Sky McLean, a Canadian entrepreneur with roots in Ontario, has been steadily expanding her boutique mountain hotel chain, Basecamp Resorts, across Alberta and British Columbia. A graduate of the Schulich School of Business at York University, McLean initially moved to Calgary for other ventures before pivoting to the hospitality sector.

Sky McLean
Sky McLean

Academic Background and Initial Career Path

McLean’s academic focus was in real estate development, earning her an MBA from York University. After her graduation, she relocated to Calgary, initially working closely with local real estate developers. This was a significant period that would later shape her vision for Basecamp Resorts.

Basecamp Resorts
Basecamp Resorts

Foray into Hospitality

In an unexpected career shift, McLean entered the hospitality industry by purchasing a condo in Canmore to rent on Airbnb. She has expressed that this experience served as the impetus for her to delve further into the field. In a statement to CTV News, she remarked that she relished the opportunity to enhance people’s lives through meaningful experiences.

Establishment and Expansion of Basecamp Resorts

Starting in 2017, McLean opened her first Basecamp property in Canmore. Over the years, the number of properties has grown to 10, including locations in Revelstoke, Golden, Lake Louise, Banff, and Kananaskis. The range of offerings varies, with properties including traditional lodges, full suites with kitchens, and even glamping options.

Market Strategy and Stakeholder Perspective

Joe Pavelka, a professor of ecotourism and outdoor leadership at Mount Royal University, regards McLean’s expansion as remarkable given the competitive landscape. He emphasized the importance of knowing one’s market and creating a unique value proposition, which he believes Basecamp Resorts has effectively accomplished.

Challenges and Obstacles

Navigating a male-dominated industry and a global pandemic has been no small feat for McLean. She has publicly shared the difficulties she faced in procuring investors, especially during the early stages of her business. Nevertheless, Basecamp Resorts has managed to grow, even amid these challenges.

Future Outlook

With 10 properties currently in operation, McLean is looking to extend her reach even further. While primarily focused on Alberta and B.C., she has revealed plans to explore additional locations within these provinces and also expressed interest in expanding into Ontario and the United States.

Diverse Business Interests

In addition to her focus on hospitality, McLean has also ventured into real estate development in rural mountain communities. These additional business endeavors provide another facet to her overall career profile.

Lessons and Inspirations

McLean encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to be proactive in pursuing opportunities, reiterating the importance of not waiting for chances to simply arrive. She emphasizes that determination and belief in oneself are critical to success in any field.

Sky McLean’s Basecamp Resorts

The growth of Basecamp Resorts under Sky McLean’s leadership provides a noteworthy case study in entrepreneurship within the Canadian hospitality sector. Her journey from real estate development to the creation and expansion of a boutique mountain hotel chain encompasses various lessons in market strategy, overcoming challenges, and business diversification.