Who we are

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, considering all 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.

Ridgeline Mountain Planners Experts in Resort and Backcoutry Planning and Design
Matt Bakker Expert in Resort and Backcountry Planning and Design

Matt Bakker - Principal

I grew up in the forests and mountains of BC’s South Coast—skiing, running, and mountain biking with friends and family. Those early experiences shaped how I see the world and sparked a lifelong connection to outdoor places and the people who enjoy them.

Today, as the founder of Ridgeline Mountain Planners, I help resorts, operators, and communities plan and design fun, engaging, and sustainable recreation and resort destinations. With experience in resort master planning, trail network development, and stakeholder engagement from projects across North America, I bring both technical expertise and a love of the outdoors to every project. My background in planning, GIS analysis, policy review, site assessment, and project management keeps my work grounded in operational realities and project feasibility, while my time on the trails helps me understand what motivates guests and makes an experience truly memorable.

I believe outdoor recreation is one of the most powerful ways we connect—with nature, with others, and with ourselves. That belief drives me to help more people get outside, have fun, and feel inspired by the places they visit.

    • 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

Two people wearing helmets and backpacks with mountain bikes, standing on a dirt trail in a mountainous landscape with tall peaks, forested slopes, and clear blue sky.
A person snowboarding down a snowy mountain slope with trees and a small part of a snow-covered rock formation in the background.
A person jogging on a trail next to a flowing stream in a dense forest with tall trees and sparse leaves.
A person skiing on a snow-covered mountain slope with trees, cliffs, and a partly cloudy sky.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Matt Bakker for over nine years at Brent Harley and Associates (BHA). During that time, he played key roles on some of our most complex and high-profile mountain resort and recreation projects, bringing a mix of technical expertise, creativity, and dedication. Matt understands mountain resorts and commercial recreation from the inside out. More than a planner, Matt is a skier, a snowboarder, a mountain biker, and an all-around outdoor recreation enthusiast. He brings this knowledge and passion to his planning and design. As I step back from the day-to-day work of BHA, I’m pleased to see him carrying this work forward through Ridgeline Mountain Planners. For resorts, operators, and communities looking for thoughtful, thorough planning support, I have every confidence in recommending Matt and RMP.

— Brent Harley, Founder, Brent Harley and Associates Inc.

Our Partners

Ridgeline Mountain Planners has formed strategic partnerships with other industry leaders to offer all the services our clients need in one integrated team

Lupa Stewardship delivers expert consulting in environmental & project management, regulatory approvals, and Indigenous engagement, helping industry, government, and communities align sustainable development with shared decision-making and governance goals.

Lupa Stewardship

Orca Projects delivers advanced geomatics and geospatial analysis and data collection in support of resort, recreation, survey, and construction projects. Over a decade of industry experience, expertise in the ESRI software suite, and advanced drone data collection capabilities enable Orca Projects to deliver the data needed when needed.

Orca Projects

Contact us

Are you looking to develop, expand, or refine your outdoor recreation project? Get in touch!