Phoenix Mountain Ski Resort (also known as Phoenix Ski Area or Phoenix Mountain) is a community-operated ski hill located in the Kootenay Boundary Regional District of British Columbia, Canada. It sits approximately 8 km off Highway 3, roughly 21 km west of Grand Forks and 19 km east of Greenwood, within the Phoenix Interpretive Forest.
History
The ski area was conceived and built in the late 1960s by a group of local ski enthusiasts from Grand Forks, Greenwood, and Midway, with support from the Granby Mining Company. Prior to its construction, local residents skied on a small handle-tow on "Telemark Hill" near the ghost town of Phoenix and the Phoenix Mine. The new location was scouted on nearby Deadman Ridge. Within a year of opening, a day lodge and rental shop were built, both of which remain in use over 50 years later. The resort is operated by the Phoenix Alpine Ski Society, a non-profit organization.
Terrain and Statistics
- Base elevation: 1,260 m (4,134 ft)
- Summit elevation: 1,480 m (4,856 ft)
- Vertical drop: Approximately 220 m (722 ft to 800 ft, depending on source)
- Skiable area: Approximately 150 acres (5 km of slopes)
- Number of runs: 22 marked runs
- Terrain breakdown: Approximately 15% beginner, 60% intermediate, 25% expert
- Lifts: 2 lifts — one T-bar and one rope tow
- Average snowfall: Over 118 inches (approx. 300 cm) annually
- Features: 3 terrain parks, night skiing on select dates
Operations
The resort generally operates from mid-December to late March, with opening hours typically from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It offers a licensed cafeteria, ski and snowboard rentals, lessons, school and racing programs, and hosts events such as the Phoenix Open race and the Spring Fling Dummy Downhill.
Reputation
Phoenix Mountain is informally known as the "Best Little Hill in BC" and is characterized as a family-friendly, community-oriented ski area with a hometown atmosphere. It is a participating resort in the Indy Pass program.
