Mountain Resort

Spuzzum First Nation, of the Nlaka’pamux speaking and cultural tradition, is exploring the feasibility of developing the first Indigenous-driven comprehensive all-season mountain resort in B.C.
Located within our traditional territory on lands east of Highway 1 and west of Highway 5, the project comprises a 7,415-hectare Controlled Recreation Area and encompasses the upper reaches of both the South and Central Anderson Valleys, extending northwards to integrate tourism and traditional land use activities.

The South Anderson Mountain Resort (working title) would develop approximately 600 hectares of land for recreation and tourism. This includes 240 hectares of ski area and lift rights-of-way and 300-350 hectares of other development areas including day skier base lodge, recreation centre, utilities (wastewater treatment, potable water), a potential school, recreational vehicle park, hiking trails, etc.

Project components:

• Road access and improvements
 → New access via tunnel proposed from Highway 5 
 → Road upgrades and new local roads within the resort
• Outdoor recreation opportunities
 → Alpine ski resort
 → Golf course
 → Trails (hiking, cross country skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing)
 → Mountaintop restaurant
• Accommodation
 → Mountain village with a range of single-family units, townhouses and condos
 → Campground
 → Hotels
 → RV campground
 → Employee lodging
• First Nations cultural and educational experiences
 → First Nations Cultural Centre

Anticipated Project Benefits
 → Increased tourism and recreation opportunities for B.C. residents
 → Economic self-reliance and sense of pride for Spuzzum
 → Protection of the Central Anderson watershed for eco-tourism and Indigenous cultural purposes
 → Construction employment and 800 operational jobs
 → Sustainable regional economic development
 → Application of environmental best practices
 → Opportunity to profile First Nation entrepreneurship
 → Significant opportunity for meaningful Reconciliation between Spuzzum and B.C.