Renovations at Eagle Ranch Resort clubhouse

Grand opening scheduled for the end of April

Eagle Ranch is a premier golf destination located in the Columbia Valley. With beautiful views of Lake Windermere and the Rocky and Purcell Mountains, the golf course and the resort offer a unique experience.

Eagle Ranch has the goal of becoming a world-class destination resort with "its intimate village centre bustling with activity and its boutique shops, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and lodge hotel wrapped up in a level of service that’s second to none."

A milestone is in the works right now with a full renovation of the Eagle Ranch clubhouse. The work began in January and is expected to be fully completed by the end of April 2013.

Andrew Hickson, clubhouse manager, is very proud of the renovation, which is rebranding the clubhouse to coincide with its sister course, Silvertip Golf Resort in Canmore, Alberta.

"Our sister golf course is owned by the same gentleman and it has a very specific concept there," said Hickson. "They have a lounge, patio and Rustica Steakhouse. We thought that it would be more appropriate for us to rebrand our fine dining and go the route of the tried and tested. Our owner has crafted our dining experience to replicate what they're doing over at Silvertip. We think this is a great move for us, as we will be the only steakhouse in the valley."

The renovations

Part of the renovation includes a new Montague grill in the kitchen, a high-end appliance which can reach up to 1,600 degrees.

"It is very effective and does a fabulous job of cooking steaks, since that's what it was designed to do," said Hickson. "We've also done some redesign work in the kitchen. Then into the dining room we have physically separated the two areas of the clubhouse with very large glass panels. It should look spectacular."

The exterior of the clubhouse now has a large covered deck, which can accommodate up to 100 people. The steakhouse extends onto the patio, which will have heat lamps situated throughout so it can be enjoyed in early and late season. Rustica Steakhouse will seat about 40 people on the patio and 40 people inside. On the other side of the clubhouse is the Traders Lounge, which seats about 50 on the patio and 40 inside.

Eagle Ranch held a soft opening Thursday, April 11, but there is still some construction work left to do. The grand opening, which will include the invitation of various VIPs and golf media, is scheduled for the end of April. Hickson said Eagle Ranch and the resort can't wait to unveil its new clubhouse to golfers and diners from around the region and beyond.