SPOTLIGHT ON THE MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT- CONTE ALCHEMI ~ The SL Enquirer

The exact origin of skiing is up for debate but the Sami people of Northern Scandinavia used them to effectively get from one point to another for travel and hunting on the cold harsh snowy landscape about 8,000 years ago. If this is true, skiing would be the oldest sport in existence besides spear chucking. Today it is not used for hunting or transportation unless you are into off-grid living in Alaska or Antarctica. With the invention of modern ski lifts, snow machines, and a nice slope on a mountainside, skiing has become a seasonal pastime for the young and old.

Many winter sports enthusiasts flock to ski resorts to experience the adrenaline rush of flying down a mountain doing fancy moves, and even going aerial! Others prefer to take the less aggressive approach by going cross country, Nordic, or telemark skiing. In Second Life you don’t have to worry about breaking an ankle, leg, or a few ribs if you fall off a lift or slam a tree on the way down.

The Mountain Resort is a stunning mix of rustic and luxury for Second Life residents who don’t want to brave the harsh elements to have a good time. Guests can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding snow-covered valleys and foothills. Explorers can also hike on foot and take in the beautiful forest and the great outdoors. The SL Enquirer met up with Conte Alchemi to learn more about this perfect winter vacation spot on the grid.

Interview with Conte Alchemi

SLE: Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and how you discovered Second Life?

Conte: I came to SL about 13 years ago. I love this world and the possibilities it gives to everyone to express their creativity. My mentor was a builder and introduced me to that. I loved to build but even more to terraform and landscape. I consider myself to be very lucky! In those years, I had the chance to get to know and to work with very talented people. It was an honor to be employed by some of the most influential and well-known estates in SL. I work as an estate manager in Sailors Cove South and Sailors Cove North Estates. I also work as a sim builder and landscaper for private clients. I thank all of them for always trusting in my work. About 10 years ago, I moved to Sailors Cove and met Fanci Beebe and Patrick Leavitt. They were the founders and the owners of Sailors Cove and Fisher Island Yacht Club. I felt very privileged, to say the least, to work with them. After a little while, I had the opportunity to create a new project with Patrick. We made what we call "The Rainforest" estate.

SLE: That’s what Second Life is all about, using your imagination to create. Now that the winter season is here, It is the perfect time for snow sports to begin. What inspired you to create Mountain Ski Resort and what can visitors expect to experience?

Conte: During a chat with Patrick, we talked of the good times and pleasurable memories of the years spent in SL. We also spoke about an old estate that left a hole for many people in their Second Life for great places to go. It was called the Wolf Mountain Ski Resort. That estate was one of the very best places to go in Second Life. It ran for many years before the owner had to close it. I also had the honor of building it and being a co-owner until the end. So, speaking about that, the thought occurred "why don't we do it again!" Of course, it would not be an exact replica of the original one. I now use mesh and other things that were not available at that time. So, thanks to Patrick, who generously added 7 additional sims to the Sailors Cove Area and then created a new estate called Sailors Cove North. After that, we made the ski resort named "The Mountain." In a certain way, it's sort of a tribute to one of the best ski resorts ever seen in SL. I may be biased, but the current one is substantially more interesting. Plus, it offers a ton of amenities for our guests to enjoy. We have fine-tuned the on-mountain experience where our guests can expect breath-taking scenic views of snow-capped mountains and vistas. Gaze upon awe-inspiring frozen, icy lakes and streams. Watch as deers and other animals play upon the landscape. Become fully immersed in their memory-making visit, which just leaves them saying WOW! They will hear the call of the trails beckoning them to hike. They will feel themselves turning into an adventurer detective to locate the hidden caves where they can find in the arctic-like ice a bar to relax in luxury. Perhaps our visitors have lost their way and find the tent spot just big enough for two to wait out the night in warmth and comfort. Maybe they will see that perfect rental that draws them into wanting to extend their visit. They can rezz a horse and ride the various freshly snowed trails and paths. Also, there are three ski lifts to the top of the mountain. They can also jump aboard a snowmobile and go to the peak where our always open Coffee Shop is warm and welcoming. There they can restore themselves with a favorite drink or a hot coffee after spending some time in the snow.

