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Manning
Park Receational Area
Heading for the Okanagan this summer, we took the Hope Princeton Highway and once again were treated to the splendor of Manning Park. The area is now one of Fraser Country's most popular sites for year round recreation, including skiing and snow sports. The park had its origin in 1931 as the Three Brothers Game Reserve, the intent being to protect an original 15,900 acres of land from overgrazing by sheep. It was named in memory of Ernest Manning, British Columbia's Chief Forester (1936-1941) who was killed in a plane crash. Today the park area has grown to 71,400 hectares (176,000 acres). In 1951, North Star Ski Hill was opened at the base of Blackwall Mountain, with a single rope tow made from spare parts. The first
onsite buildings were the Pinewoods Lodge (1955), the Last
Resort and several Alpine type chalets, followed shortly by
a 24-unit motel. In 1959 a poma lift was installed, and in
1965 the downhill ski area was relocated to the Gibson
Valley. In the next decade two chair lifts were installed.
Thanks to the popularity of 'Ski Safaris' Nordic style,
groomed cross country skiing was introduced into Manning
Park in the 1970s. In 1984, the Manning Park Lodge,
restaurant and ski area facilities became privatized,
operating as Gibson Pass Resort Inc. under a Provincial
government land lease.
Legend of
the Sasquatch TRAIL MAPS: The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC publishes a series of maps of recreational areas, including Mighty Fraser Country. These maps show many of the back roads and trails, and contain information on a variety of recreational pursuits in BC They may be purchased at many sporting goods stores and bookstores, or by contacting: Outdoor Recreation Council of BC
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Ste.
334 - 1367 West Broadway