The second phase of the Callaghan Backcountry Lodge is currently underway and on schedule for completion this winter.
The expansion by Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures includes improvements to the access trail, the construction of a sewage treatment plant for the lodge, and the addition of a larger dining room, commercial kitchen, two new bedrooms and a third deluxe suite.
In addition, each of the new bedrooms will come with an ensuite bathroom, and the Solitude Suite features a private living room, fireplace, deck, master bedroom and loft.
The construction is expected to wrap up in early December.
Once complete, the expanded lodge will be able to hold day events for up to 50 people and accommodate between 10 and 16 guests overnight.
Also, in conjunction with the lodge expansion, this summer the company installed a bridge across Callaghan Creek, in partnership with the B.C. Forest Service. They also build a 13 kilometre Nordic skiing trail from the lodge to Alexander Falls, the first of many non-motorized trails planned for the area.
"Since we first began operating in 1982, Nordic skiing has matured and our product has evolved," says Brad Sills, president and co-owner of Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures.
"Because of our location next to Whistler, we tend to attract a more discriminating and comfort-conscious clientele, many of whom are strong skiers, but not necessarily experienced backcountry skiers.
"It became apparent to us that in order to take advantage of this emerging market niche, we would have to make some improvements to our facilities and our level of service to continue to exceed our guests’ expectations."
In addition to expanding the trails and lodge, they have also created an alpine touring program, designed and led by guides certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
The third phase, which will allow the lodge to accommodate up to 24 guests in 12 private rooms, will start in 2003.
For more information, visit www.callaghan country.com.
