Coast Gravity Park

Progressive Planning

From Olympic venues to small communities, our team will take your vision to a reality. We specialize in ski area master planning, tenure management planning, terrain and trail analysis, and site suitability for outdoor recreation.

Innovative Design

You won’t find ‘cookie-cutter’ resorts here.

At BHA we approach each project with an understanding that unique, place-based design is critical to create attractive destinations. Our in-house suite of specialized people, GIS mapping tools, and document and graphic production allow us to bring your vision to a professional and clear finish.

Sustained Prosperity

All our projects aim to enhance economic, social and environmental outcomes.

How can BHA help you reach your project goals?

Distinctive Planning & Design

Living in Whistler affords us the opportunity to participate in, observe and learn from this world class tourism destination.  Our knowledge and experience has given us the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects throughout Canada, the USA, Japan, Europe, China, Australia, Korea and New Zealand.

Testimonials

I just wanted to thank (BHA) again for the outstanding work the firm did for our Riverwalk Master Plan. The comprehensiveness of the concepts and level of thought and detail supporting them in the Master Plan is amazing – some of the best work we have seen from a consultant! I have had nothing but great comments from other staff and stakeholders about the Master Plan!

Nancy Tucker Planning Director

BHA were key in the successful master planning and design of the Sea to Sky Gondola, a project which, after its first summer season (2014), has exceeded our wildest expectations.  Working closely with our environmental consultant, engineers and architects, they were able to efficiently and effectively respond to our requests, producing concepts and site plans in a creative and timely fashion.  BHA’s mountain recreation facility design expertise, 3D models, lift alignment and visual impact analyses were critical in demonstrating our project’s reduced footprint and incredible potential.  Their experience was invaluable in securing the required approvals (Management Plan, Rezoning, Official Community Plan amendments, Parks amendments) that lead to getting the right pieces in place, moving the project forward.  We look forward to working with Brent and his team again.

David Greenfield / Trevor DunnPrincipals - Ground Effects

On June 07, 2010 Whitewater’s revised Master Plan was approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts, with Brent Harley and Associate’s expert guidance, this process was timely, on budget and painless.  Brent’s personal understanding of individual resort requirements and quirky community obligations allowed Whitewater to develop a plan that fulfilled its desire to remain true to an unshakable local culture.  Brent and his team approached all aspects of the design with gravitas, truly a remarkable group.  Thanks BHA!

Brian CusackGeneral Manager, Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson, BCWhitewater Ski Resort

Brent Harley and his team were intimately involved with the master plan of Spirits Reach. Their land planning expertise in sustainable, low-impact development guided us to create a compelling, viable and environmental sound community master plan. Working closely with Brent Harley and Associates, the community was planned with respectful deference to the natural beauty that has always existed here.

Dave and Donna RaeFounding Partners of Spirits ReachSpirits Reach

From our very first meeting, it was clearly apparent that quite simply: Brent Harley and Associates “Get It”. Being a small community based day skiing area; our planning project came with a few unique planning and design requirements. The knowledge, specific level of understanding, expertise, grounded realism, professionalism and passion that Brent and his entire team brought to the project, allowed for the Master Planning Process to evolve in to a comprehensive and well thought out plan that we are entirely pleased with. I would not hesitate to recommend Brent Harley and Associates to any of my peers, and In fact, I have!

Dave MorrisonGeneral Manager, Pass Powderkeg Ski AreaPass Powderkeg

The team at BHA have consistently delivered expert advice, pragmatic solutions and thoughtful client support over the many projects we have conducted together. It is a pleasure for us to work with Brent and his skilled team and we will continue to do so at every opportunity.

Kent StewartDirector, Western Management ConsultantsWestern Management Consultants

Brent Harley and Associates has been a key partner for the Halifax 2011 Canada Games – they are true professionals who have a keen understanding of the ski sport world. The team understood our needs and went the extra mile to ensure they were met and exceeded. As a result of their technical knowledge and expertise, Nova Scotia will benefit from enhanced ski facilities, and the dreams of Canada’s best young athletes will play out on our ski hills in 2011

Chris Morissey CEO Halifax 2011 Canada Winter GamesCanada Games 2011 - Halifax

Brent and his team have been very responsive in providing support in the rapid growth of Big White Ski Resort in all areas: Master Panning and Secondary Plans, guest facilities, recreational activities (eg. Mega Snow Coaster Tube Park) and real estate developments ($200 million of single and multi-family developments in the last 5 years). Brent’s contribution to our success has been noticed and appreciated over the 15 years which he has worked with our family at Big White Ski Resort

Peter Schumann / Paul PlocktisPresident Big White Ski Resort Ltd. / General Manager Big White

Over the years, Brent Harley and Associates have always responded in a timely fashion to our planning needs and technical questions with high quality planning input.  They have provided practical and insightful options for a number of planning challenges at Silver Star.  Most recently, the Silver Star Master Plan outlines everything from a well delineated mountain plan to detailed village and residential design.  Their ability to create plans that effectively embrace and move toward the realization our envisioned future for the resort has been of great value.

Ian GrantFormer CEO, Silver Star Mountain ResortSki Silver Star

Brent Harley and his team have been involved in our Saddle Mountain project from the start and have provided cost effective direction and support through all phases of the government approval process. Brent Harley and Associates have made a point of getting to know all parts of our business. They have an excellent reputation to meet the desired end results both with private industry and government.

