New Brunswick

Poley Mountain rebounds after fire

Workers are busy trying to get facilities at Poley Mountain ski resort near Sussex, N.B., ready following a heartbreaking fire 11 days ago.

Dec. 9 fire destroyed main chalet at Sussex-area resort

Workers try to get the ski resort ready after a fire on Dec. 9. (Matt Bingley/CBC)

Workers are busy trying to get facilities at Poley Mountain ski resort near Sussex, N.B., ready following a heartbreaking fire 11 days ago.

The main building was destroyed on Dec. 9. The damage was estimated at $3 million.

But by Saturday, two trailers sat where the chalet used to stand. Several other trailers were on the site.

General manager Bill Anderson said it's possible that cooking facilities will be ready by Tuesday. He's confident the hill could open next week.

The chairlift and snow-making equipment were not damaged in the fire. Staff have been busy making temporary snow.

This is an important time for the ski resort. Roughly one-third of its revenue for the year comes from the Christmas holidays.

Poley employs about 180 workers — both full and part time. It's also important to the Sussex business community.