The region served is a group of 11 small villages in its three counties. The tourism industry has a major impact on the three Rocky Mountain counties, with two ski areas reporting more than a million skier visits per year, and all three counties visited even more in the summer with campers, boaters, hikers, site seers, bikers, hunters and friends and families of locals. Other factors are geography and weather. Several mountain passes over 10,000 feet intersect the 2,900 square mile region. Winters can be extreme, with ski areas receiving over 300 inches of snow per year.
Travel can be a challenge.
GFPC's effectiveness has been consistently demonstrated in data collected. The communities have put in 74,748 volunteer hours for specific events between October 1995 and September 1998. All total, volunteer time equaled approximately 15 full time employees. Volunteer time alone shows the interest and need for prevention education. Kids are exposed to young adults living the party life and visitors are often very free with substances.