A GLIMPSE OF HEMLOCK VALLEY

It is so common to hear a guest say that they used to ski Hemlock when they were just a kid – “20 years ago”. In fact, this beautiful valley with its average annual snowfall of over 900 cm has been welcoming alpine enthusiasts for more than fifty years. In winter, wooden skis have given way to a myriad of new technologies, while the snow mobile has replaced the snow cat. Boarding has become the most popular sport while acrylic helmets have replaced those colourful crazy hats that used to be the skiers trademark.

In summer, just as it was 50 years ago, a short hike will take you to some of the most striking scenic vistas this beautiful province has to offer. But with the recent popularity of the ATV the range of scenic wonder seems to have no limits. Hundreds of square kilometres around Hemlock Valley are honeycombed with old logging roads making access a breeze. All the while the beauty of Hemlock Valley continues to astonish both the newcomer and old hand alike. It is truly...“the perfect place to be”.

During the dark economic times of the early 1980s, a time when most of the ski resorts in British Columbia failed, Hemlock Valley’s resort failed as well. As the years went by, most of the other resorts rebounded, developed, and became the destination resorts they are today. Hemlock’s resort, although it operated over the years, never advanced much beyond its 80s starting point. There are a few exceptions, but over all, that guest that used to ski here 20 years ago would not have seen much of a change.

The search for the reasons why Hemlock Valley has been “frozen in time” all these years will be a long one. There are as many differing opinions as there are summer camp fires. Perhaps a quick comparison will do. There is an area in Port Moody called Belcarra. It is a natural jewel very near the heart of Greater Vancouver. Although most of the local citizens knew of this beautiful area, for decades it languished in relative obscurity, and remained mostly untouched, as the city grew up all around it. That was until only a decade ago. Today, without a doubt, Belcarra is one of the most desirable places to live in the entire country.

In the fall of 2006, after a period of receivership, Hemlock Valley Resort was purchased by a local, (Langley), company with deep roots in the hospitality industry. The purchase included the Resort Company, all the buildings, lifts and equipment. The purchase also included the electrical utility, the water utility and the sanitary utility. Along with the above came several development properties as well as a number of subdivided lots.

Despite the fall purchase, the new owner managed to have the resort open in time for the 2006/2007 season. One can only marvel that this successful opening was achieved with such a short lead time and overcoming all the obstacles that the prolonged closure created. The new staff bus wrapped in the corporate message “we’re back” told the story.

Immediately upon the completion of the 06/07 season the work crews arrived to start their summer work. There were utility upgrades, building upgrades, new equipment, and, of course, consistent with their roots, a brand new Molly Hogan’s Pub. Season 07/08 guests arrived to find the rental shop equipment replaced, the reception area rebuilt, two retail stores added, new signage, and a professional staff dressed in new uniforms. Those lucky enough to have the time to enjoy an overnight stay found extended operating hours, more night skiing, great cross country trail grooming for the after dinner stroll and lots of after hours activities for the kids.