PUBLIC LANDS — British Columbia Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Steve Thomson has announced his approval of controversial private-company plans to build the $900-million Jumbo Glacier Resort in the Purcell Mountains near Invermere.

The area is considered a pristine conservancy important to grizzly bears and backcountry recreation.

According to the Toronto Globe and Mail, opponents say they have not given up the fight to block the building of the luxury all-season resort that will have two hotels and 1,360 residential units with 6,250 beds.

Here's the Calgary Herald report:

B.C. approves controversial Jumbo Glacier ski resort:
$1B proposal has divided Kootenay region residents for decades

Here's the CBC News report on the decision.

See my story and photos about hiking in the area, which is featured in my guidebook, 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest.

  

PUBLIC LANDS — After 20 years of debate, the British Columbia government apparently is nearing a decision on whether to authorize development of a large four-season resort on and around glaciers near Jumbo Pass in the Purcell Mountains above Invermere.

If you've hiked the trails to Monica Meadows and Jumbo Pass described in my book, 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest, you know the neighborhood.

Environmental and recreation groups have opposed this resort from the beginning, arguing it would be detrimental to grizzly bears in some of the best grizzly habitat in the region. They also say existing resorts, such as nearby Panorama Resort, already are short of customers without adding more competition.

The Jumbo Glacier Resort appears to be more of a real estate development scheme than a viable ski resort plan, as pointed out in this video.

Recreationists also point out the development would degrade what's been a premier backcountry experience and close some access to public (crown) lands.

Click here to see how the developers promote the Jumbo Glacier Resort project.

Click here for insight on the potential impacts to wildlife.

Click here for the overall environmental argument against the resort.

Click here for the perspective of the local First Nation, the Ktunaxa.

Click here for information on booking the rustic Jumbo Pass hiker-skier cabin.

Click here for a YouTube video documenting a week of backcountry skiing out of the Jumbo Pass cabin.