The ski season may be over but BC Parks is still thinking about winter sports.
Now is the opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to provide input on a new policy that will improve ski resorts within E.C. Manning, Cypress and Mount Seymour provincial parks.
The park use permits that govern the three independent ski resort operations were issued in the mid-1980s and require updating to reflect current resort standards. With the growth of popular activities, such as snowshoeing and mountain biking over the past 20 years, user needs and expectations have changed. Operators of ski resorts within provincial parks need to be able to meet these changing demands to create viable businesses in a competitive international market.
The new policy, which will include elements from government guidelines already defined for ski areas outside of provincial parks, will establish consistent direction for all three resort operations. It will also improve management, address new business opportunities and give operators new tools to adapt to changing needs and climate conditions. The province is now looking for input from First Nations, stakeholders such as adventure and tourism groups, and ski hill users to further develop this policy.
Comments on the ski hill resort intentions paper will be accepted until June 29 at www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/permits/consultation/ski-hill-policy.html
All comments will be considered when developing the final ski resort policy, to be released by the end of the year.
Each of the ski resorts are currently operated and managed independently under park use permits. These permits authorize the activities of the resorts, and the communication and planning processes within park boundaries.