Submitted by Whitewater Ski Resort
Whitewater Ski Resort’s newest development, the Hummingbird Lodge and Campground, is now complete and open to the public. The resort partnered with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) on a successful application for a Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) grant from the provincial government of B.C.
The opening of the Hummingbird Lodge and Campground helps Whitewater build a year-round visitor economy and increase visitation while supporting outdoor recreation and education for our community. The development is located on the edge of the resort boundary and will feature 15 forested tenting sites, six powered RV sites, and four non-powered RV sites. There is also a spacious and luxurious two-bedroom private suite that can sleep up to six people and is open to the public. For day visitors, there will be a licensed café and general store open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., along with a large meeting room that is a fantastic educational space available for rent.
“The RDCK is pleased to play a role in securing a grant for Whitewater Ski Resort that will help develop year round recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts,” said Cheryl Graham, RDCK Electoral Area E Director.
“The funding provided by CERIP is another great example of the Province identifying opportunities to support destination development, focused on creating tourism infrastructure to bring visitors back to B.C. communities. The opening of the Hummingbird Lodge and Campground will allow tourists and locals alike the opportunity to explore more of this great area within the RDCK.”
One of the main attractions will be the expansive hiking trail network that features panoramic views of the Kokanee and Valhalla ranges in the distance. This investment into these trails has long been a goal for Whitewater and, through funding and support from the Friends of Pulpit Rock Society, this vision has come to fruition with the establishment of maintained trails, signage, and improvements to the popular White Queen trail as well as new hiking trails to the shoulders of Ymir and Sherpa Peaks.
The Hummingbird Lodge and Campground will also generate interest amongst outdoor and nature enthusiasts, and its location make it a favourable access point and destination hub for those seeking adventure. With outdoor play as the focus, education and exploration will be the highlights of the guest experience.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia in this development, which started in 2022 and has been supported by a variety of local trades and companies bringing the vision to fruition.
“We’re proud of the talent of our local tradespeople who contributed to this project,” said Kirk Jensen, VP of development at Whitewater. “Keeping the designs, materials, and labour local helps us elevate the significant contributions of our community to this exciting new project.”
In addition, Whitewater continues to build its winter program and has broken ground with the Poma Lift Company to install a new quad chairlift at the resort over the course of this summer.
Campground and suite bookings for the summer are now open at www.hummingbirdlodge.ca. To learn more about the Hummingbird Lodge and Campground please reach out to Tom Finkle, sales and marketing director, at tfinkle@skiwhitewater.com.
