Snowridge Ski Resort: A Forgotten Gem Revived

Unearthing the Legacy of Snowridge Ski Resort

In 1974, an unlikely connection emerged between a closed ski hill in Alberta and the iconic Whistler area. This tale involves the Snowridge Ski Resort, a family-oriented ski haven that opened its doors in 1968 at Kananaskis County.

A Family Haven in Kananaskis

Snowridge Ski Resort was designed by the renowned Joseph K. English, complete with a day lodge, hotel rooms, a restaurant, and a cafeteria capable of accommodating up to 300 guests. The resort flaunted two t-bars and a chairlift, promoting itself with the promise of “acres of exotic powder and undulating packed runs.” Despite its appeal, accessing the resort proved to be a chore due to its location along the gravelly, seldom-plowed Kananaskis-Coleman Forestry Road. Yet, its proximity to Calgary made it a popular day trip destination for eager skiers.

The Curtain Falls on Snowridge

Unfortunately, Snowridge closed its doors following the 1970/71 ski season, leading to a swift decline. In 1973, bankruptcy loomed large as the bank foreclosed on its mortgages, effectively halting operations. The Federal Business Development Bank (FBDB) stepped in to put Snowridge up for judicial sale. The advent of Highway 40 in 1974 offered a glimmer of hope, promising more reliable access, but Snowridge remained on the market.

A Chance Encounter

Meanwhile, in British Columbia, Hugh Smythe, an employee of Garibaldi Lifts Ltd., took a break in the summer of 1974 and ventured to Alberta. A stop at Fairmont Hot Springs for a chat with the Wilder family, who were interested in purchasing Snowridge, turned out to be a pivotal moment. Intrigued by the potential of Snowridge, Hugh returned to Whistler Mountain with these thoughts swirling in his mind.

Assembling a Team

Hugh, motivated by a desire not to tackle “a derelict ski area” solo, approached Dave Mathews, the operations manager at Whistler Mountain—and his superior—about the Snowridge opportunity. Together with Dave’s wife, Lynn, they founded HUMAT Management and Consultants Ltd. Financing, however, was a challenge, and they needed help from the FBDB. Despite low expectations, their proposal was accepted, and they were entrusted to bring Snowridge back to life and make it a viable prospect for sale.

Embracing a New Challenge

In September, Hugh, Lynn, Dave, and the Mathews’ two young children relocated to Snowridge, fully embracing their new venture. Lynn and Dave had previously sold some properties in Whistler, putting them in a position to invest and pursue this new project. For Hugh, the opportunity to manage all aspects of a resort—from lifts to accommodation and dining—was particularly appealing. He expressed a strong desire to explore the intricacies of resort management, something that Garibaldi Lifts, primarily focused on uphill transportation, hadn’t allowed.

Confronting the Challenges

Upon arrival, the team found the state of the resort alarming—a chairlift with its cable blown off the towers and chairs scattered on the ground, not to mention a hotel in complete disarray. With the snow season looming, the pressure to have Snowridge operational by December was intense. As winter approached, tales of their struggles—and familiar faces from Whistler Mountain—are set to be revealed in the following week’s coverage.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Snowridge

Snowridge Ski Resort serves as a testament to resilience and opportunity in the world of skiing. While the tales of past misfortunes may echo through the hills, it’s the revival of such a resort that sparks excitement and draws ski enthusiasts back to the windswept slopes of Alberta. This rich history, intertwined with the modern skiing experience, illustrates the ongoing evolution in travel and adventure.

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