Mt. Baldy ski hill is expecting to open in January after foregoing its Christmas season due to financial constraints.
Brent Baker, president of Mt. Baldy Companies, said they have been working ceaselessly to overcome the challenges. These challenges prevented the company from funding and completing maintenance and certifications on the lifts in time for the Christmas season.
“We continue to work on our financing, and while we can’t guarantee it, we expect to be open in January and will operate, conditions permitting, into April,” Baker said.
He noted they have not conducted a season pass campaign because they don’t want to take any money from anyone until the operation is guaranteed.
Baker said the company is grateful for the support and goodwill that everyone has shown for the ski hill.
“This has been a difficult time for everyone from day skiers to cabin owners, to staff and shareholders. However, if we all hold on to a positive attitude, we believe it will just make the sliding all the more enjoyable once the bull wheels start turning.”
Mt. Baldy needs re-financing or additional equity to move forward. Once that is secured, it will be “all hands on deck,” said mountain manager Matt Koenig.
Rates will be set based on when the hill opens and how much area is open to skiers.
There is a core group of staff waiting and hoping to get the hill back on track.
The Day Lodge and other buildings have been minimally winterized. The chairlifts are being monitored and will get 100 per cent of the required maintenance once funding is secured.
The hill is not open for snowmobilers or other people hoping to gain access. This is because Mt. Baldy is responsible for potential liability if anyone gets hurt.
Baker said if unmanaged access becomes an issue, the hill’s insurer will require more controls, or it may pull out altogether. This will further diminish the company’s chances of opening and jeopardize its ability to get insurance in the future.
