Gibson Pass Ski Area

Gibson Pass Ski Area
Location of Gibson Pass Ski Area in British Columbia
Location	British Columbia, Canada
Nearest city	Manning Park, East Gate Hope, 75km West Princeton, 75km East
Vertical	417 m 1417 ft
Top elevation	1789 m[1] 5868 ft
Base elevation	1357 m 4451 ft
Skiable area	57 acres 140 hectares
Runs	34 total 30% Novice 40% intermediate 30% expert
Longest run	1943 m 6375 ft
Lift system	5 total 2 double chairlifts 1 T-bar 1 handle tow 1 Tube Cable Tow
Snowfall	546 cm 215 inches
Website	Manning Park Resort

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.

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.

Rental shop and base of the Orange Chair

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.^[2]

Free shuttle between Manning Park Lodge and the day lodge of the ski hill.

See also

• East Gate, British Columbia
• Manning Provincial Park

References