Brian, you're one of the guys I respect most for promoting snowkiting in Utah. You have the talent and inteligence to keep things going in the right direction. You know more about the progression and promotion of snowkiting than I'll ever know. Thats is why I have to go in my back room and kick myself a couple times when I disagree with you. I think I was batting about 50% when working with Auggie. Half the time Auggie was trying to pull me back in the right direction (thanks). Good to probable chance I may be off here.
But for the sake of debate; Powder Mountain is a business. They are not going to benefit by being sheltered from the snowkiting business. As small class/po dunk (or best kept) that Powder Mountain may seem, the are savy enough to handle solicitation.
I think that kite companies that only have a commercial interest in sales and not in the true growth of the sport could be a negative point, when mixing with ski area politicians.
I think that kite companies that have a commercial interest in kite sales will benefit from "true growth in the sport", this year, next year, and years to come. Its worth these companies' time to approach Powder Mountain in a professional way with interest in the "true growth of the sport". If it comes across to Powder Mountain as negative, I think they can handle it, and look at the next offer they get for evaluation. Powder Mountain needs to see the interest and potential benefit.
Namely I think the subject should continualy be approached on an informative and educational stance, and one of the last things we need is companies desperate for recognition to burn our relationships with local mountains.
I think you are mostly right here. But I think the information and education should come from the Utah kiting community under Auggies direction. He is in tune with Powder Mountain, with you, with alot of the other guys. But information and education is only the start. These companies can potentially set the ball in motion. Thats usually how things work in the US industry?
I think a little competition between kiting companies might not be a bad thing either to keep things rolling. It may hurt Powder Mountains perception of the sport and might close some doors, but I think it will raise Powder Mountains interest in the sport and open new doors and new possibilities. Competion will bring out the best in you and the other companies and hopefully kite companies would combine their interests and Powder Mountains interests for a positive result.
And quite frankly, nothing we do or say here is going to make a difference here right? I mean if I'm the promotional manger for ozone, best or slingshot, wouldnt I call powder mountain anyways if I were trying to set up a tour and was interested in Powder Mountain. I think the best we (kiting communtity) can do is support the educational and informative format that you spoke of.