April 16, 2008

Mount Baldy ski facility brings ‘boutique resort’ amenities to Oliver wine country

John Gracey

staff writer

Never mind the wine, the British Columbia community of Oliver is on the verge of becoming an all-season resort destination.

The Mount Baldy Ski Corporation and the Osoyoos Indian Band are in the process of their long-awaited upgrade and expansion to Mount Baldy’s dramatic 10,000-acre ski facility.

When complete, the Mount Baldy Resort will include 128 ski runs, 7,700 bed units, a mixed-use village square and an 18 hole golf course. Part of the goal for this ambitious undertaking is to supplement Oliver’s proud reputation as Canada’s wine capital.

Although plans for Mount Baldy sound grand, the owners claim they have no desire to transplant Whistler/Blackcomb to the southern Okanagan. In fact, the goal is just the opposite. By embracing a “boutique resort” concept, the owners hope to create a niche product for specific users who want a more intimate resort experience.

Boutique resorts are smaller by nature and avoid the grand décor of many of North America’s resorts, including Whistler/Blackcomb. Mount Baldy’s Master Plan states: “the intent is to create a successful 21st century mountain resort, a resort whose conceptual foundations are based on its own unique personality rather than on the dominant trends of the day.”

Mount Baldy president Brett Sweezy adds “We have strict design guidelines that will enhance the traditional resort atmosphere.”

The challenge, of course, will be to maintain that atmosphere while building a four-season resort with all the amenities.

Perhaps the most striking feature of Mount Baldy’s expansion is the process by which the project was approved. In order to move ahead, an agreement had to be reached with the Osoyoos Indian band that has claim to the land.

British Columbia has a long and turbulent history with First Nations land claims, so many were surprised when the provincial government approved the Master Development Agreement in June 2006.

This agreement included a historic partnership between the province, Mount Baldy Ski Corporation and the Osoyoos Indian Band, which is led by savvy, business-friendly Clarence Louie. As the band’s chief, Louie has successfully built numerous enterprises, including the award-winning Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa.

Print | Email | Comment