Kimberley Chairlift Fire Suspicious
Kimberley Alpine Resort (KAR) regrettably informed its skiers and boarders just before opening day that there had been a fire in the lift operator hut at the top station of the Northstar Express Chairlift (NEC). The lift won’t be operating anytime soon and as the sole lift access to the upper mountain, its closure will impact operations and holiday plans for many families.
KAR asked that everyone including hikers and tourers stay off the mountain on opening day, the day after the fire. The RCMP and Kimberley Fire Department were on scene investigating this incident and have raised speculation that the fire is suspicious. Since opening day, pass-holders have been invited to hike to the upper lifts and day passes are being sold at a discount.
The Kimberley RCMP are continuing to investigate and have called in additional resources inclusing the Police Dog Service and the Forensic Identification Unit.
This was the second fire in Kimberley last week. On December 14th an early morning a fire destroyed the home of the Kimberley Gymnastics Club and Gyminy Cricket daycare. This fire also reported to have a suspicious cause and an RCMP Fire Investigator and the Forensic Identification Unit from Cranbrook attended.
Kimberley locals are speculating that both fires bear the mark of anti-vaccine rage. The anti-vaxxers movement have expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the mandatory vaccination policy at KAR for employees and lift access.
KAR management posted:
“Despite our current challenges with the Northstar Express Chairlift, our goal is to still provide you with skiing and riding, so on Sunday, December 19th, we will be offering the Easter Chair and Magic Carpet starting at 9 am, and with the Tamarack Chair and Owl T-Bar opening late morning.
Please be aware that the walk into the Easter Chair is quite lengthy, so it’s best only for the keen and well prepared. The walk into the Tamarack Chair is somewhat shorter and people do it in the 20-40 minute range.
There will be some parking up in the maintenance yard, but when that is full, there will be lots of parking down in the main base with a walk or a ride up the Owl-T-bar.
There are currently no F&B facilities on the backside so please pack in what you need to. We will look to get the Easter BBQ going soon. There are heated washrooms available at the top of the Easter Chair.
It has been snowing through the day today so the skiing should be quite good up there!
KAR season pass holders are currently able to ski and ride at other RCR resorts for free.”
Hopefully the NEC is repaired soon and there are no more suspicious fires. Until NEC is operating, those who are willing to hike will be enjoying ideal snow conditions!
Photo & video: Facebook
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