When people picture a ski resort, they often imagine seasonal excitement, a few short months of activity followed by long stretches of silence. But at Cape Smokey, the mission has always been bigger than winter. For CEO Martin Kejval, the resort's development in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is about building a year-round ecosystem that uplifts the entire community alongside luxury villas and ski runs.
"When we bought the property in 2019, we saw a community that deserved a future beyond six months of seasonal tourism," Kejval said. "We wanted to create something sustainable, something that could breathe life into the region all year long."
Cape Smokey's transformation from an abandoned ski hill to a thriving resort is already reshaping the local landscape. Once shuttered for over three decades, the mountain reopened with a new gondola in 2021 and has since grown into a hub of outdoor recreation and economic activity. Now, as the resort expands its lodging, amenities, and experiences, the ripple effects are being felt well beyond its base.
A KPMG economic impact study reveals that Cape Smokey has planned to make a bold investment of at least $500 million, demonstrating its commitment to growth and development by 2032. "It's an unseen multiplier effect," Kejval explained. "When someone buys a ski pass or stays in a villa, they're also supporting local restaurants, rental shops, gas stations, and artisans. It's a chain reaction that benefits everyone."
In a region like Nova Scotia, where tourism and fishing are the two main economic drivers, this kind of diversification is a lifeline. Before Cape Smokey's revitalization, local businesses often operated only half the year. "Most of the community would close down after summer," Kejval said. "That meant six months of uncertainty for workers and families. Our goal was to extend the season for everyone around us."
The resort's year-round programming is designed to make that vision a reality. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can experience over 60 outdoor activities, including fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, snowmobiling, and guided hikes. The idea is to create what Kejval calls an "outdoor paradise," a destination where each season offers something unique.
"It's about choice," he said. "You might come for the skiing, but your partner might prefer cycling or spa treatments, or maybe your kids want to explore the trails. We are creating a place where everyone can find their own adventure."
That same philosophy extends to Cape Smokey's community partnerships. The resort works closely with local entrepreneurs, hiring regionally and supporting new business ventures that align with its year-round approach. "We mainly hire locally," said Kejval. "Our construction team started as a two-person crew. Now, with all the subcontractors involved, it's over a hundred people strong. And when the project is complete, we expect to employ more people directly."
Indirect job creation is already evident as well. Restaurants are staying open longer, shops are expanding inventory, and small businesses, from ski outfitters to local craftspeople, are experiencing renewed demand. "What's happening here is the start of something much bigger than us," Kejval said. "People who used to see just a one-day drive are now staying for a week. They are discovering that this is a place to live, not just to visit."
The resort's broader expansion strategy reinforces this regional synergy. With Cape Smokey's recent purchase of Ski Martock, located just 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, the company has introduced the East Peak Pass, a joint season pass that allows guests to ski at both resorts under a single membership. "It connects urban and coastal experiences," said Kejval. "You can start your weekend skiing near Halifax, then continue your adventure on the ocean-facing slopes of Cape Smokey. It's a seamless experience."
As Nova Scotia continues to attract millions of visitors annually, Cape Smokey's approach represents a new chapter in how the province can balance tourism, sustainability, and community growth. For Kejval, that balance is deeply personal.
"This is a passion project for me," he said. "Apart from building a resort, we are building a community that thrives year-round, one that reflects the beauty and resilience of Nova Scotia itself. It's proof that when you invest in people and places together, you can build something that lasts."
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