Crabbe Mountain purchase pondered by skiers in Fredericton area

A group of downhill ski enthusiasts is trying to take over ownership of Crabbe Mountain.

The facility in Central Hainesville, northwest of Fredericton, has been put up for sale by the Wilson family of Colchester County, N.S., which also owns Ski Wentworth.

About 300 people showed up for a meeting Thursdaynight at the Fredericton Inn.

Many expressed support for the plan and pledged to contribute financially, says group member Chris Ramsey.

"To buy it we can buy it. To operate it we can operate it," said Ramsey. "Longer term,to do those capital upgrades you're going to need a financing strategy and I think government's going to be important there."

Some believe the hill has the potential to be a greater tourist draw if a hotel was built.

"I think we have the best skiing in the Maritimes," saidRamsey. "And people have to drive right by Fredericton and go another five hours to get to the great ski hills up in Quebec or down in Maine."

But Ramsey isquick to add there needs to be a solid business plan before than can happen.

"In my opinion the vision for any small ski resort in North America, and particularly in Canada and particularly in Eastern Canada, has to be underpinned with this notion of long-term financial sustainability," says Ramsey.

Ramsey says besides tourism the government should also be interested in the project to preserve tax revenues.

He says there is already about $10 million worth of chalet properties in the area, but property values would plummet without the skiing.

Ramsey says the group is getting legal and accounting advice and will have to make a decision about buying by late spring or early summer.