Thanks to the vision and tenacity of Vancouver architect, Oberto Oberti, Canada can now boast a spectacular, new four-season resort. The first to be built in this country over the past quarter century: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

In 1996, Mr. Oberti visited Whitetooth Ski Hill in Golden, BC and saw the immense potential of the site. At the time the hill was open four days a week and featured one double chair, a t-bar, and a vertical of barely 2,000 feet. Mr. Oberti imagined much, much more and a year later the residents of Golden voted almost unanimously to give Mr. Oberti the go ahead to expand and re-develop the facility. With the assistance of the following organizations, architect Oberti's vision has become a reality.

Ballast Nedam Canada Ltd. Ballast Nedam is an innovative company that consistently delivers intelligent and viable solutions to every business challenge the corporation undertakes. Their team of over 7,300 employees worldwide can build just about anything, whether it's underground, on land, or under water. Ballast Nedam is a European company that has been in business for over 125 years. It currently has a turnover of about NLG 4.4 billion. From the conceptual phase and project financing, through to construction and maintenance, to management after completion, Ballast Nedam has played a critical role in the planning and development of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. www.ballastnedamcanada.com

Just 15 minutes from downtown, Grouse Mountain is Vancouver’s premier four-season attraction. Breathtaking views of the city, ocean and surrounding mountains unfold as the Skyride whisks guests on a one-mile aerial journey to The Peak of Vancouver. Visit four orphaned grizzly bear cubs at the Wildlife Refuge, experience the Theatre in the Sky, take part in year-round recreational activities and enjoy a variety of unique dining and shopping venues 3700’ above Vancouver. www.grousemountain.com

Columbia Basin Trust. The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is a regional corporation created by provincial legislation in 1995 to work with residents of the Columbia Basin to promote social, economic and environmental well-being in the region most affected by the 1964 Columbia River Treaty. The CBT has a five-year Columbia Basin Management Plan, which describes the CBT's objectives, priorities and programs. www.cbt.org