Submitted by Whitewater Ski Resort
Whitewater Ski Resort’s newest development, Hummingbird Lodge and Campground, is approaching its scheduled completion date of March 31.
The resort partnered with the Regional District of Central Kootenay on a successful application for a Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) grant from the provincial government of B.C. While this grant was aimed at fostering resort destinations, it helped Whitewater build a year-round visitor economy while supporting backcountry education and outdoor recreation.
This new development will act as the hub for backcountry adventure. Situated on the edge of the resort boundary, it will provide year-round front door access to Whitewater’s expansive backcountry.
“Investments in tourism infrastructure projects like the Hummingbird Lodge and Campground are good for visitors, good for communities and good for the economy,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The tourism investments we’ve made in regions throughout the province are creating a more vibrant British Columbia for everyone.”
Construction started in 2021, and the Lodge and Campground are scheduled to officially open to the public starting June 2023. The project is slated to have a sneak peek open house in early April 2023 for media and the local community to have a private showing of the operation and service offerings.
For winter enthusiasts, Hummingbird Lodge provides a place focused on access to outdoor pursuits including winter touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry related education. For those visiting during the summer months, it will be a new destination hub and access point for mountain biking, hiking, and climbing. With outdoor play as the focus, education and exploration will be the highlights of the guest experience with a variety of courses and clinics being offered year-round.
The Lodge itself will have a café setting, retail outlet, and private classroom space for courses, together with an indoor dishwashing station and accessible washrooms and showers for campers. It will also have a two-bedroom private suite on the second floor available for public reservations. The Hummingbird Campground will feature 15 forested tenting sites, six powered RV sites, four non-powered RV sites, and a pedestal with two Level 2 EV charging stations.
Hummingbird Lodge and Campground will launch Whitewater into a four-season destination resort and is Phase One in a five-year development plan for the business.
Additional work on Phase Two of the campground plans includes a dedicated tenting washroom and secure food storage units as well as the construction of a patio along the front of the Lodge, so that visitors can enjoy the fresh mountain air, incredible views, and the new café’s delicious food and beverage offerings.
Stay tuned for the official opening date and for any inquiries regarding media visits, please reach out to Tom Finkle, sales and marketing director at tfinkle@skiwhitewater.com. To learn more about the Hummingbird Lodge and Campground, please visit skiwhitewater.com/hummingbird-lodge-and-campground/.