The man who helped put Whistler on the world’s ski map is investing $75 million in upgrading the small ski area in northwestern British Columbia. Will Ski Smithers be British Columbia’s next Whistler? That exact line echoed throughout Fernie in the 90’s following Charlie Locke’s purchase of Fernie Snow Valley.
Lorne Borgal, former CEO of Whistler Mountain Corporation, is heading the area’s transformation into a massive, all-season resort, according to a report in Smithers Interior News. “Smithers is on the brink of elevating tourism opportunities and the mastermind behind Whistler’s success is stepping in to take it to the next level,” Lindsay Marett, a spokesperson told the newspaper. “This resort is anticipated to be the next Whistler.
Currently Borgal is president and COO of 20/20 Group of Companies, a developer of multi-family properties. Borgal once helped Ontario’s Horseshoe Resort launch its $250-million timeshare development.
20/20 purchased Ski Smithers in 2005. According to reports, the company already has a signed master development agreement with the province of BC. Official plans were unveiled Friday for the expansion of Hudson Bay Mountain (Ski Smithers), in northwestern British Columbia. The 75-million investment into the community ski hill will add a new chair to Hudson Bay Mountain, cut at least 10 more runs and complete an eight-kilometre ski out into Smithers called the Trail To Town.
Located between BC’s Prince George and Prince Rupert and north of Kitimat on Highway 16, once developed the ski area will have a 3,700-foot vertical drop and one of the longest ski runs in British Columbia.
“Hudson Bay Mountain is the exact opposite experience to what Whistler is. It provides a rare opportunity to build a safe, secure cabin surrounded by nature in a four-season mountain resort,” Lorne Borgal, president of 20/20 Developments, told media at the project’s unveiling last Friday. “With world-class fishing and hunting along with an uncrowded and expanding ski operation, this is an amazing and unique opportunity.”
With Borgal, B.C.’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Bill Bennett cut a ribbon to officially open the eight-kilometre-long “Trail to Town.”
“Smithers is one of British Columbia’s best kept secrets in tourism,” Bill Bennett, BC’s Minister of Tourism, added. “The local economy can only benefit from development of the mountain ski area right in town. Together with the planned expanded tarmac at the Smithers airport, and the natural beauty and recreation opportunities, the future of the Bulkley Valley is bright.”
“This expansion will attract serious skiers and snowboarders from around the province, country and world to experience all of the magnificent opportunities this region has to offer for sport and recreation,” Bulkley Valley-Stikine MLA Dennis MacKay said.
