Mt. Timothy Ski Area Upgrades Lift Regional Economy

In 2005, Mount Timothy Ski Society received a $398,880 grant and a $21,120 loan from Northern Development through the Economic Diversification Infrastructure program towards this $1,519,154 project. This has been a funding partnership of Mount Timothy Ski Society, Northern Development, Local Fundraising, Mount Timothy Logging Revenues, and Province of British Columbia

2012- Mt. Timothy Ski Area lies in the heart of the Cariboo near Lac La Hache in a snowbelt that enjoys sunny skies and warm temperatures throughout the winter. If you are seeking champagne powder, sunny skies, small crowds, diverse terrain, and a friendly atmosphere, Mount Timothy Ski Area is your answer. Boasting terrific powder skiing, 33 runs and 1 terrain park, Mount Timothy is a welcoming, fun-filled ski area that attracts avid skiers and boarders alike.

In 2005, a new chair lift system was installed at this regional skiing and snowboarding hotspot, providing additional employment for the region as well as increased revenues for the Mt. Timothy Ski Area which is operated as a non-profit organization.

Under this project, the ski area purchased and installed a new chair lift, improved a number of ski runs, invested in additional infrastructure, and developed a master plan strategy for the ski resort. This project has provided the Cariboo region with an increase in the quality of its most prominent ski area while also providing sustainable seasonal employment. The “Red Chair” has been a welcomed improvement as it now extends several ski runs to the top of the mountain, allowing for more vertical feet on the long ride down to the base.

This project is part of a multi-year expansion that has been supported through an additional investment by Northern Development for a Mt. Timothy Ski Society project:

"The completion of the Ski Hill Development Project has enabled Mt. Timothy to go from a community ski hill to a "regional ski area" that attracts all ages and abilities. Mt. Timothy now boasts that fact that we are the only ski area between Prince George and Kamloops with a chairlift, and that we are the only ski area in B.C. run by a society that has a chairlift. This was a major accomplishment and would not have been possible without the funding from Northern Development Initiative Trust."

"The word is getting out there, and when our general manager Noel Thompson stated "build it and they will come", no truer words were spoken. For the 2008-2009 ski season we were able to install a Magic Carpet lift in our beginner area with assistance from Gaming funds, and with continual upgrades and improvements we will continue to grow and help the local and regional economy."

"With Mt. Timothy Ski Area located in the heart of the Cariboo it provides excellent potential for tourism dollars to be brought to our communities. Our guests are impressed with the beauty of the Cariboo, the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the product that we offer, and plan to return for another visit. Through partnering and participation with our communities, the result of the ski hill improve-ment and development project at Mt. Timothy will continue to enhance tourism for this part of the province, creating employment and economic spin-offs for our local communities."

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Positive Economic Impacts in Lac la Hache

The upgrade project has significantly increased the capacity of Mount Timothy Ski Area attracting new visitors to the Cariboo region, and strengthened local business, in particular at the ski resort. With the growth in business, the Mount Timothy Ski Area has hired additional employees. Prior to this project, the ski area employed twenty-five individuals and two year round contractors.

Post completion, ticket sales have increase over 50%, and staffing hours have increased 66%, providing local lift operators, ski patrol, and ski instructors with additional income. In addition, businesses located in Lac La Hache are also seeing an increase in revenue due to the increased tourist traffic being attracted to the area. Mount Timothy is now considered one of the premier skiing and snowboarding destinations in the interior thanks in part to its wonderful facilities, great ski and snowboard runs, and of course, the new Red Chair.

Economic Diversification Infrastructure

The Economic Diversification Infrastructure program is no longer available. However, your project may still be eligible under one of our NEW programs.

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Mt. Timothy Freestyle Zone, T-Bar And Magic Carpet Upgrades Boost Winter Tourism In The Cariboo

The Mount Timothy Ski Society actively seeks out and serves the tourist market, which draws consumers to both the City of Williams Lake and the District of 100 Mile House. Improvements to the Mount Timothy Ski Area have enabled the hill to go from a community ski hill to a…

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