The Impact of Mega Sports Events on Mountain Environments: The Case of the 1989, 1999 and 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado

The Gore and northern Sawatch Mountains of Colorado were subject to two divergent land use initiatives 1960–1980: the development of two ski areas, Vail and Beaver Creek, on national forest land and the designation of two... [ view full abstract ]

The Gore and northern Sawatch Mountains of Colorado were subject to two divergent land use initiatives 1960–1980: the development of two ski areas, Vail and Beaver Creek, on national forest land and the designation of two wilderness areas, the Eagles Nest and Holy Cross Wilderness Areas. Subsequently, an extended narrow urbanized corridor along Gore Creek and the Eagle River evolved, commonly known as Vail Valley.

This paper examines how mega sports events in Vail/Beaver Creek such as the 1989, 1999 and 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships and the changing practice and promotion of skiing in general initiated waves of modernization for mountain operations and the tourism infrastructure. The growth of Vail Resorts and its expansion into the Colorado backcountry is shown with comparative data and visualizations. Spatial data analyses and GIS generated maps reconstruct the development of the Town of Vail at different time periods and the growth of the resort, particularly its expansion onto public lands.

A section of the paper discusses new or revived practices of outdoor recreation. Locals and amenity migrants to the region discovered the recreational potential of the back country, in activities like non-consumptive wildlife watching, snow shoeing and hut-to-hut ski touring on/near the designated wilderness.

Attitudes and policies towards growth in and for an expanding valley have changed. At last, Vail Resorts has embraced sustainability as a goal, and the resort company as well as the Town of Vail have taken steps (with ‘green’ policies and programs) towards a sustainable future of the Valley.