|
|
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY » CROWSNEST PASS, ALBERTA
Mixing business and pleasure
This couple's passion for sledding turned into a full-time career
by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
 |
A WAY OF LIFE: "We don't have to go on huge vacations anymore to try and find snow or to be in the environment we love because we are living in it right now," said Verlee Hagley, co-owner of Inn on the Border.
—photo by Cora Tschetters |
For Curtis and Verlee Hagley, it has always been about the snowmobiling. Ever since they've been together, the pair have been crazy about the sport and soon found themselves travelling all over Western Canada and the States in search of prime riding. Little did they know that their winter hobby would turn into a full-time business venture.
Curtis, who is originally from Drinkwater, Saskatchewan, always had a strong enthusiasm for snowmobiles, which he quickly passed on to his wife, Verlee, who was also a Saskatchewan resident.
"I have always been interested in finding really nice deep snow and I did lots of travelling," said Curtis. "When I hooked up with Verlee, she took an interest in it and really loves it too."
Over the years, the Hagleys have explored many top sledding destinations, including the Crowsnest Pass.
"We were doing four and five trips a year, anywhere from Cook City, Montana; Island Park, Idaho; Wyoming; Cranbrook, B.C.; and Alberta," said Curtis. "That is what brought us here in the first place."
Opportunity knocks
Since there was a shortage of snow in Saskatchewan during Christmas of last year, the Hagleys started searching for a place to ride and quickly came in contact with the owners of a winter bed & breakfast known as Inn on the Border, located right on the B.C./Alberta border in the Crowsnest Pass. The owners informed them that the place was up for sale and it didn't take long for the Hagleys to make their decision.
At the time, Curtis and Verlee were both working in a potash mine; since they liked the Crowsnest Pass, they decided it was time for a change of pace and purchased the bed & breakfast in July 2006, making the Pass their permanent home.
Living their dream
"We're having a really great time with it," said Verlee. "It's not without its challenges, but we are really enjoying it and by no means would we look back on it and regret anything we've done."
Since Curtis and Verlee have taken over ownership, they have completely revamped the kitchen and restaurant area, modified the dinner menu and enhanced the look of the property. In the future, they plan to build more cabins, hire additional staff and run it as a year-round destination.
"I am hoping the people that enjoy the outdoors in the winter will bring their summer pursuits here too," said Verlee.
Although there are challenges to face, as with any business, both Curtis and Verlee keep a positive outlook and for them, it is more than a job—it's a way of life.
"It's just about our whole lifestyle," said Verlee. "We don't have to go on huge vacations anymore to try and find snow or to be in the environment we love, because we are living in it right now."
For more information about Inn on the Border, go to www.innontheborder.com.
|
|
|
|
