Tabor Mountain is located 15 minutes east of Prince George along Highway 16 and was a host venue for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. The family run ski area is owned by Fern Thibault. Fern’s original trade was at one of the local plants, and he used to run the ski school on his days off. He then purchased the ski area and got his family involved. Jennifer and Mitch (daughter and son) manage the operation ranging from grooming, to lodge operations, to sales & marketing. Their sister Meryeta is competing with Canada’s Snowboard Cross team and won her first World Cup medal last month. Fern says the mountain has produced 8 Olympians mostly in freestyle.
Tabor Mountain enjoys exceptionally easy access from the Prince George market. Its parking lot, lodge and lift, virtually border the primary highway and provide easy access for local schools. Ski lessons at Tabor include mandatory all day sessions with instructors. Tabor has one adult for every 10 students. Tabor has been home to the local SWITCH programme that supports troubled youth and changes lives for the better by building self-confidence, providing life direction and opportunities in the mountains. Tabor has been involved with this initiative and its predecessor, Burton CHILL, for the last decade. Many participants later found employment at the ski area.
The triple Skyway Chairlift is an Ontario made chair that was common in the east. Its Finning drive components make maintenance easy in terms of access to parts.
The Snowboardcross track is built into the ground. Tabor gained access to some heavy duty equipment in preparation to the 2015 Canada Winter Games and built a track that attracts top events and teams for training. Tabor hosted a NorAm in January of this year.
Fern and Mitch (right) continue to develop new opportunities at Tabor. Last summer they introduced downhill mountain biking and built custom built bike carriers for the Skyway chair. TRADE: They also have a 400 metre electric handle tow that they are looking to trade for a gas powered tow.
The mountain side of the daylodge has expanded seating with ample natural light.
