A major ski destination in B.C. could be opening as early as Christmas of 2018.

The provincial government has approved plans for the $100-million resort proposed by the Valemount Glacier Destinations Ltd.

The resort is near the Village of Valemount in the Premier Range of the province.

“This location opens lift access to one of the best snow zones and reliable climates for snow sports on the continent,” resort designer Tommaso Oberti said in a media release Tuesday (March 28).

The future resort features a vertical drop 2,090 metres, which proponents described as the largest in North America.

The destination will also have a lift system that will take sightseers and skiers to Mount Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Twilight Glacier, and McLennan Glacier.

“It will be a true multi-peak experience surrounded by stunning glaciers,” Oberti said.

The development is expected to be completed in a 15- to 20-year period, with investments estimated to total about $500 at that time.

The project is located in the territory of the Simpcw First Nation.

The media release noted that the Simpcw participated in the project through their environmental consulting company, Estsek.

Oberti said: “We have appreciated that Chief Nathan Matthew and his Council have seen positively the promise of a significant tourism destination in their territory.”