Shangrila: Jasper's first entry into the ski business.

Shangrila was built in 1936 by Curly Phillips with Doug Jeffery, assisted by Willard Jeffery. (Verne Jeffery, who was involved with initial concept, was away on his honeymoon.)

Can we build?

In February 1936 Verne Jeffery wrote this letter to the Superintendant of Jasper National Park requesting permission to build the ski cabin that was to become Shangrila.

Advancing the cause …

This letter from Park Superintendant A. C. Wright urging his boss, the Commissioner of National Parks, Ottawa, to accept the proposal.

Watchtower begins

In March of 1939 the Secretary of the Maligne Lake Ski Club, W.S. Jeffery (father of Verne and Doug) formally applied for permission to build the Watchtower Cabin. The application was successful.

Shangri-La Restoration - September 1995

Mark Deagle Log Building was contracted by the Maligne Lake Ski Club to restore the cabin built by Curly Phillips, Doug and William Jeffrey in 1936.

Six of Alberta's most handsome log builders prefabbed and flew material  by helicopter in for the 3 week build. What wasn't done by hand, was accomplished by generator power and we all stayed in various wall and dome tents. Kai Jensen was the Camp Cook (who, upon landing/unloading - promptly dug a hole and filled it with block ice for a back country fridge) prepared hearty meals that were enjoyed by all- we even had steak on the last night!

We lifted the existing cabin 5 feet in the air via four old CN track jacks and timber beams in order to remove the rotten logwork and floor from beneath. 

Once the rotten wood was removed, new pressure treated pads/posts were installed, with a lumber/styrofoam floor system. All of the plywood shipping boxes were dismantled and repurposed for the floor sheeting- extensive pre-planning and efficiency by Mark.

After the sheeting was completed, the cabin was lowered back down onto the new log work and fastened.

A wood shed was then built next to the cabin and some bunk beds made for the guests.

A thoroughly enjoyable and unique project.

Crew: Mark Deagle, Travis Anderson, Preston Berry, Ken Wallator, Chris Carrier and Rob Knauer.

Cook: Kaj Jensen

The roof was replaced in the 1990’s by Floyd Coleman, Chris Nisson and Robby Knauer.

The new Shangra-loo was added in the early 2000’s by Danna Ruddy and his crew.

Operations

The Weir family have been integrally involved with the operation and maintance of Shangril from it’s original construction to it’s present operation.

Bette Weir coordinated the club with the help of many local volunteers for decades. In 1996 Bette Weir, Libby Weir, Mary Elizabeth Jeffery-Weir, Derek Hammell and Bob Worsfold were the first official Board of Directors. Subsequently Jeff Weir was elected onto the board as his other family members left the board.