Manning Park Resort is looking beyond its next chairlift replacement.
The British Columbia mountain has released a Ski Resort Development Plan proposing additional ski terrain, redesigned lift connections, a more pedestrian-friendly base area and expanded accommodations. The aim is to coordinate improvements across the slopes, lodging and support facilities as the resort develops its four-season business.
This is not an announcement of new terrain opening next winter. According to Manning Park’s September planning FAQ, the vision extends through 2084, with the immediate focus on the next 10 years. Projects would move forward based on demand, resort priorities and additional approvals.
New Terrain and Better Connections
The September executive summary proposes one additional ski sector, bringing the mountain’s layout to four sectors at full development. Early priorities include expanding access to terrain east of the Bear Chair and improving the beginner area below the Alpine Lodge.
Later phases would realign and upgrade the Blue Chair, adding vertical and terrain suited to intermediate skiers. The concept also includes a possible skier bridge across Gibson Pass Road to connect with the bottom of a proposed new chairlift.
To accommodate the alpine concept, Manning Park is requesting an approximately 148-acre expansion of its Controlled Recreation Area, about a 22% increase. That is a proposed boundary adjustment, not a promise of 148 acres of newly cut ski runs.
The distinction matters. A bigger development boundary and a bigger trail map are not interchangeable, especially while the projects themselves remain subject to review.
Changes at the Base, Too
The proposed alpine base would group skier services around a pedestrian-oriented plaza, with expanded parking and shorter walks between vehicles, buildings and lifts. Moving maintenance facilities could also create room for additional beginner terrain.
Those changes might not generate the same excitement as new runs, but they address an important part of a ski day. Getting from the parking lot to rentals, lessons and the lift should not feel like a separate expedition.
The executive summary also identifies a connection to the BC Hydro electrical grid as critical to the development’s phasing. The proposed transformation therefore involves more than purchasing lifts and clearing trails.
More Lodging and Continued Investment in Staff Housing
The resort’s published overview includes six additional premium cabins, three new chalets, expanded summer recreation and possible relocation of the tubing park. Manning Park Lodge could also receive accessibility improvements, including an elevator.
Longer-term concepts include a new Nordic Centre and expanded health and wellness facilities in the lodge area.
Staff housing is another part of the plan, alongside maintenance buildings and other operational infrastructure.
Manning Park is not starting from scratch on that front. As Unofficial Networks reported in 2022, the resort added two employee apartment buildings, Owl and Raven, containing 24 one-bedroom units. That project also included a community center for employees.
It is a less glamorous side of resort development, but one that belongs in the same conversation as new terrain. A larger operation needs people to run it, along with somewhere for those people to live.
What Still Needs to Happen?
Manning Park Resort operates within E.C. Manning Provincial Park. Inclusion in the development plan would not, by itself, authorize construction.
The resort’s planning FAQ says individual projects would still require BC Parks impact assessments covering environmental, cultural and social considerations, along with First Nations consultation. Archaeological impact assessments may also be required.
Public comments are scheduled for October 1 through November 30, 2026. The current project page lists two open houses: October 14 from 5–7 p.m. at Camperland RV Resort in Bridal Falls, and October 17 from 1–3 p.m. at Manning Park Resort.
After public engagement, Manning Park and BC Parks intend to publish a summary of the feedback and revisit the proposal to address comments.
For now, this is a look at where the resort wants to go, not a construction calendar. Skiers have a chance to examine that direction before the proposed changes become part of their ski day.
