Vanessa Garrison Photography/Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

By Vernon Matters Staff

making space for more fun

Local ski club starts expansion drive

Nov 19, 2024 | 11:37 AM

Fundraising is well underway for the planned near-$5 million expansion of space and offerings at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club (SLNC), around a 25-minute drive from downtown Vernon.

The club aims to renew their public day lodge that will give them the space and amenities needed to welcome Nordic sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

At 35 years old, the existing day lodge is nearing the end of its useful life.

The club said it is too small for SLNC’s current needs, lacks accessibility for people with mobility challenges, and does not meet current building standards in several ways.

Also, renting ski and snowshoe gear was not envisioned when the lodge was built, so the space is cramped and it’s tricky for people with their rental equipment to get in and out.

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The club aims to raise the ambitious total of $4.9 million and said it had already accumulated $1.5 million, or around a third of the needed total.

Situated deep in the majestic Silver Star Provincial Park, the 80 kilometres of cross-country, backcountry and snowshoe trails offer top-notch grooming and breathtaking beauty.

Sovereign Lake Nordic Club (SLNC) is one of the North Okanagan’s best features and has become one of Canada’s top Nordic destinations, but the club said the lodge had not kept pace with growing popularity.

The public facility operates out of a 30-year-old, 3,800 square foot lodge designed for a much smaller community.

In a post on their website, the organization said, “with more room to gather, get ready and grab a hot drink, and an accessible, inviting space in keeping with our beautiful backdrop, we can foster a love of Nordic sports as an affordable and inclusive lifelong activity — and host events with big economic benefits for the Club and the local community.”

The club said it had a breaking ground target of Spring 2025, with the hope the project will be finished for the 2026-27 season.

For info on the club and how to donate click here.