Segue into autumn

The end of a busy summer makes way for a busy winter season at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

by Marie Milner — September 11, 2013

New-looking wooden pedestrian bridge supported by yellow strapping

1 of 4This pedestrian bridge at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort replaces the bridge that was destroyed by the 2012 mudslide. — Photo courtesy Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

Attractive peaked-roof building with people coming and going

2 of 4Riverside Golf Course clubhouse at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort houses a restaurant, pro shop, gift shop and administrative offices. — Marie Milner photo

Low curved red-brick wall bearing the name 'Riverside' in white lettering

3 of 4The entrance to Riverside Golf Course at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. — Marie Milner photo

Golf course with shrubs and water hazard, with mountains in the background

4 of 4Riverside Golf Course at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is set against a backdrop of the Purcell mountain range. — Marie Milner photo

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Management and staff at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (FHSR) are saying goodbye to summer and hoping to catch their breath during the slightly quieter few weeks before they welcome the autumn’s hockey teams.

A new bridge for the new season

On the east side of the highway, in the resort proper, a new pedestrian bridge has been installed to link the RV park and the hot pools. This replaces the bridge destroyed in last summer’s mudslide. A grand opening of the bridge was held during the Labour Day weekend.

Colleen McKee, marketing manager for FHSR, was happy to report that the resort’s three golf courses will be busy right through to the end of October. The weekends will continue to attract vacation home owners, and the midweek guest list is often made up of corporate groups.

“We’ve got kayaking tours still going on, and the hot springs are popular year round,” McKee said. “The fall brings its own beauty to this area, and we do back-to-school promotions for relaxing, long-stay RV getaways or midweek lodge stays as well as corporate retreats in our conference facilities.”

Something special for golfers

Golfers at the resort have appreciated the newly installed Trackman Pro, a golf swing radar analysis tool that was installed early this summer at Riverside Golf Course.

“This is something we’re really proud of,” McKee said. “It’s been extremely popular with our learning program and for people who are looking to improve their game or are returning to the game. They work with our golf pros and use this tool to analyze and improve their swing.”

The resort employs two golf pros: Peter Smith, who specializes in the mental game, and Jeremy Johnson, who works with golfers on the technical aspect of their game.

Come on, winter!

As early as Thanksgiving weekend, the resort starts being busy with hockey teams on weekends. Local hockey teams and teams from Calgary stay in Fairmont Hot Springs while they play at Canal Flats.

“And then, of course, we have the winter ski hill business,” said McKee. “The (FHSR) ski hill has 14 runs that all funnel down to the lodge, so parents feel comfortable with it. Many, many families from southern B.C. and Alberta have learned to ski at Fairmont. There’s great terrain for beginning skiers and for people who want a less extreme playground. We have a learning park with a magic carpet, we do little fun terrain parks for kids, and this year we’re starting a tubing park as well. Families and kids love it here.”