NEW B.C. SKI AREA IN THE WORKS FOR SPUZZUM FIRST NATION
B.C.’s Spuzzum First Nation is proposing to develop an all-season, indigenous-owned and operated ski resort in the North Cascade mountains. Called the South Anderson All-Season Resort (SAAR), the site in the Fraser Canyon is positioned between the Gamuza and North Siwash mountain peaks, east of the Village of Spuzzum and west of the Coquihalla Highway. The area is two hours east of Vancouver, not far from the Washington state border.
Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners of Whistler has developed the concept: 9,000 skiers per day, five lifts in phase one, 11 lifts by phase three. According to files presented to the community council of Hope, B.C., the proposed village will include restaurants, rental shops, shopping, staff buildings and golf courses. The outer areas of the village will become residential development with various forms of accommodation, including apartment buildings, hotels, townhouses, multi-family, and single family homes. It is estimated that more than 3,200 dwellings will be available within the SAAR area.
Primary markets for the ski area include Vancouver, Seattle and the Fraser Valley. Skier visits are projected to increase from 150,000 in year one to 400,000 in year ten. Besides skiing, proposed activities include backcountry skiing, horseback riding, via ferrata, guided fishing, hiking and mountaineering.
MOTHER NATURE POSTPONES DOWNTOWN TORONTO SKI EVENT
Due to lack of snow, organizers have postponed downtown Toronto’s Go Skiing Go Snowboarding. The event will now take place February 28 – 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square.
Jointly produced by the Ontario Snow Resorts Association and the Canadian Ski Council, the event invites never-ever skiers and snowboarders of all ages to experience their first time gliding on snow, with equipment and guidance included at no cost. First-time participants will receive access to this introductory experience with ski and snowboard equipment provided by OSRA resorts and partners.
“Skiing and snowboarding are an essential part of Canadian culture,” says Paul Pinchbeck, President of the Canadian Ski Council. “By bringing the snow to downtown Toronto, OSRA is demonstrating its collective commitment to introducing as many people as possible to the joys of being outdoors and sliding on snow during winter.”
IT’S A GOOD TIME TO BE A WOMAN IN A SKI TOWN… OR IS IT?
The numbers are in and confirm what everyone already knew: there are more men than women in ski towns—at least that’s true for Banff, Whistler and Jasper. Banff’s latest social assessment numbers released in mid-January reveal that 54 percent of the community’s population is male versus 46 percent female. News reports in Rocky Mountain Outlook say “Banff is now more like Whistler, where there is also a 54-46 percent male-female split.” Jasper has a 52-48 percent split, and Canmore’s is 50-50.
ALTERRA BUYS COLORADO’S A-BASIN
Alterra Mountain Company, founder of the IKON Pass, is buying Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) from Dream Unlimited Corp.
Situated 68 miles from Denver and known for having the longest season in Colorado (often running through the 4th of July) A-Basin sits on the Continental Divide in the Rockies and offers some of North America’s highest elevation and most challenging terrain. The Beach at A-Basin’s base is one of Colorado’s longest-standing après traditions.
“A-Basin has a long-time and loyal following among skiers and riders in Colorado and we care deeply about the culture of A-Basin that brings them back,” said Alan Henceroth, COO of Arapahoe Basin. “We have worked with Alterra Mountain Company since 2019 when we joined the Ikon Pass community, and we have every faith that Alterra is committed to helping us maintain A-Basin’s authenticity.”
The transaction is expected to close later in 2024, and is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Alterra’s holdings now include Steamboat, Winter Park, Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth, Tremblant, Blue Mountain and CMH Heli-Skiing.
