How to Plan and Design an All-Season Resort? BHA in South Korea and Japan

In February and March of 2020, Matt Bakker (Resort Planner with BHA) had the opportunity to travel to South Korea (Jeju & Seoul) and Japan (Sapporo, Nagano, & Tokyo) to present an overview of BHA’s Resort Planning and Design process as part of BC Wood Specialties Group’s 2020 Seminar Series. The BC Wood Specialties Group is a non-profit organization that represents BC’s specialty wood products producers internationally. Their annual Seminar Series is intended to showcase planning, design, materials, and building approaches used in Canada that may provide benefits or advantages to overseas markets.

Both South Korea and Japan have vibrant ski resort industries that are taking big strides towards true four season operations and greater presence within the international resort marketplace. Matt had the opportunity to share with attendees BHA’s approach to resort planning and steps to transition to an all-season operation, starting with Visioning, through Site Analysis/Inventory, Preliminary Concept development, and creation of a final Preferred Concept and Implementation Plan. Participants from a range of disciplines and backgrounds viewed the presentations and took part in Q&A sessions. Even though there was a language barrier, coming from a skiing and all-season resort background there is a common understanding that facilitated a lively exchange of ideas. BHA was happy to be able to contribute to the Seminar Series and looks forward to continuing to support South Korean and Japanese resorts as they undertake the next stage in their evolution.