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RIDGELINE
Sustainable Resort, Recreation, and Tourism Solutions
Expertly designed resorts, trails, and backcountry experiences that balance adventure, sustainability, and long-term success
We help resorts, backcountry operators, and municipalities plan for the future. From identifying operational challenges to designing innovative and sustainable solutions, we work alongside our clients to enhance recreation experiences while ensuring economic and environmental viability. We are nimble, efficient, and dedicated—delivering high-quality results on any budget.
ABOUT US
Who We Are: Ridgeline Mountain Planners (RMP) is a trusted consulting firm specializing in resort and recreation master planning, site assessment, and stakeholder engagement. We help clients—from all-season resorts to remote backcountry operators—design world-class outdoor destinations that are economically viable, environmentally responsible, and guest-focused.
Our Philosophy: We believe that great planning and design balance economic feasibility, environmental sustainability, and cultural relevance. Our goal is to create great guest experiences that are engaging, rewarding, and fun—delivering results that enhance operations and keep visitors coming back.
Our Approach: We take an interdisciplinary approach to planning and design, looking at all the variables and integrating services such as site assessment, recreation planning, village planning, financial assessment, and public engagement. Whether working independently or collaborating with trusted partners, we tailor our services to meet each client’s unique needs.
Matt Bakker - Principal
Matt is a highly skilled and passionate resort and recreation planner with extensive experience in planning and designing world-class outdoor recreation and resort destinations. As the founder of Ridgeline Mountain Planners, he brings over eight years of expertise in resort master planning, trail network development, and stakeholder engagement. His proficiency in GIS analysis, policy review, and site planning, coupled with his passion for mountain biking, trail running, and downhill and backcountry skiing, ensures that each project he leads is both innovative and impactful. Matt's dedication to the industry is evident in his hands-on approach, commitment to collaboration, and ability to create tailored solutions that enhance recreation experiences while preserving natural landscapes.
Education and Professional Development
Masters in Resource and Environmental Management (Planning) – 2017
Bachelors in Human Geography (with Distinction) – 2013
Certificate in Sustainable Community Development – 2013
Certificate in Spatial Information Systems – 2013
Planning Institute of British Columbia: Candidate Member – 2024
International Association of Public Participation: Certificate in Public Participation – 2024
Indigenous Corporate Training Inc: Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples – 2023
We Live, Work, and Play in the Outdoors - And Bring this Personal Understanding Into Every Project We Work On
Our Services
Tailored Solutions for Every Project: Rather than rigid templates, we offer an integrated, site-based approach to planning and design, ensuring our services align with your project’s unique needs. Our expertise spans:
Resort & Recreation Planning
Resort & Recreation Planning
Strategic planning for all-season resorts and recreation facilities, balancing sustainability, feasibility, and guest experience
Site & Recreation Facility Assessments
Site & Recreation Facility Assessments
Evaluating existing conditions and capacities to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement
First Nations Consultation,
Public & Stakeholder Engagement
First Nations Consultation,
Public & Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborating with First Nations, communities, and stakeholders to create informed, inclusive, and well-supported plans
Backcountry & Adventure Tourism Planning
Backcountry & Adventure Tourism Planning
Feasibility Studies and Management Plans for Heli-skiing, Cat-skiing & Backcountry lodges
Trail & Recreation Network Planning
Trail & Recreation Network Planning
Comprehensive multi-use trail system planning, destination trail strategies, and trail network assessments
Project Portfolio
We bring innovative thinking and strategic solutions to every project, no matter the size. Here are a few examples of how we've helped clients enhance their operations and improve guest experiences:
Great Bear Heli-Skiing
Great Bear Heli-Skiing
RMP has worked with GBHS on a series of projects designed to improve the ski experience, enhance environmental stewardship, and increase operational flexibility. RMP developed a comprehensive management plan to help restore a remote cabin site, worked with the Province to clarify and update wildlife restrictions, and completed site assessments and GIS analyses of existing and potential terrain. From this work, additional terrain was identified and added, increasing operational flexibility and resilience against varying weather and snowpack conditions, as well as wildlife movement and related restrictions.
Battle Abbey Backcountry Lodge
Battle Abbey Backcountry Lodge
When Weber Powder Inc. purchased Battle Abbey Backcountry Lodge in 2024, they did so with the goal of continuing the celebrated history of the 50-year-old Lodge while preparing it to welcome guests for the next 45 years supported through a series of repairs, renovations, and upgrades. RMP was engaged to draft an amendment to the 20-year-old Management Plan, securing the right for site upgrades, including relocation of key infrastructure and the addition of a micro-hydro power generating station in place of diesel generators. With the guiding vision, RMP rewrote and updated the Management Plan to align with current policy and reflect current concerns, providing a clear path forward for the Lodge for the decades to come.
Baldy Mountain Resort
Baldy Mountain Resort
As part of Baldy Mountain Resort’s ongoing realization of their Master Plan, RMP provided a review the 2005 Master Plan to assess the potential on-mountain accommodation and related built space. RMP then engaged with the BC Mountain Resorts Branch, and hosted a series of meetings to clarify and establish future on-mountain development opportunities with the Province, ultimately securing detailed guidance regarding future development and approvals. With this certainty, Baldy Mountain Resort is currently exploring a number of potential accommodation development options that will enhance the guest experience and economic success, fully aligned with the approved Master Plan.
Each project we take on is an opportunity to apply our expertise, collaborate with clients and communities, and create engaging, sustainable experiences. Whether it's custom resort development solutions or municipal recreation strategies, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each project.
Are you looking to develop, expand, or refine your outdoor recreation project? Let Ridgeline Mountain Planners bring your vision to life with expert planning, sustainable design, and innovative solutions. Whether you need a master plan for a resort, a trail network strategy, or guidance through regulatory approvals, we’re here to help.
Are you looking to develop, expand, or refine your outdoor recreation project? Let Ridgeline Mountain Planners bring your vision to life with expert planning, sustainable design, and innovative solutions. Whether you need a master plan for a resort, a trail network strategy, or guidance through regulatory approvals, we’re here to help.
Contact Matt at info@ridgelinemtnplanners.com
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