Grizzly Lodge Enters New Era Under Adventurer-Exec Ownership

SHUSWAP HIGHLANDS, B.C. – February 05, 2026 – Grizzly Lodge, a world-renowned backcountry snowmobiling destination nestled deep within British Columbia's wilderness, has changed hands. The iconic resort, accessible only by helicopter and a seasonal snow road, has been acquired by business executives and lifelong outdoorsmen Paul Pittman and Palmer Thornton. The deal ensures the legacy of the remote retreat will continue, with the new owners vowing to preserve the spirit that has cultivated a fiercely loyal global clientele.

The 12,000-square-foot lodge, surrounded by over 84,500 acres of pristine, powder-filled terrain, was sold by Adam and Rachel Trainer, who transformed it into a premier destination over the last decade and a half. In a move designed to ensure a seamless transition, Adam Trainer will remain actively involved, and the lodge's established leadership team will stay in place.

A Commitment to Continuity

The new ownership has emphasized that their primary goal is preservation, not radical change. For the approximately 1,100 guests who visit annually—contributing to occupancy rates that consistently exceed 90 percent—this message of continuity is crucial. The lodge’s high rebooking rate is a testament to the tight-knit community built by the previous owners.

“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 new owner Paul 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.”

This sentiment is echoed by former owner Adam Trainer, who expressed his confidence in the lodge's new stewards. "The Lodge experience has been built on a tight-knit community of guests and staff alike,” said 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.”

The continuity extends to the operational core of the resort. The leadership team, including Tom Lariviere, Lisa Henry, and Taylar Anderson Davies, will continue in their roles, ensuring that the guest experience remains consistent with the high standards they have come to expect.

From Boardroom to Backcountry

The acquisition represents a convergence of high-level business acumen and profound personal passion for the wilderness. The new owners bring a formidable combination of corporate and outdoor experience, uniquely positioning them to guide the lodge into its next chapter.

Paul Pittman is a seasoned executive with a deep background in real estate, agriculture, investment banking, and technology. He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Farmland Partners Inc. (NYSE: FPI), a company he helped take public. His career includes leadership roles at multiple publicly traded companies and a foundation in mergers and acquisitions at prestigious firms like Merrill Lynch. This extensive financial and strategic expertise is balanced by a lifelong passion for outdoor pursuits, including skiing, sledding, mountaineering, and fishing.

His partner, Palmer Thornton, complements this with a background in hospitality, real estate, and private equity, along with operational consulting. Crucially, Thornton possesses hands-on experience directly relevant to the lodge’s operations, having worked as a backcountry ski patroller, snowmobile guide, and certified wilderness first responder.

“Grizzly Lodge is the perfect combination of adventure, hospitality, and stewardship,” Thornton stated. “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.”

The Making of a Backcountry Icon

The lodge's current success is the result of a hard-won journey. The structure was originally conceived in 2004 as a catskiing operation by a group of German businessmen. However, the project faced financial ruin and was abandoned. In 2007, a trio of investors from the oil industry purchased the derelict property with a new vision centered on snowmobilers.

They hired Adam Trainer that fall to manage construction and maintenance. Over the next two years, he poured his efforts into developing the lodge's infrastructure. Having become convinced that the true potential lay exclusively in snowmobiling, he negotiated a deal and assumed full ownership in 2009. Under his dedicated leadership, Grizzly Lodge was transformed from an abandoned shell into the world-class destination it is today, a history that underscores the deep personal investment and vision that the new owners now inherit.

The Business of Adventure

The decision by Pittman and Thornton to acquire Grizzly Lodge is a calculated investment in a highly successful niche market. The adventure tourism sector, particularly high-end, experience-focused destinations, has shown significant resilience and growth potential. The lodge’s impressive performance metrics—including its near-capacity bookings and exceptional guest loyalty—signal a robust and well-managed business.

The new owners’ talk of “smart investments” and “long-term planning” suggests a strategy focused on enhancing operational stability and sustainability rather than altering the core product. Their combined expertise in finance, real estate, and hospitality operations provides the foundation for refining everything from supply chain logistics in a remote environment to implementing long-range capital improvements that secure the lodge's future without disrupting its rustic charm. This strategic approach aims to fortify an already successful operation, ensuring it can navigate future economic and environmental shifts while continuing to provide an unparalleled backcountry experience. The focus will be on operational depth, reinforcing the safety, hospitality, and adventure pillars that define the brand.