A Mountaintop Environment for Climate Research, Education, and Hospitality

Downhill skiing is a physical expression of fluidity, rhythm, and harmony that establishes an organic connection between humans and nature. By blending research, education, and hospitality, a mountaintop weather research observatory is proposed to create a dynamic connection between man and nature that educates and inspires. The experience serves as a catalyst that encourages behavior change regarding environmental conservation.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change has a profound effect on the biosphere and diverse impacts on global resources. The higher elevations of the Northern Rocky Mountains have experienced three times the global average temperature increase over the past century.

TEMPERATURE 1900-2000
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ECOSYSTEMS PROVIDE

EDUCATION

Today more than ever, society needs high-quality environmental education programs that succeed in moving values and changing behaviors in the direction of sustainability and environmental conservation.

Place-Based Education (PBE) Immerses students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences; uses these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum; and emphasizes learning through participation in service projects for the local school and/or community.

PLACE-BASED EDUCATION

THREE INTEGRATED GOALS

BACKCOUNTRY

The Rocky Mountains are one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world. Today, the state is famous for its abundant wilderness adventure possibilities, from skiing to rock climbing to mountain climbing. The number of backcountry skiers and snowboarders in the U.S. jumped almost 50 percent between the 2008-09 and 2013-14 winters and preliminary data indicates it will continue to climb.

THE BACKCOUNTRY DIFFERENCE

CONCEPT

SEQUENCE, FLUIDITY, RHYTHM, TRANSITIONS

FORM

FLUID

CONTOUR

SEQUENCE

FLUID + RHYTHMIC

NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY

Koutalaki Ski Village by BIG

MOUNTAINSIDE TRANSITION

Underground hotel by Matteo Thun

PROPOSED SITE

RESOLUTION MOUNTAIN, COLORADO

11,800

Feet Above Sea Level

6

Miles West of Vail Pass

WINTER ACCESSIBILITY

Snow Cat, Helicopter, Ski, Snowshoe

SUMMER ACCESSIBILITY

Personal Vehicle, Mountain Bike, Foot

ADJACENT TO FOWLER-HILLIARD HUT

One of the most popular in the 10th Mountain Division Hut System – 34 backcountry huts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

6

Miles From Interstate 70

18

Miles from Copper Resort

27

Miles from Vail Resort

140

From Denver International Airport

2000

Feet from Fowler-Hilliard Hut

PROGRAM & DESIGN

RESEARCHERS

Weather Observation + Research
Effects of Climate Change on High Altitude Environments
Tropospheric Chemistry
8 Weather Observers
4 Student Interns
4 Staff Volunteers

STUDENTS

11-12th Grade and University
24 Students Maximum
Weather and Climate Education Programs
Group Workshops, Lectures and
Character Building Exercises

MOUNTAINEERS

Skiers, Snowboarders, Snowshoers, Hikers, Mountain Bikers in need of lodging during excursion.
32 Guest Maximum
Backcountry Safety Courses
Climate Change Education