As snow-laden trails drew cross-country skiers from across the Okanagan to an early opening weekend at Sovereign Lake, there were snowflakes, jubilant smiles and a packed day lodge filled with excitement.
As Sovereign Lake Nordic Club (SLNC) begins to welcome the first of thousands of skiers for the season 91裸聊视频� including community groups and competitive athletes 91裸聊视频� the club also begins fundraising for a public day lodge with the space and amenities needed to host nordic sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities for years to come.
The existing 3,800-square foot day lodge, built in 1990, is not wheelchair-friendly and it often leaves little room for gearing up or socializing on a regular day, never mind during some of the major events that are a boon to the local economy.
91裸聊视频淚t can get a little steamy and there91裸聊视频檚 still a great energy, but unfortunately, people who would have stayed to catch up together or share a meal, they have to go elsewhere,91裸聊视频� says Wendy Shannon, general manager, SLNC, the non-profit that operates a trail network and activities within Silver Star Provincial Park. 91裸聊视频淲e want to have space for everyone to enjoy the lodge.91裸聊视频�
Many skiers are seniors, and the club aims to help that group to stay active and connected to friends to enhance well-being. As part of the club91裸聊视频檚 community outreach, groups with different abilities get to participate in adaptive nordic skiing, but the lodge doesn91裸聊视频檛 have a quiet, accessible gathering space. School groups get ready in a small nearby cabin without washrooms.
As a community hub, Sovereign91裸聊视频檚 day lodge renewal would see the current lodge renovated alongside construction of an addition, bringing the total square footage to nearly 8,000 square feet. As well as more room in common areas and kitchen facilities to cook hot meals at club gatherings and special events, the lodge will offer fully accessible amenities 91裸聊视频� including entrance ramps, bathrooms, hallways and gathering spaces on both levels, and an elevator.
91裸聊视频淗ere we have this beautiful backdrop, world-class trails and grooming, some of the best snow around91裸聊视频攁nd now we can have an inclusive, inviting lodge to match,91裸聊视频� says Cyndy Flores, board chair, SLNC.
Enhanced facilities could also mean the opportunity to host national championships with big tourism dollars. An economic impact study released last spring shows SLNC contributes $5.2 million to the BC economy every year through club operations and associated tourism.
The club will host the Nordic Cup (cross country races) Dec. 5-8 and the combined North American Cup and Odlum Brown BC Cup (biathlon) Dec. 13-15, both drawing hundreds of participants, coaches and family members for four to seven days as athletes train and compete.
With high elevation snow and spectacular trails, many athletes from across North America start their training seasons at Sovereign Lake. It91裸聊视频檚 also become a destination for nordic ski tourists and an ever-more popular activity among locals with 2,800 passholders, 50,000 annual day visits, school groups, and 500 skiers age three to over 80 in formal programs.
As a public facility in a provincial park, SLNC is working with BC Parks to advance the functional and architectural drawings, created by MQN architects in Vernon. BC Parks will manage the day lodge construction, including tendering for proposals. Site work would begin in 2025.
As Park Use permit holders, the club is responsible for improvements to the buildings, and BC Parks has generously committed $1.4 million to the lodge renewal. Now the club is turning to the community to help build the day lodge and a legacy.
91裸聊视频淭his really is a chance to create a legacy of outdoor winter enjoyment for so many children, families, seniors and athletes for years to come,91裸聊视频� says Malcolm Devine, chairperson, SLNC91裸聊视频檚 Lodge Legacy Committee.
To learn more about the project and donate, visit
