New Ownership Team Acquires Grizzly Lodge

British Columbia’s only full-service backcountry snowmobile lodge enters its next chapter with continuity, experience, and a long-term vision.

SHUSWAP HIGHLANDS, B.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Accessible only by snow road and helicopter in winter and surrounded by more than 84,500 acres of pristine terrain, Grizzly Lodge has built a global reputation as one of the world’s premier backcountry snowmobiling retreats. That legacy will continue under new ownership, the Lodge announced.

Business executives and lifelong adventurers Paul Pittman and Palmer Thornton acquired the 12,000-square-foot resort from Adam and Rachel Trainer. Adam will remain actively involved during a transition period.

Grizzly Lodge’s leadership team of Tom Lariviere, Lisa Henry, and Taylar Anderson Davies will also stay in place, ensuring continuity for the loyal guest community that has defined the operation for more than a decade.

“Grizzly Lodge is one of those rare places that immediately feels special and opens up a whole new world to explorers via snow machines,” said Pittman. “We’ve been searching for years for a backcountry property that is authentic and truly world-class. We’re excited to protect what makes it great and support its future with smart investments.”

Pittman brings decades of business leadership in real estate, agriculture, investment banking, and technology. He helped lead two companies through public offerings in the United States and continues to serve as the Executive Chairman of Farmland Partners Inc. (NYSE: FPI). In addition, Pittman is an avid outdoorsman with a passion for exploration, skiing, sledding, canoeing, mountaineering, hunting, and fishing.

Joining him is Palmer Thornton, whose background spans hospitality, real estate, private equity, and operational consulting.

“Grizzly Lodge is the perfect combination of adventure, hospitality, and stewardship,” said Thornton. “This is a business that is built on trust with guests, staff, and the land itself. Our goal isn’t to change what works, but to bring additional operational depth and long-term planning so it continues delivering exceptional experiences for decades to come.”

Thornton’s background also includes hands-on work as a backcountry ski patroller, snowmobile guide, and wilderness first responder — a combination that aligns closely with Grizzly Lodge’s remote and safety-focused environment.

“The Lodge experience has been built on a tight-knit community of guests and staff alike,” said former owner Adam Trainer. “Paul and Palmer understand that. Their respect for what’s been built here made this an easy decision, and I’m confident the lodge is in excellent hands.”

Located within two hours of Kelowna International Airport and one hour from Kamloops Regional Airport, Grizzly Lodge offers guests a fully immersive backcountry experience, including lodging, guided and unguided snowmobiling, equipment rentals, and full hospitality services. Since opening in 2009, Grizzly Lodge has welcomed approximately 1,100 guests annually, maintains occupancy rates exceeding 90 percent, and enjoys an unusually high rebooking rate. To learn more, visit https://grizzlylodge.ca.

Contacts

Phillip Hayes
[email protected]