Prepare to be ski-dazzled
The Ski Channel, a cable television network linked to video-on-demand, the internet, mobile phones and whatever new media that might crop up, is the latest project in the works by Steve Bellamy, the founder and former president of The Tennis Channel.
Bellamy's Pacific Palisades-based company, Atonal Sports and Entertainment, plan to launch The Ski Channel in early 2008, starting with an agreement that will have it part of Time Warner Cable systems.
The content will go beyond what's just for skiiers -- try snowboarding, hiking, biking, camping, climbing, cross country skiing, rock climbing, backpacking, kayaking, caving ... what else is there? Pro mountain sports events will be included in the programming, with a majority of it related to entertainment, features, real estate, travel, equipment, instructions and news.
“The wide variety of subject matter on The Ski Channel requires an ‘on demand’ platform,” said Bellamy in a statement. “The mountain world is an industry with over 30 million enthusiasts, 500 resorts, 60 million annual visits and $10 billion of yearly resort and travel spending. Its large, upscale audience will be a great match with cable television and its content advancements like VOD."
National Ski Area Association president Michael Berry added: “Skiing, snowboarding and mountain activities are certainly some of the best family activities and bonding experiences. Our industry is hungry for a national television destination and our enthusiasts will be desirous for this type of network. Our goal is to grow participation and like The Tennis Channel infused significant growth into tennis, The Ski Channel will do the same for mountain activities. We are enthused to welcome The Ski Channel to our industry, and we will use every resource to help insure their success.”
If the Ski Channel , which already has its website up and running, has any of the success as the Tennis Channel that Bellamy headed for seven years, it's got huge upside. Bellamy's Atonal Sports & Entertainment owns tennis and golf facilities including Palisades Tennis Center, Westwood Tennis Center, Van Nuys Tennis Center, and the LA Golf Academy. Atonal’s media businesses include Atonal Films and Television, Palisades Studios, and The Ski Channel.