Case Studies - Piste and snowboard park developmentWhilst most resorts of the world are already developed and not expanding - there are a few resorts and new areas that are still creating pistes and snowboard parks. There are some innovative solutions out there to ensure that they minimise impacts as much as possible and blend into the environment. We'll be adding to this page as we learn about other examples...
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The Stash, Avoriaz, FranceAvoriaz has brought to Europe a new generation of 100% natural snow playgrounds known as The Stash.
A new concept in snowparks imported from the Californian resort of North Star, it was developed by Jake Burton himself, famous for his visions on the future of the snowboard. Burton’s philosophy was to create an area in the middle of the forest that caters for a mixture of freeride and freestyle, is 100% natural and simultaneously transmits messages about environmental protection. The Stash combines a large expanse of un-groomed snow and slopes that wind in and out of the trees in the Lindarets forest. It is punctuated with hidden wooden obstacles that skiers stumble across when hurtling down a ‘secret passage’. Half-way down all the tracks lead through to a cabin hidden in the middle of pine trees, then separate again to snake their way along this beautiful forest’s hidden by-ways. The cabin is where messages are subtly spread about actions that can limit environmental damage. This is a great idea on many levels – it acts as a sacrifice area in a less fragile forest to provide skiers and snowboarders with the tree skiing and ungroomed snow they crave, but in a safe way and avoiding fragile plants and hibernating animals. The structures are 100% natural and blend in beautifully both in winter and summer. It can provide hours of activity – a real idea for small resorts that do not have or want the piste capacity and finally it is a great way to introduce environmental protection in a relaxed way. |  |
