Crystal Mountain (B.C) to Remain Closed?

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30 September 2015

Push to The Latest: No

SAM Magazine—Kelowna, B.C., Sept. 30, 2015—According to CBC.ca, Crystal Mountain, a day ski area in West Kelowna, B.C., will not open for the 2015-16 winter season.

In March 2014, one of Crystal's chairlifts incurred a deropement, and three chairs fell to the ground. Four guests were taken to the hospital. As a result, the BC Safety Authority outlined changes the resort needed to make before it could reopen the lift. The resort did not open for the 2014-15 season, and it appears that the required changes still have not been made.

David Lynn, CEO of the Canada West Ski Areas Association, told CBC, "The information I've heard from various people in the industry is that Crystal Mountain has not done those things that would be required to open for the current season."

A year ago, on Sept. 17, 2014, the resort addressed a comment on its Facebook page regarding the chairlift repairs. “Yes, the hill did get request for repairs,” Crystal replied. “Some of these repairs will be covered by insurance, which we are still working on. As well the feasibility of making repairs on an aging lift has to be reviewed.

“This has been a very trying time for all involved and takes time to review all that is involved to make the correct decisions. … We thank everyone for their patience.”

Since last year, the resort has not made any new posts on its social media pages, nor updated its website (which still says the resort plans to open for the 2015-16 season). SAM's attempts to reach the resort for comment this week were unsuccessful.