SLE: We do remember Wolf Mountain Ski Resort. It sounds like Patrick was a great mentor and friend having shared the idea of making this new and improved Ski Resort! Skiing can be intimidating. Are there different levels for beginners and experts?

Conte: Not really. Skiing is done at your own pace on The Mountain. There is a race system for those who are a little bit more competitive and wish to race themselves or against their friends.

SLE: What a relief for clumsy avies like me. Learning how to navigate sports HUDS can be difficult too. Does The Mountain Ski Resort offer lessons with an instructor?

Conte: The skis we offer to our guests are placed in the rezzers around the resort. They do not require a hud to be used, as they are just "wear & go." They offer a limited range of animations compared to those driven by a hud but are so much easier to use. That's why "casual skiers" prefer them; "pro skiers'' want to use their own skis with huds for racing and acrobatic tricks. Currently, we are not providing lessons with an instructor. In the future, we hope to enlarge our staff. Maybe that will include a ski instructor too!

SLE: Rezzers are even better! After hitting the slopes, it's nice to unwind in the lounge by a nice warm fireplace and just relax. What other amenities does the resort offer guests?

Conte: Located in the main lodge, on the upstairs level, is a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga mats, and a tanning bed. On the main floor, we have a small spa area where you can sit or take a dip in the Meditation Garden Pool, use the sauna, massage table, and shower. Also located on the main floor, you will find cozy, casual dining, a meet-up piano lounge, game and movie rooms. A hidden surprise is our music venue. Also, on the upstairs level, you will find the Moosehead Bar and S'mores Outdoor Deck. You can also sail, kayak, and take a scenic balloon tour. If you want to take a moment to reflect or plan an intimate wedding, there is a small chapel settled like a beautiful jewel in our forest.

SLE: Wow there are a lot of things to do here! Besides Skiing, hitting the spa, having dinner, or getting married, what other winter sports can visitors experience at your resort?

Conte: Our guests can partake in a plethora of winter outdoor activities offered year-round. They can enjoy snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, hiking, and sledding. We hope to add fishing for the Lake Area of the estate and a winter horse trail.

SLE: The winter horse trail sounds like a fun date! We will have to come back and check that out. Are you currently hiring staff? If so, what are you looking for to help enhance the skiing experience in SL?

Conte: The Mountain staff includes two estate managers, Joy Canadeo and myself. Our focus is on building and helping our guests. For this reason, at this time, we are currently evaluating hiring staff. Primarily we are a Resort Rental with many amenities for our guests to enjoy or participate in. Our intent is to give our guests the very best possible experience at The Mountain. With that in mind, we are looking for an event manager.

SLE: Do you host Ski tournaments? If so, do you have a calendar of events and instructions on how guests can join?

Conte: The Mountain is still under a bit of design construction. We are about 98% complete. We have hosted a snowboarding tournament. We hope to host more tournaments and contests in the near future. We haven't had our grand opening as of yet. The calendar of events is one of the items that is a work in progress. When it is completed we will post around the estate and within our group, with instructions on how to join in on the fun.

SLE: We look forward to the event announcements. Do you have rentals for those who want to live on the resort?

Conte: All rentals are available for guests, for however short or long they wish to stay. Our cabins for rent cover a wide range of styles and they are available furnished or unfurnished.

SLE: Thank you for giving us a tour of this beautifully designed resort. We wish you much success. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Conte: Unlike other Winter Resort Sims, The Mountain attracts summer visitors, too, making it a great year-round destination. We have a part of the resort that is seasonal. The Mountain is always in winter, whereas the Lake Region experiences all 4 seasons. We also have 2 other themed rental estates that are Rainforest and Tropical in nature. They will come as visitors and wish to stay as renters. I invite your readers to visit and explore The Mountain or any of our properties.

Thank you, Lanai, for the opportunity to share my passion with your readers!