The Road to Resurgence: A New Chalet for the Vernon Snowmobile Club
The BC Snowmobile Federation is proud to share the announcement of the grand opening of the Vernon Snowmobile Club's new chalet, a momentous occasion that marks the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and community support. Join the club on March 9th, from 10 am to 2 pm, as we celebrate this milestone at the chalet's official opening together!
A Journey Through Time
The journey of the Vernon Snowmobile Club dates back to March 1967 when a small group of visionaries gathered with a shared passion for snowmobiling and a commitment to fostering fellowship within the community. Fast forward to 2023, and the club is proud to present its new chalet, made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Province of British Columbia through the Destination Development Fund program.
From Humble Beginnings to Grand Ambitions
The story of the chalet's inception is one of resilience and community collaboration. In 1967, the club embarked on the construction of a cabin in Silver Star Park, built entirely by volunteer labor and financed through charter memberships and donations from local businesses. The chalet served as a hub for snowmobiling enthusiasts, hosting events and providing a warm haven in the snow-covered landscape.
Over the years, the chalet became a cherished landmark, but in 2021, investigations revealed structural issues beyond repair. Undeterred, a committee was formed, and fundraising efforts commenced with the support of BC Parks. Despite challenging weather conditions, the 55-year-old building was demolished in the fall of 2022, making way for a new chapter in the club's history.
The Road to Resurgence
The community rallied together, contributing funds and resources to bring the vision of a new chalet to life. Generous donations poured in from members, local businesses, and even the Hunters Range Snowmobile Association, founded by former VSA members in 1977. Local contractors, such as Huber Construction, played a crucial role in the construction, sharing their expertise and teaching snowmobilers the art of carpentry.
By June 2023, the club had garnered enough funds to substantially complete the building, thanks to a combination of media campaigns, social media outreach, and direct solicitations. Permission from BC Parks, received earlier that year, paved the way for the construction of the new chalet. With Huber Construction leading the charge, the building was erected on July 8th and 9th, 2023.
A New Era Dawns
As we stand on the cusp of the 2023 - 2024 snowmobiling season, the new chalet stands tall, ready to welcome generations of snowmobilers. It features modern amenities such as separate member areas, wood storage, electrical systems, wood stoves, and panoramic windows offering breathtaking views of the sliding hill.
The construction process was a testament to the club's commitment to family values, as three generations of members worked together to ensure the chalet's completion. The generosity of past members ensures that their grandchildren and future generations will have a place to create lasting memories.
The Vernon Snowmobile Club would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this dream a reality. Join on March 9th, as they officially open the doors to the new chalet and embark on a new era of snowmobiling adventures in Vernon.
