Mount Seymour Ski Resort, located within Mount Seymour Provincial Park in North Vancouver, has unveiled a sweeping redevelopment proposal that could transform it into a four-season destination. The plan includes a suspension bridge, a skywalk attraction, and a gondola, pending approval from B.C. Parks.
Long-Term Vision for Viability
Eddie Wood, whose family has owned and operated the resort since 1984, emphasized that the changes are aimed at improving the business's long-term viability. "It's a very capital-intensive business," Wood told Postmedia News. "So if we can use our facilities in the summer as well as winter, it will allow us to keep recreation costs down for customers."
Expansion Details
The draft redevelopment plan, released this month, proposes expanding the controlled recreation area by nearly 100 hectares and boosting peak visitor capacity from about 2,660 to nearly 6,000 people a day. The resort aims to increase skiable terrain from 42 to 158 hectares, add 10 new chairlifts (from four to 14), and expand the trail network from 41 to 90 runs. New ski areas would be developed southeast of the Mystery Peak Express and above De Pencier Lake, targeting more experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Summer Attractions
To attract visitors beyond winter, the plan includes mountain biking, a disc golf course, hiking trails, ziplines, and an aerial adventure park. New lodges, yurts, and 25 cabins for overnight stays are proposed, along with expanded restaurants, retail spaces, ski school, and rental facilities. Parking would increase by 40 percent, with expanded shuttle service and a new gondola from the base of the mountain.
Climate Change Considerations
The plan cites climate change as a significant challenge, with projections of declining snowpack and reduced snowfall at lower elevations. It underscores the importance of mitigation strategies such as snow-making and expanding summer and shoulder-season recreation activities.
Phased Implementation
The first phase would focus on upgrades within the existing controlled recreation area, including improvements to the Summit Chair and the beginner ski area. Wood noted that the plan is a "best-case scenario" and not expected to be fully built out within five years. Implementation is subject to environmental reviews and Indigenous consultation.
"Will all these activities be built if B.C. Parks approves? It will really all depend on the pace of demand," Wood said. "Maybe there will be a different kind of activity that will be suitable for the park, so we want to remain flexible."
Mount Seymour will finance the redevelopment costs. B.C. Parks is collecting public feedback on the plan over the next four weeks.
