WHATIF? You Could Ski in NYC
IMAGINE . . .
Imagine that you wake up one crisp winter morning in Manhattan and think, “wouldn’t it be fantastic to ski today. . .”
WHAT IF . . .
What if you could ski IN a Metropolitan area like Manhattan? What if you didn’t have to drive - or fly - to the mountains to participate in snow sports? What if snow skiing isn’t available due to rising temperatures as a result of global warming?
Concept Nest LLC is pleased to introduce you to. . .
Snowless Snow Sports by CitySki
IDEA TYPE: Service, Business | INTENDED INDUSTRY Sports & Entertainment | CONCEPT NEST VALUES Play, Sustainability
HOW IT WOULD WORK
You open the MYski app. and with a few quick taps you are set. A little later, you climb aboard the “air ski gondola” waiting on your building’s helipad and are whisked away to the New York, New York Ski Resort less the 5 air minutes away!
Setting down on the resort’s skyscraper roof located at XYZ Street, you step off the ski gondola chopper and are quickly greeted by your personal concierge who has your custom ski equipment ready to go. Within minutes, you are blasting down the Black Diamond ski chute that drops down a severe incline - an initial drop of over 150 feet - before the trail branch that provides options of moguls and speed drop runs. You choose the mogul run that weaves in and out of an adjacent building with several sky way crossovers.
As you complete the run you find yourself in the street level lobby, surrounded by ski stores and restaurants as well as a set of high-speed elevators and elevator “lift chairs” that can get you back-up to the top over 1,000 feet very fast (another gravity rush). The ski resort is configured with Black, Blue and Green Ski runs from which to choose. These runs cross over to an adjacent building. Several warming huts and cafés can also be found at various mid-level locations on each run.
Access to the resort is available via air, subway, foot traffic and vehicles (e.g., uber, taxis).
During summer months the resort can be configured for mountain biking (if desired). This innovative facility offers alpine skiing in the heart of New York City 247.
VALUE
This dynamic recreational concept leverages and repurposes existing infrastructure to provide a fun and rewarding experience. The value provided is primarily fun but also contributes to sustainability of the planet.
ASSUMPTIONS
People enjoy skiing and snowboarding and are willing to pay hundreds - or maybe even thousands - of dollars in lift tickets. Club membership and VIP programs could also be part of the offerings. Climate change will severally threaten many of the existing ski resorts and the cost of creating and maintaining artificial snow will trickle down to the consumers (making it even more expensive and less enjoyable). Additionally, creating artificial snow has some impacts to the environment is several ways. Convenience is a big driver as well, a place to ski just a short drive (or walk) away. And yes, a brisk helicopter ride is available as well. The Ski Resort could be reconfigured in the summer for downhill biking (if desired). If longer ski runs are desired, perhaps a new section could be built on top of the buildings to create longer runs. Permits and Zoning requirements would be met and approved. ROI would be manageable and profit would be realized in 3-5 years.
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Acquire abandoned or available skyscrapers (1,000 feet tall or above). Two-Three buildings adjacent to each other. Location to be determined but within 15 minutes by car for most of New York City. The buildings would be retrofitted to accommodate several “ski” runs types (Black, Blue and Green runs would be accommodated). These ski runs could be reconfigured with different sections able to be connected to create a variety of runs (perhaps changed periodically). Special ski run fabric could be used to line the runs so there will be no need for making and maintaining snow. Special barriers and forgiving cushioned walls would be included to maximize safety,
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Although a variety of individuals will engage in this activity, the primary target customers are affluent sports-minded individuals that love skiing. This ski park provides a convenient and unique ski experience within the confines of New York City.
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There are a number of challenges and obstacles to consider. . . First, determining if this concept is even feasible/realistic from an engineering perspective. Can existing skyscraper buildings (cores) provide a footprint that allows artificial ski runs to be constructed within? Is there a viable business case that holds up financially and can adequate funding be obtained? Anticipating this concept is workable, finding a location within the city could be challenging. Perhaps an area that could be refreshed and provide business opportunities for numerous enterprises, and generate some affordable housing could be developed as well. Traditional Ski Resorts/companies may push back on this skiing option, or perhaps, they could pounce on the opportunity providing yet another venue that complements existing ski facilities and provide an alternative for those who want to ski but are limited on time and money required to commute to existing alpine ski areas. People enjoy skiing and snowboarding and are willing to pay hundreds/thousands of dollars in lift tickets. If successful, perhaps additional indoor ski resorts could be expanded to other metropolitan areas, e.g., Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, etc. Also, perhaps this indoor framework structure could be added on to existing ski area footprints taking advantage of the natural mountain drops (possibly not useable without expandable and innovative techniques) for more expansive ski runs that could be open year-round and complement existing established ski resorts.
BONUS DETAILS
Perhaps this Ski facility could also be an anchor feature to a more robust entertainment/amusement establishment. This expanded “amusement park” could include toboggan runs, zip lines between building, water slides, enclosed ice-skating rinks, rock climbing, roller coasters etc. Unique Hospitality accommodations could be included as well. Deluxe hotel rooms could be offered within the ski buildings providing a one-of-a-kind experience… This expanded amusement park could become a destination, a unique NY spectacle that attracts people from all over the world.