Zeno Peak: Burnaby Mountain’s Ambitious Ski Resort Could Reshape Metro Vancouver Real Estate

A major new development proposal on Burnaby Mountain aims to link the top of SFU’s west campus to the waterfront with an integrated ski and resort complex. Branded Zeno Peak, the plan would create an indoor-outdoor skiing destination, two large hotels, conference facilities and waterfront amenities. If the project advances through approvals, it could have meaningful implications for residential and commercial real estate across Burnaby and the wider Lower Mainland.

The concept is striking: a roughly 900-metre corridor stretching from the mountain ridge near Kushiro Park and Mintara Restaurant, descending past Barnet Highway and the CPKC rail line, and reaching the shore. The centrepiece is a 720-metre indoor downhill slope — proposed to be the longest indoor run of its kind — with green, blue and FIS-standard black runs to accommodate beginners through elite athletes. The indoor area would also include a 2.4-kilometre elevated cross-country loop, a 2,300-square-metre terrain park and an 840-square-metre ice rink. Lighting, projections and nature-themed murals are planned to simulate alpine skies and keep the experience consistent year-round.

Above the indoor slope, an 810-metre outdoor dry-slope made from an Italian Neveplast surface is proposed for summer and snowless operation — similar in technology to Copenhagen’s CopenHill. Total on-site capacity is estimated at about 9,000 users at once (up to 6,000 indoors and 4,000 on the rooftop), with vertical and horizontal transport systems designed to move roughly 7,000 people per hour.

The project also includes two hotels: a seven-storey, 265-room mountaintop hotel with long-stay suites reserved for athletes and 2,800 square metres of academic space earmarked for SFU sport science and related facilities; and a ten-storey, 460-room waterfront hotel with spa facilities, an indoor pool with a lazy river, and a new pier. Both hotels would offer ski-in/ski-out access, conference space, and multiple dining options.

Developers say the proposal would be privately financed and will require a long-term land lease from the City of Burnaby. If approvals move ahead, the target timeline is to start construction around 2030 and open before the end of 2035. Design elements aim to reduce energy use (north-facing slopes, rainwater capture for snowmaking) and mitigate wildfire risk with full-length heavy sprinkler systems on both sides of the structure.

However, the scheme raises significant environmental and planning considerations. The initial plan affects parkland, involves the removal of thousands of trees, and crosses sensitive creeks and habitats. Traffic impacts are also notable: the proposal includes about 1,400 underground parking stalls, new highway signalization at Barnet Highway, and a widened mountain entrance. Project proponents are also banking on TransLink’s proposed Burnaby Mountain gondola; if built, the gondola could increase annual visitors substantially.

Actionable insights:

• Monitor approvals and transit decisions — if the gondola or new highway access proceeds, nearby residential neighbourhoods (SFU area, Brentwood, North Burnaby) may see stronger demand and price support from tourism and short-stay activity.
• Evaluate rental and hospitality exposure — hotel and resort growth tends to increase demand for short-term accommodation and service-oriented rentals; landlords near transit and SFU could benefit from higher occupancy or consider repositioning units for student and visitor markets.
• Factor regulatory and environmental risk into valuations — the project faces complex parkland, tree-removal and ecological reviews. Investors should assume a multi-year approval timeline and potential design changes before committing.

What This Means for BC Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

Real impact: Zeno Peak, if realized, would boost visitor numbers to Burnaby Mountain and adjacent corridors, supporting hospitality, retail and rental markets. Expect heightened interest in properties close to SFU, Production Way-University station and proposed transit links. However, approvals are uncertain — environmental reviews and community opposition could delay or scale back the plan.

Practical advice: Buyers and investors should track municipal planning documents, TransLink’s gondola decision, and provincial permitting. Sellers in target neighbourhoods may see stronger demand if approvals advance; consider timing listings to coincide with positive project milestones. Landlords should audit their units for short-term rental potential and regulatory compliance, while conservative investors should model returns assuming delays or downsizing of the project.

Bottom line: Zeno Peak represents a bold vision with potential upside for local real estate, but it comes with long lead times and material planning risk. Stay informed, prioritize transit-adjacent locations, and incorporate regulatory uncertainty into your investment assumptions.