Mike WiegelePresident, Mike Wiegele Helicopter SkiingMike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing

We were very pleased with the work Brent and his team did for us on our ski school operations project. This was an unusual challenge as we were trying to figure out the best way to manage 28 concession ski schools. The report containing their findings was well thought out and clearly stated. Brent and his associates were professional and worked closely with us every step of the way. Their efforts and the resultant document has provided us with a solid plan that we are now executing

John GiffordGeneral Manager, Steven’s Pass Ski Resort Stevens Pass

In 2009 Mt Buller issued a brief to prepare a “Resort Master Plan” (RMP). This was a significant project as it incorporated both the on snow and village master planning for a 7,500 bed resort that had been in operation for over 60 years into the one document for the first time. It was a cooperative initiative between Buller Ski Lifts, the operator of the ski fields and largest stakeholder, and Mt Buller Resort Management Board, the government land manager and service provider. After an exhaustive selection process Cox Architects & Planners of Melbourne, Australia led the successful consortium of consultants appointed to complete the task. Brent Harley & Associates of Whistler, BC, Canada were part of the successful consortium. Brent Harley & Associates were engaged by Cox in order to bring ski field and alpine village planning experience to the consortium. The RMP was completed on time and on budget in 2010 to the great satisfaction of Mt Buller. Brent Harley’s contribution to the RMP was significant and he earned our respect with his extensive and practical knowledge of alpine planning which transcends international boundaries.

Laurie BlampiedGeneral ManagerMt. Buller

We have successfully worked with Brent Harley and his team to create a mountain master plan design that will transform the existing Porters Ski Resort into one of the leading four season alpine resort destinations in Australasia.

In the process, Brent has evidenced a thorough understanding of the commercial drivers for the creation of a viable ski resort, while also  integrating very well with the local expertise that was assembled to assist in creating the master plan.

The Porters Ski Resort (to be renamed Crystal Valley Alpine Resort ) is located in an area of outstanding scenic quality and environmental integrity.  Preservation of these rare qualities continues to be one of the core values of the master plan and Brent has embraced these values in his approach to our unique opportunity.

We would highly recommend anyone considering the upgrade of their ski resort to engage the services of BHA.

Duncan BullExecutive Chairman, Porters Ski Resort, New Zealand

All I can say about the BHA Mountain Master Plan is  “Very well done!”  BHA has an excellent grasp of the intricacies of the Lake Louie Ski Area.  It is seldom consultants new to the Lake Louise area “get it”, but BHA does.

Charlie LockeOwner/Operator Lake Louise Ski Area

We are absolutely thankful for the genuine and successful experience of working with Brent Harley Associates (BHA) on the application and Management Plan for our Heli-ski tenure in the wilds of the Central Coast of British Columbia. BHA was an imperative part of our success in the venture, and they quickly and effectively navigated the MANY processes required to complete our application for a vast and complex area.

We thank BHA for conducting the project knowledgably, gathering the best from each contributor to make a successful whole all while tackling the massive job of mapping and perfecting the Management Plan. We are working hard for a successful and exciting future – BHA is a huge part of realizing the dream.

Mandi and Billy BlewettOwner/Operator - Great Bear Heli SkiingGreat Bear Heli Skiing

Core Services

Territorial Acknowledgement

BHA acknowledges that our office is located on the shared traditional and unceded territories of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) and Lil’wat (Líl̓wat) First Nations. Our work also extends to the traditional territories of many other First Nations and we respectfully acknowledge and commit to honouring their relationship to the land.

About Us

BHA (Brent Harley & Associates Inc.)  excels at providing distinctive design and planning solutions to the mountain and ski resort community. From brand new resorts to the re-envisioning of existing facilities, we approach each project as a unique assignment, special in its own right.

We strive to find progressive solutions that are successful and sustainable. As a small “boutique” planning firm located in the mountain resort community of Whistler, BC, Canada, our staff live, work, play and breathe resorts. This exposure, combined with our backgrounds, education and 35 years of world-wide resort development experience, uniquely qualify us to deliver outstanding and memorable mountain resort design.

Our team works closely with each and every client to create mountain designs and plans that are progressive, successful and sustainable.

  • Efficient

    Our team’s specialized experience will save you time and money.

  • Stakeholder Focused

    We work with our clients and stakeholders to produce plans that incorporate local values and traditions.

  • Responsive

    Our detail oriented team guarantees quick turn around times.

  • Digital Design

    We use the latest in 3D design, Autocad and GIS software.

35

Years of Planning and Design Experience

500+

Happy Clients

20cm

Rule in Effect

Designing Unique & Special Mountain Resorts that Work

The creation of our plans and feasibility studies are more than a mechanical exercise.  They are a planning process whereby we take into account the reasons why people are attracted to mountain resort areas and how to best adapt to local, regional and international target markets.  We work closely with our clients to help clarify and refine their vision for development projects and carefully consider the physical and environmental capabilities of the land to support the proposed development.  Throughout the process we proactively address issues that will impact on the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the project.

Our Clients

BHA is always interested in hearing from talented people. Please use the link below to email your resume and portfolio.

  • Contact

    Send your CV to bha@brentharley.com

Brent Harley and Associates Inc. 2020