A few days ago, Curbed Ski reported on the latest development in the fight to create the Garibaldi at Squamish ski area near Whistler. The controversial ski area development would be a $3.5 billion four-seasons resort with 23 ski lifts and 124 trails on up to 3,000 skiable acres. Garibaldi at Squamish just received an environmental assessment certificate from the Canadian provincial government, a key step in starting construction within the next few years. And while we wait for approval in local government offices, Curbed ski decided to turn the question over to you: what's your opinion on Garibaldi at Squamish?
Here's what the proposed development would include (note that 2 proposed golf courses were removed from the development plans):
· The ski resort would be located 15 kilometers north of Squamish on Brohm Ridge.
· 23 ski lifts
· 124 developed trails on between 2,400-3,000 skiable acres
· Private and commercial accommodations including 1,675 hotel units
· A car-free village with housing, restaurants, and shops linked to Squamish by transit
· Winter recreation would include alpine skiing, nordic skiing, and snowshoeing
· Summer recreation would include hiking, mountain biking, festivals, and events
· Base activities could include rock climbing, zip lines, and skate parks
If built, proponents say the project will generate 4,000 jobs to operate the resort, 2,000 jobs to build it, and millions of dollars in tourism revenue. The ski resort began the process of trying to earn environmental approval nearly 20 years ago. Opponents of the new ski area say that there is no need for another resort in the Sea to Sky corridor and are concerned about the ski area's impacts on wilderness.
So tell us, Curbediverse, what's your take?