Whistler and Sun Peaks Accomodations: Nancy Greene and the Birth of BC Ski Destinations

Outside of the arena of amateur racing, Nancy has played an influential role in the growth and development of two of British Columbia’s most celebrated ski resorts: Whistler Blackcomb and Sun Peaks. This article discusses Greene’s powerful contribution to the growth of Whistler and Sun Peaks accomodations and her role in the distinguished success both mountains experience today.

Nancy Greene amazed spectators at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, winning an Olympic silver medal in slalom and a gold medal in giant slalom. Her Olympic triumph combined with three US Championship wins and nine Canadian titles allowed Nancy to retire from her nine year racing career at the tender age of 24 and embark on a promising promotional career.

Although no longer racing the slopes, Nancy and husband, Al Raine, have made skiing their life-long occupation, purchasing Whistler and Sun Peaks accomodations and helping to publicize and develop both resorts. Both Nancy and Al saw great potential in British Columbia’s magnificent mountains and beautiful snow and made it their ambition to turn Whistler into a key ski attraction. While Al was involved with the planning of Whistler Village, Nancy used her prestige and cunning business etiquette to attract investors and visitors to the resort.

In 1985, Nancy and Al constructed Nancy Greene’s Olympic Lodge, the first accomodations facility in Whistler to be built and financed as a hotel. Success attained by the hotel marked a turning point in the status of Whistler’s investment situation. Although the couple later sold the hotel in 1988, they remained involved in amateur ski racing, volunteering as race officials or serving on committees for the International Ski Federation.

In 1994, Nancy and Al relayed their interest to another promising ski destination, Sun Peaks Resort in the interior or British Columbia. At the time, Sun Peaks accomodations were limited. The Greene’s constructed the first condominium hotel in Sun Peaks Village – Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge. Nancy is actively involved in promoting and public relations for Sun Peaks accomodations and is also now the Director of Skiing at Sun Peaks resort. Nancy also shares her love of the sport with guests to the resort, skiing with them whenever she has the chance.

It is evident that both Nancy and Al’s participation in the development of Whistler Blackcomb and Sun Peaks resorts have contributed greatly to the success and prestige both resorts boast today. By building her own Whistler and Sun Peaks accomodations, Greene was able to use her prestige and clever business tactics to establish both resorts as internationally acclaimed ski destinations.