Eastern ski resort reps gather for conference

Ski resort representatives from across New England and Quebec gathered in Vermont for a two-day conference this past weekend focusing on developing resort-based mountain biking. The first-ever seminar in the Eastern US sent the message that the key to successful mountain biking at ski resorts is the investment in purpose-built mountain bike trails and bicycle-friendly facilities.

Held at Stowe Mountain Resort, the event was hosted by the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the Stowe Mountain Bike Club and Kona Bike Parks.

Vermont Governor Jim Douglas addressed the conference, emphasizing the importance of bicycling to Vermont. The Governor pledged the state's support for mountain biking and touted the activity's benefits to health, tourism, economic development, and kids.

Conference participants learned about building fun, sustainable trails, creating a biking revenue stream, managing risk and safety, and avoiding some of the past mistakes made in resort-based mountain bike development.