Just having been in the business for some time, designing and producing one-of-a-kind, made-for-TV events, like extreme adventures with snowboarding, skiing, windsurfing, and mountain biking. I have a couple of kids, and I started thinking, 'was there anything that existed for people to experience a number of different outdoor sports in a non-competitive and non-intimidating environment?' So we did a considerable amount of research. We came to the conclusion that an international festival like this didn't exist. I talked to a bunch of world-class athletes and the general consensus was that this format: 1.) to experience these great sports; and. 2.) opportunities to hook up with guides and world-class athletes, had never been done. And then to expand on more than just sports but a cultural event also. The whole nature of the Festival is about your spiritual relationship to nature and out-of-doors. That's why we have these slideshows and Banff Film Festival and the National Forest Service talking about preservation and the Access Fund.

The goal is for the festival to become an international forum of exchange for the outdoor industry, full of great participation and athletic events. We're eventually looking for an outdoor industry summit to promote outdoor recreation and sell their products to consumers. We'd like to expand on our athlete base so we have a strong showing of world-class athletes. Mountain Hardwear has brought a stellar group of world-class athletes this year. We're also working closely with Challenge Aspen, our goal here is to also provide courses to those with disabilities, take the "dis" out of disability, so that they can experience adventure sports. Erik Weihenmayer, foremost blind athlete, is teaching a class on rock climbing to two able-bodied people. It's really wonderful.

Aspen represents this extraordinary natural environment and cultural and athletic community. In keeping with Walter Paepcke, who started the "Aspen Idea," which is grounded in the philosophical/spiritual approach to being outdoors, it's the perfect venue. This festival will always be routed in the "Aspen Idea."

At the onset it was important to link with companies who are market leaders. National Geographic Adventure, MoutainZone.com, Mountain Hardwear (expedition leaders), Eagle Creek travel gear, Banff Mountain Film Festival, are premier partners we want to grow with them over the long run. At this festival, the average Joe gets to rub shoulders with the best of the best. We just want people to walk away saying, "this is really cool."

— Krista Crabtree, MountainZone.com Correspondent