Kelowna Mountain - The Lost Resorts, Episode 20

One of the most bizarre resort developments I’ve ever seen, Kelowna Mountain has quite a history that seems to be ever evolving and changing. But the place is truly weird. For example, where can you find a ski resort, mixed with 4 suspension bridges, a wine cave, vineyards, ponds, an underground climbing centre, and a sundial all in one? Well here’s where. Despite its location and history, I’ve found that most people have never heard of Kelowna Mountain. However, the bizarre history and story is extremely unique, and deserves a spot in the Lost Resorts. So without further ado, sit back and please enjoy the story of Kelowna Mountain.
The Lost Resorts is a weekly video series that focuses on the history of lost ski resorts in North America. New episodes release every Thursday at 5:15am MST (unless otherwise notified). Join me as we take a look at the lost resorts of North America.
Kelowna Mountain (British Columbia) Information:
Years of Operation: 2012
Run Count: 15
Lifts: 1 Triple (Hall), 1 Rope Tow (Harusch)
Music by Artlist.io
Timestamps:

[@zanehalperin2831]

As a Kelowna resident, there is a general sentiment that the skiing would never be good. Would maybe I’ve been an operation more like COP in Calgary where they could focus on afternoon skiing. Was also just thinking that mountain biking could’ve been a possibility there too. Seems like there’s a lot of potential to make it something really cool, but they messed it up pretty bad.

[@CDN403]

Thanks for making a video about Kelowna Mountain. The skiing definitely would not have been good, but there would have been potential for mountain biking there. You do have to keep in mind that the wedding industry is huge in the Okanagan, they would have made an insane amount of money from that. It saddens me every time I drive by, that the area has just been abandoned. Kelowna has grown in population a lot since the last 10 years, hopefully one day they'll be lift access mountain biking closer to town. I always enjoy your videos!

[@Skier72]

That's a great point that I really didn't touch on. It seems that Kelowna Mountain didn't really market itself as a downhill mountain bike venue. I really do hope the property re-opens in some way. It is such a beautiful and unique place, and it's unfortunate seeing it sit there and rot.

[@JamesRegister-np7gn]

He probably fought it viable, because of vacation homes as part of the development. However it was of little size, it was like mountain Run, Cascade Mountain, and Shawnee ski resorts in Virginia. An interesting resort you hadn't covered is Ohoho, in the Woodstock valley that was Christmas themed, that I hope you cover, as well as the other resort mentioned. Ohoho is in great shape. Mountain Run also has lots of remnants including a very rusted Ski Lift international lift similar to the one at Iron Mountain and Kratka, from the times I went there, with lots of grown in slopes. NOT much is left of Shawnee Land, except a clear of trees area, which might have been a slope, and might be there anymore. Cascade's lodge and housing development are there, the lift is either removed, or only its towers are left, and its possibly its bullwheel.

[@julianhudson7811]

Kelowna Mountain feels like it was designed as either a tourist trap with lots of activities or a vanity project. While the ski area, golf course, and hiking trails make sense, some of the other things are questionable at best and feel out of place at worst. No ski areas afaik of have an on-site vineyard or a wine cave, and the sundial was probably added for aesthetic purposes. Kelowna has a ton of potential. The triple chair could be shortened to end at the second mid-station and a second lift (probably another triple) could be added running from the base area to the sundial.

[@Skier72]

I would argue that the vineyards actually make sense for this land. Historically, snow levels in the Okanagan Valley are usually not that high due to an extensive cloud coverage that warms the entire valley up during winter. The ski resort would most likely only operate 1-2 months of the winter, and need extensive snowmaking. I feel like if Kelowna Mountain only focused on vineyards, hotels and luxury real-estate, the development would make more sense. Though in a way, the property does feel like a tourist trap. I do think that the property still has potential for mountain bike, and it would be an amazing spot for weddings or other events. Right now, the entire future of the project is undetermined though.

[@chrisklugh]

Its too bad Kelowna Mountain turned out like this. From everything I've heard, it seem like there is a variable not yet told. I'm not sure what that is, but if I were speculate, someone slept with someone they should not have. Cause on the surface, this problem seems solvable. But its not getting solved because there are some hard feelings. Feelings so strong that those involved feel its more important to win their side of their story then to have this become an asset for the whole city to enjoy. I think this could be a big attractive thing that would make the city a lot of money. But those feelings are more important then money. So who slept with whom?

[@drexrew]

You showed a picture of Lake Okanagan frozen, as if that is the normal state of the lake, that is extremely disingenuous. Lake Okanagan rarely freezes in current times, if it does it is for less than a week. This proposed ski resort would have struggled to have consistent snow. Big White and Apex Mountain are near by, at much higher elevation, they are far superior to this proposed ski resort.

[@Skier72]

Thanks for your comment. I was more referring to the cloud coverage that often covers the Okanagan valley, keeping temperatures somewhat warm throughout the winter.

[@jeremyhopwood]

If only they had known that the money is always in the banana stand