While they already have an early and long ski season to look forward to, snow enthusiasts have one more reason to be excited: a new ski resort in British Columbia.

The idea to turn an old nickel mine into a $600 million ski resort has been in the works for quite some time. A group called Barrick Gold Corp is proposing the idea, which would provide year-round recreational activities.

Plans also include a ski hill, resort villages, a gondola, and even restaurants that grow their own vegetables.

Squamish also recently proposed building a ski resort, but they received a great deal of pushback; however, they are in consideration to provide a $150 million waterpark and resort.

The Vancouver Sun notes that plans are starting to move ahead now as, “Toronto-based Barrick, the world’s largest gold mining company, has passed the first hurdle: Approval from the Agricultural Land Commission for juggling boundaries on the parcel of land that covers 182 hectares (450 acres) and that straddles the Trans-Canada Highway north of Hope.”

$600 Million Ski Resort Hope BC

The gondola would load from a parking lot near the TransCanada, and Vancouverites could reach the resort within a two hour drive.

The group is also looking into what the ski and snowboard conditions are like in the area. The Vancouver Sun notes that, “An artist’s rendering shows one peak as high as 1,563 metres without indicating vertical drop or top elevation. Blackcomb’s highest vertical is 1,609 m and its top elevation is 2,284 m.”

Khalater Lake would also become part of the resort, and is currently used for canoeing and other activities.

The resort is still in its conceptual stages, and Barrick still needs further approval. While it has support from the local indigenous people, it needs to pass an provincial environmental assessment review. This review could take up to two years.