as the overall unique nature of the recreation area.

Mountain Biking Trail

Mountain biking is currently being offered at many ski resorts located on USFS land. One of the more famous mountain bike operations is located at Vail, which has hosted two Mountain Bike World Championships. The Vail mountain bike operation also includes on-mountain BBQs. Other Colorado areas such as Winter Park, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain also operate comprehensive mountain bike operations, including mountain bike parks on USFS lands. In California, Mammoth Mountain was one of the first areas to have lift accessed mountain biking in the United States.

Conferences

The mountain restaurant will be ideal for hosting conferences, seminars, retreats, family reunions, weddings and other group dinners associated with these gatherings. For example, the opportunity to meet and have a meal in a unique setting for one day of a multi-day conference will provide a unique attraction for groups coming to Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

Mountain Music Concerts and Festivals

The lower portion of the trail between the bottom terminals of Lifts 1 and 2 will be graded so that it forms an amphitheater for general seating. A stage would be set up between the two lift terminals on the flat area used for the lift line-up, and face up toward the ski trails. The daylodge can be used for ticket sales, refreshments and washroom functions. The amphitheater seating location is illustrated on the overall Base Area Development Plan, Figure 16 (JPG | PDF) .

Alpine Coaster

A full range of alpine slide devices are available. The "Toboggan Run" has small carts that are gravity powered and run in a stainless steel flume set into the ground. The track is made up of sharp curves, gradual bends and straight sections. The cart can accommodate up to two passengers. Track lengths vary between 800 and 6,500 feet. The Bobkart rides in a welded stainless steel track that is designed for flat sites. The Bobkart is gravity self-powered and can reach speeds up to 25 mph.

Alpine Coaster

The "Alpine Coaster" is a high-tech version of other gravity slides that runs on an elevated stainless steel tubular track. The track runs through the forest on a track that varies in height of between 3 and 20 feet above the ground. The coaster can be operated year round, as snow or rain does not affect the operation of the equipment. This type of coaster has its own uplift transportation system so that it is a self contained attraction that can operate independently of the ski operation. A conceptual location for the Alpine Coaster is illustrated on Figure 22 (JPG | PDF) .

In Colorado, Winter Park has an Alpine Luge serviced by the Arrow chairlift that is located on Forest Service lands. Additionally, a summer slide has been approved for the Hoodoo Ski area in Oregon by the USFS.

Climbing Wall

Climbing walls are very popular at ski /snowboard resorts. These are usually free standing structures that are modular and set up for the summer in the base area of the resort near the daylodge. This structure would be set up for summer and located adjacent to the daylodge on the skier plaza.

Climbing Wall

Bungee Trampoline

The Slingshot Trampoline Bungee Jump provides a safe and fun way for the entire family to experience "big air" in the mountains. Jumpers are able to reach heights that would be impossible using a trampoline alone. Secured and safe in their adjustable purpose built harness, they are free to experiment with acrobatic movements or to simply jump as high as they can. The rapid rate at which confidence sky rockets after your first double somersaults creates a contagious buzz between both participants and spectators. This exciting activity combines the adrenaline rush of a trampoline and bungee jumping in a safe and controlled environment. The Bungee Trampoline has become very popular at ski and snowboard resorts around the world and can be used both during the summer and winter. Since this equipment is totally portable, it could be located on the skier plaza or snow apron both during the summer and winter if desired.

Bungee Trampoline

Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball can be played either in the traditional way in sand with teams of two, or adapted to be played on grass with several courts and teams of six, as illustrated in the following photograph. The beach volleyball courts can be set up in front of the area that is used for the snow apron during the winter. The volleyball can take place on the grassed area or sand can be placed on the courts for a true beach volleyball experience.

"Beach Volleyball" Grass Tournament

Zip Trek/Sky Line

Resorts all around the world are now installing Zip Riders/Zip Trek or Sky Line tours for both summer and winter use. Zip Trekking involves moving from treetop to treetop while attached to the cable via a full-body harness. The harness attaches to a zip pulley via two tethers (one main and one backup). The cable trail is connected to both a launch and landing platform. The series of cable zip lines and suspension bridges move riders over gaping gorges and ice framed rivers. The Zip Trek has also evolved into a nature interpretive activity with zip line staff acting as guides who answer questions and provide relevant information about the area's ecology and the ancient forests. Riders can achieve speeds of up to 60 miles per hour over some of the spans.

Zip Line Eco Tours and Interpretive Programs

A second type of zip line consists of four parallel cables that run through the forest in one long span. This system is currently installed in Park City Ski Resort in Utah. As illustrated on Figure 15 (JPG | PDF) , a zip line with 4 parallel cables with seats that hang from the line is proposed to run over the "lift section" of the Alpine Coaster down to the daylodge. Zip lines from either the top of Lift 1 or Lift 2 down to the daylodge are considered as alternative alignments for this facility.

Park City "Ziprider"

A ZipRrider has been installed at the Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort in New Hampshire. This is the first ZipRider to be approved for operation on USFS lands. Heavenly Ski Resort in California has just received approval to install a ZipRider on USFS lands and construction is underway. This ZipRider is scheduled to open to the public in early 2008. Additionally, a zip line ride has been approved for Hoodoo Ski area in Oregon.

Disc (Frisbee) Golf

Disc golf is played in a similar manner as ball golf. The initial "drive" is taken from a designated tee area. Each subsequent throw is taken from just behind the spot where the disc came to rest. Each throw is added to a player's score. As with ball golf, each hole is given a par rating. A common strategy for a par-three hole, as in golf, would be to drive (long throw toward the basket), approach (mid-range throw to the "green") and then putt (short throw into the basket). The hole is