Historic Edmonton Ski Club redefines itself

The Edmonton Ski Club has big plans that will totally transform the downtown river valley and the communities that surround it. The landmark ski club, located directly across the river from downtown, has submitted a Master Development Plan to City Council that will turn the grounds into a multi-purpose year-round recreational, cultural and fitness complex.

“The new facility will be able to bring even more new people to winter sports.It will also increase employment opportunities year-round and become a recreational hot-spot for the local community as well as tourists.It's time to start showing off this gem in the heart of Edmonton’s river valley,” said Ken Saunders, President of the Edmonton Ski Club.

The Edmonton Ski Club has been operating since 1911 and its current facility is run-down.Ski-lifts and other major equipment need to be replaced soon.Saunders fears that if these changes are not made in the near future, the historical ski club could be in jeopardy of closing its doors.

The Edmonton Ski Club has been operating since 1911.

The plan outlines winter recreation enhancements including a new day lodge, skating paths, re-contouring slopes, new chair lift, groomed skate ski trails, skating pond and a tube park.The new year-round facility will also include a mountain bike park, challenge course, improved grounds for the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and other events, a fitness centre, rental and retail store.

This new facility will provide incredible opportunities for the nearby neighbourhoods of Cloverdale, Strathearn,Riverdale and the downtown core; but it will soon be easily accessible to the entire city as plans for future light rail transit are well under way.

“With the expansion of the LRT the Edmonton Ski Club will become the first and only ski area accessible by light rail in North America.That will make this new state-of-the-art recreational facility completely accessible to all Edmontonians and visitors to the area,” said Saunders.“We want to capitalize on the LRT expansion, which is why the time to redevelop is now.”

The new plan will cost an estimated $15 million. The club has applied for funding from the municipal and provincial governments and the remainder will be raised by the club.

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson commented that the city would benefit from the recreational facility and that the city wants to see the ski club flourish, but no decision will be made or publicized until the proposal goes to council.