Mount Seymour planning major four-season expansion

Mount Seymour is pursuing a sweeping redevelopment that would transform the North Vancouver resort from a winter-only destination into a year-round operation, nearly tripling daily visitor capacity.

The draft plan, released this month, envisions adding a suspension bridge, a skywalk attraction, and a new gondola running from the base of the mountain. It would expand the resort's controlled recreation area by nearly 100 hectares, pushing peak daily visitor capacity from about 2,660 to close to 6,000 people.

Owner Eddie Wood, whose family has operated the resort since 1984, says the expansion is essential for long-term viability. "It's a very capital-intensive business," he told Postmedia News. "If we can use our facilities in the summer as well as winter, it will allow us to keep recreation costs down for customers."

The proposal addresses climate change head-on, citing projections of declining snowpack and reduced snowfall at lower elevations. The resort plans to expand skiable terrain from 42 to 158 hectares, increase chairlifts from four to 14, and grow the trail network from 41 to 90 runs. Summer attractions could include mountain biking, disc golf, hiking, ziplines, and an aerial adventure park.

The plan also proposes new lodges, yurts, and 25 cabins alongside expanded dining and retail. Wood emphasized the proposal represents a "best-case scenario" and noted implementation would depend on demand, environmental review, and Indigenous consultation. B.C. Parks is collecting feedback on the plan over the next four weeks.