Is a Ski Resort Cooperative Viable?
The above illustration, which appears in the recent issue of Kootenay Culture Magazine, was created by Nelson resident and ski aficionado Chris Rowat. It's a mythical depiction of what could very well be the most amazing resort on earth – a backcountry wonderland with no ropes or groomers that is owned by 825 members of a cooperative.
Does this idea belong in the land of unicorns though? Without a large corporation behind the project there are no rows of uber-expensive chalets along the main runs – just funky huts tucked into out-of-the-way places. And at the main lodge, beer pitchers only cost $10.
Presently there is one cooperative trying to get into the Canadian history books: My Mountain Coop is in the process of purchasing Shames Mountain Ski Area near Terrace, BC by raising $2 million through the sale of shares. While the organization still has a long way to go, it's the first-ever attempt by a coop to get into the high-priced world of ski resort managment.
Do you think ski resort cooperatives are viable? Would you join a ski coop knowing as a member you'd be partly responsible for the guidance of operations?
