Skiable area 57 acres140 hectares Base elevation 1,357 m Vertical 432 m | Snowfall 546 cm215 inches Top elevation 1,789 m Longest run 1,943 m | |
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Nearest city Manning Park, East GateHope, 75km WestPrinceton, 75km East Runs 34 total30% Novice40% intermediate30% expert Lift system 5 total2 double chairlifts1 T-bar1 handle tow1 Tube Cable Tow Nearest cities Similar Pacific Rim National Park Res, Rocky Mountains, Victoria Bug Zoo, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, British Columbia Wildlife P | ||
Gibson Pass Ski Area, more commonly known as Manning Park Ski Area or simply Manning Park, is a small ski area located within E. C. Manning Provincial Park. The hill itself is not owned or operated by BC Parks, instead by the current park facility operator, Manning Park Resort. The land is used through a lease with the provincial government.
Contents
The hill has two tandem, single speed chairlifts, a handle tow, a T-Bar, and a tube cable lift. Facilities at the hill itself include a day lodge and restaurant, rental shop, ski patrol cabin, and a daycare.
History
The Hope-Princeton Highway was constructed in 1949, allowing easy access to the park. A small motel was constructed near the site of the current Manning Park Resort. Throughout the years, multiple different layouts and locations were tried for the ski hill, and many proposals (including a bid for the Winter Olympic games) were put forward, but ultimately the Gibson Pass location was a success.
Facilities
All facilities are located at the base of the chairlifts and the top of the handle tow. There are eight buildings onsite at the ski hill, not counting lift operation buildings and disused buildings. There is no permanent lodging at the ski hill, but power hookups are available for RV's. The parking area is two-tiered and unpaved, and ploughed by Manning Park Resort. Power is supplied to the ski hill by a diesel generator located near the base of the Blue Chair.
Lifts
Manning Park resort currently has five lifts: two nearly identical tandem single-speed chairlifts of 1967 and 1970 vintage ("The Blue Chair" and "The Orange Chair," respectively), one handle-tow as the upper lift in the novice area, a T-bar as the lower lift in the novice area, and a cable tow for the Polar Coaster. The novice area is split into two vertical sections. Restraining safety devices are installed on the Blue and Orange chair.
Trails
Alpine Trails
Nordic Trails
Transportation
The ski hill is located approximately ten minutes from the Manning Park Lodge off of Highway 3. A free shuttle is available every day of the week between the lodge and the ski hill.