This is the last chance to own a piece of Manning Park history.
Manning Park Resort is hosting an online auction for ten chairs from their iconic Orange Chair, which has been in place since 1970, but is being retired at the end of this season. The chairs from the Orange Chairlift have been an incredibly hot commodity for local users who want to own a part of the place where many happy ski and snowboard memories have been made.
Most of the chairs have already been given away through a social media contest under the hashtag #IRodetheOrangeChair, and through an online First Come, First Serve sale. The sale saw such huge popularity that it caused technical difficulties for the website.
“Despite the efforts that were made in advance to fortify the system to allow for the expected volume, we were definitely overwhelmed with the positive response to the sale,” marketing coordinator, Robyn Barker said. “It’s pretty amazing that there’s so many people that love Manning Park.”
The online auction runs until March 30 for five chairs, and another auction will occur from April 1 to 6, for another five chairs. The proceeds from each chair auction will be donated to one of five local charitable organizations that live and play in Manning Park. These include the Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning, the Friends of Manning Park, Canadian Ski Patrol, Manning Ski Club and the daily Interpretive programs at Manning Park.
The distinctive Orange Chair will be taken down immediately following the end of the ski season on March 31. Work has already begun to prepare the location for the arrival of a brand new Doppelmayr quad chairlift.
A “Last Chair” Fest will take place on March 31 to celebrate the end of the season and the end of an era for the 49-year-old chairlift. All are invited to attend and are encouraged to wear retro ski gear, bring their oldest Manning season pass for a chance to win a commemorative T-shirt, and meet at the top of the Orange Chair at 3 p.m. for a toast.
Further information on the Orange Chair, Manning Park Resort events and accommodation can can be found at www.manningpark.com.
Manning Park Resort is a four-season destination with full Resort amenities including a variety of accommodations, restaurant, pub, swimming pool, fitness centre, group facilities and exceptional outdoor recreation.
There has been downhill skiing at Manning since the 1950s, along with cross-country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing and outdoor skating.
The Resort is nestled in beautiful EC Manning Provincial Park, 45 minutes east of Hope on Highway #3.
Auction #1: March 23-30
Link: https://www.32auctions.com/OrangeChairAuction1
Acution #2: April 1-6
Link: https://www.32auctions.com/OrangeChairAuction2
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