Crystal Architect Wins Best Resort Development 2006
Canadian Home Builders Association of B.C. Award Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

March 15, 2007, Westbank B.C. -  Kicking Horse Mountain Resort added another trophy to the shelf with its prestigious recognition as ‘Best Resort Development of 2006’ for Phase One of its Selkirk Resort Homes project. Designed by Crystal Mountain architect Oberto Oberti, the resort was awarded the title by the Canadian Home Builders Association of British Columbia at the annual Georgie Awards ceremony held in Vancouver.  It won for the first phase of Selkirk Resort Homes consisting of 18 units ranging in size from 1,315 square feet to 1,850 square feet.

“I’d like to congratulate Oberti Resort Design on its award,” said Crystal Mountain Ski and Golf Resort Inc. owner David Tschanz. “There are several great resorts being built across B.C. and to receive this award is quite an achievement.” 

The three-storey Selkirk Resort town homes feature heavy timber, cedar siding and cultured stone, renewing the tradition of rustic mountain architecture  Ski-in, ski-out convenience provides easy access to the slopes and a quick return home for après-ski relaxation in each of the home’s private hot tubs.   Vaulted ceilings and large, tall windows open up to lots of natural light and spectacular mountain views. 

Several conservation measures were incorporated into the build of the development including natural landscaping, water conservation measures and the re-use of building materials including fireplace mantles made from reclaimed timbers of grain elevators.

Oberti Resort Design, a division of Oberto Oberti Architecture and Urban Design Inc. is led by architect Oberto Oberti who is now designing the first phase of Crystal Mountain’s expansion. Crystal’s Expansion Plan will transform the Mountain into a four season resort with world class golf and an expanded family ski resort.

Expansion plans include adding additional lifts and developing the east and north faces to open up more ski able terrain. The adjacent mountains provide for a nearly 700 metre vertical drop, from the summit of Mount Last to the area below Mount Miller.

The views from the top of the proposed main lift gondola to the summit of Mount Last capture a panorama of mountains and Okanagan Lake. The summit of Mount Last provides a good location for re-establishing the old teahouse that once existed at the top of Mount Last.

The excellent climate of the region is well known. Crystal Mountain has the advantage of sitting high above the fog that traditionally blankets Okanagan Lake, allowing visitors to enjoy sunshine and conditions favourable to powder skiing.  The average July temperature is 24 degrees Celsius and the average January temperature is -1.6 degrees Celsius.

Online Media Centre @  www.dhzmedia.ca/page439.htm
(backgrounder, fact sheet and photographs)

Crystal Mountain Ski and Golf Resort Inc.
(www.crystalresort.com)

Crystal Mountain Ski and Golf Resort (Crystal) is planning an expansion to add 12 new ski lifts and an 18-hole Signature Golf Course, making the resort a year-round facility. Crystal’s expansion plan is intended to create a world class resort that will showcase and protect this special area of the Okanagan for residents of Westbank and visitors to the Okanagan. It believes a year round tourist destination will provide social and economical benefits to the region.

Media contact:

Scott Henderson
dHz Media
+1.403.921.2001
scott.henderson@dhzmedia.ca

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