The provincial government has approved construction of a new $100-million skiing destination near Valemount, B.C.
Valemount Glacier Destinations Ltd. entered the approval process with the Mountain Resorts Branch of the Province in 2012.
The glacier sightseeing resort will feature some of the most impressive viewpoints, according to Valemount Glacier Destinations’ press release. A lift will take sightseeings and skiers to Mount Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Twilight Glacier and McLennan Glacier.
“This location opens lift access to one of the best snow zones and reliable climates for snow sports on the continent,” said resort designer Tommaso Oberti of Oberti Resort Design. “It will be a true multi-peak experience surrounded by stunning glaciers.”
Public access to glaciers with an elevation of over 3,000 meters is said to be a first in North America. A vertical sky drop of approximately 2,050 meters is also considered to be the largest in the region.
Final surveys and engineering of lifts will be completed this summer. Construction is expected to begin the following summer with a planned phase one opening of Christmas 2018. The entire site will be completed within a 15 to 20-year period over three phases. The resort will have a total of 1,997 commercial and residential bed-units at completion, accoding to the press release.
Valemount is located in the Premier Range of the province on Simpcw First Nation land.
“We have appreciated that Chief Nathan Matthew and his Council have seen positively the promise of a significant tourism destination in their territory,” said Oberti. The Simpcw have been involved in environmental consulting for the project.
