Mel Monkelis shares lessons learned from years of coordinating Whatcom County's famous "Ski to Sea" race.

1. Mel Monkelis
Executive Director, Whatcom Events
Home of the
Ski to Sea and the Muds to Suds Races

2. Infrastructure in Place

3. • TIME Magazine 2011 – Rates
Bellingham 9th Most Active City in
America
• SUNSET Magazine 2011-Best
Place to Play Year-round

4. 1911 Mount Baker Marathon
• Purpose-Get Mount Baker declared a national
park

5. 2012 Ski to Sea Race
• Generates 1.2 million
dollars into economy
• Brands Bellingham as
the recreational center
of the Northwest
• Highlights 7 different
sports on 1 day
• Over 6 million page
views on website

6. Planned Changes to Ski to Sea
• Put Runners in
Ferndale and
Mountain Bikes in the
Mountains
• Involve More
Community Events to
Draw More Visitors for
the Weekend
• Increase Racer
Attendance without
Losing Uniqueness

7. Visitors to Our Community
• Spends $352.00 if in
Hotel
• Spends $130.00 if staying
with friends
• Food & Drink Sales Tax
Revenue #2 in City
Generating
$1,738,000.00 in 2011

8. The
Mountain
Runners
Film
Nominated
Grand Priz
Graz 2012
International Mountain & Adventure
Filmfestival Graz

9. Infrastructure Part 2
• Mt Baker Ski Area, Galbraith Mountain, San
Juan Islands, Nooksack River, Rolling
Countryside, Mt. Baker Foothills, Bellingham
Bay, and on…
• Whatcom County and Bellingham Parks,
WHIMPS, Greater Bellingham Running Club,
Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts,
Mount Baker Club, Mount Baker Bicycle Club,
and on…

10. Branding Our Area
http://map.veloland.ch

11. Whatcom County
One place to go online for:
Bike Rides, Kayaking Trips, Hikes,
Mountain Bike Trails, Swimming, Skiing,
Hotels, Events, and more…