1950s – First Discovery (1958–1959)
1958
A road is built to the top of Crabbe Mountain by the telephone company, the tallest peak in the region at 393m.
1959
Skiers Dave McIntyre, Fred Spinney, and Jerome Sullivan discover “corn snow” from summit to base; the first trail, Tippy Canoe, is cut that fall.
1960s – From Vision to Ski Hill (1960–1969)
1961–1962
Crabbe Mountain Winter Park Ltd. is incorporated with a rope tow, tarpaper warming hut, and three trails.
1962–1963
A 16x24 ft. plywood lodge is built for $860. Profit reaches $660.57.
1964–1965
A beginner’s hill is added with a rope tow, ski patrol is formed, and “Big Red” groomer is introduced.
1968
T-bar lift is installed, trails extended to the base, and King’s Horn racing trail is cut by Kingsclear Prison inmates. Nancy Greene visits during the NB Winter Games.
1970s – West Side Development (1970–1979)
1976
A second T-bar is purchased; Dineen’s Ravine and Elgee’s Bumps are cut on the west side.
1979–1981
Greg’s Way is created as a bypass to Dave’s Dream, and Glades Trail is added, rejuvenating terrain on the east side.
1980s – Into the Big Leagues (1980–1989)
1986
Lodge expands to two floors; bar is moved upstairs; staff reaches 35.
1987–1988
Game-changing upgrades: quad chairlift, snowmaking, night skiing, and new trails (Norm’s Nightmare, Harold’s Fun Run). All 14 trails groomed with new equipment.
1991
Ownership transfers to Ski Crabbe Mountain Ltd. (also owners of Ski Wentworth); lodge is improved; base facilities like canteen and washrooms are added.
1990s – New Horizons (1990–1999)
1998
First cross-country trails are laid out.
1999
A snowboard park is added beside Hume’s Flume, reflecting changing rider interests.
2000s – Glades, Nordic, & Infrastructure Boom (2000–2009)
2000–2001
Pug’s Powder and Sunvalley Glades are cut. Terrain park, new snow guns, mountain bike race, and sewage system improvements are introduced.
2002–2003
Steve’s Drive-Thru and nordic connections to Slippery Mitten trail system are added. Nordic rentals begin. Major snowmaking upgrades planned. Norm Hull retires as GM.
2004–2006
New fireplace and lodge upgrades, new tuning equipment, lights on the Ski Out, and grooming equipment. Hotdog and Diddle Daddle glades are cut. Mountain biking grows.
2007–2009
Jason Crawford becomes GM. Whopper Glade, Little Dodge Em beginner glades, and Pokerface Glade are cut. New Prinoth groomer and flooring installed.
2010s – New Leadership & Local Revival (2010–2019)
2010–2011
Major snowmaking improvements with new pumps and HKD guns. Pole Line and Tony’s Trees (formerly Little Dodge Em) open. Dax Traxx replaces T-Bar 1.
2013
Chris Corman takes over as GM from Jason Crawford.
2015
The Wilson family sells Crabbe to new local owners. Jordan Cheney is promoted to GM. The lodge is expanded across the front. A 2012 Prinoth BR350 groomer arrives. Glade thinning and expansion continue.
2020s – National Stage & Ongoing Legacy (2020–Present)
2020
Crabbe Mountain is selected to host the alpine and freestyle skiing events for the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
2021
Crabbe Mountain celebrated its 60th anniversary amid significant growth in annual skier visits—from 35,000 in 2015 to over 50,000—and engaged world-renowned Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners to help shape its future through a comprehensive Master Resort Plan.
2022
Work began on a long-term Master Resort Plan aimed at guiding Crabbe Mountain’s next 60 years, built around a renewed mission to be “East of Ordinary” and Atlantic Canada’s premier destination for skiing and riding
Looking Ahead: The Crabbe 2025 Campaign
Crabbe Mountain has always been more than just a ski hill — it’s a community.
Thanks to the dedication of local shareholders and supporters, the mountain was preserved during a critical turning point in 2015 and continues to thrive as a hub for outdoor adventure, employment, and family connection.
The Crabbe 2025 Campaign is our commitment to building on that legacy — ensuring the mountain remains a vibrant and sustainable destination for generations to come.
