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The Mountain

Five years ago our publisher's son and co-founderElliott Bisnowstarted his own company,Summit, which has mushroomed into a conference series for top youngentrepreneursfrom around the world, called byForbes"The Davos for Generation Y." Last week Summit also took its place inreal estate: It bought amountain.

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Not just any, but 10,000-acrePowder Mountainoutside Salt Lake City, the largest skiable mountain in the US, and one of the few in private hands. It hadpreviouslybeen bought by a private equity firm--which proclaimed it would build the next Vail with 10,000 homes, but then came therecessionand opposition from the low-key local community.Enter Summit, with a verydifferentvision.

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For those of you who rememberElliottfrom his earlier days, here's an update: He's now CEO of Summit, with50core colleagues and300ski resort staff. Plus, a cadre of engineers, architects, and contractors who help craft its plan to preserve the public side's five lifts, improve its four restaurants and other amenities, yet maintain theold-fashionedatmosphere andlower pricesthat lure folks from around the country to whatSki Magazinehas ranked as #2 for snow and # 1 for value in the US.

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At the same time, it will gradually develop another side of the mountain into aneco-friendlygathering spot for its community of "innovators"which not only include company founders, but non-profit executives, writers, musicians, actors, financiers, futurists, and others engaged increative work. They expect in coming years to develop around 500 affordable homesites, a mountaintop village, a couple boutique hotels, and activities in all four seasons.

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When the group gets together, they like to hear from all generations of entrepreneurslikeTed Turnerand TOMS Shoes founderBlake Mycoskie.

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OrRichard Bransonand early Google employeeChris Sacca.

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And get involved in helping the world. The plan forSummit Eden, as it's called (Eden is the apt name of the unspoiled town at the base of the mountain), isyear-roundinteraction: sports, conferences, music, brainstorming. We are inspired and excited to see it unfold. Read more.