Less than two weeks after a fire destroyed its main lodge, the Tabor Mountain Ski Resort is slated to re-open this weekend.
Fern Thibault, owner and operator of Tabor Mountain confirmed to the Citizen that the mountain will be fully open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
The fire was reported by a passing truck driver shortly before midnight on January 31st. No one was hurt but the RCMP later described the lodge structure as a "total write-off." Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. The news came as a blow to alpine enthusiasts throughout the region. The Tabor Mountain Facebook page was filled with comments from skiiers and snowboarders, many of whom had grown up using the facility.
Prince George residents have a weekend of ideal conditions to look forward to. According to Thibault, Wednesday's blizzards have been somewhat of a blessing for mountain conditions.
"We will be opening to 100 centimetres of untouched snow. Which is almost unheard of," Thibault said.
According to Jenn Thibault, general manager of the resort, staff will have three Britco trailers set up on the mountain. One trailer will house heated washrooms, while the other two will allow for warm-up and boot-changing areas and a limited concession. The concession will feature hot and cold beverages, snacks and sandwiches.
Although rental equipment will not be available at Tabor, rental shops in Prince George will be open over the weekend.
Jenn said the process of rebuilding has happened at a very rapid pace.
"I'm super pumped for it," she said of the planned re-opening.
"We've been contacted by so many people. And all of them are crazy to get out there."
Jenn said preparations for re-opening began the morning after the fire.
