The long-time mountain manager for Mount Baldy ski resort is “still holding out hope” an infusion of cash from the American ownership group will be forthcoming soon and that local skiers and snowboarders will be able to use the facility this winter.
However, Matt Koenig, who has been working as mountain manager at Mount Baldy for the past 12 years, admits time is of the essence and there’s “no way” the hill could now be ready to open one or two weeks before Christmas if weather conditions permit.
“Nothing has really changed in status over the past couple of weeks, but I’ve talked to the owners once again and they’re still holding out hope and working on opening the facility this year,” said Koenig late last week. “We still need a significant input of cash … and the owners have been made very aware of this. They know what’s at stake and what is required for us to be able to open this year.”
The amount of money needed to operate for the coming winter season “is a significant amount of money that will mean the difference between us opening or not opening,” said Koenig.
Even if a large chunk of money is forthcoming in the next couple of weeks, it will be impossible to open the hill around the original target date of December 15, which is when the hill opened last year, he said.
Koenig said he and the owners have agreed they will not sell season passes until a decision has been made to operate this coming season.
“We will not be selling any season passes with everything still in limbo,” he said. “We would not want to take money from our loyal customers and then have to refund it if a decision is made not to open the facility this year.”
There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from local skiers and snowboarders since rumours started surfacing over the past two months that Mount Baldy ski area might not open, said Koenig.
“There’s been a lot of support … and it has been very encouraging to hear how good everyone has been,” said Koenig. “There hasn’t been any yelling or screaming or people upset … they are just offering words of support and remain hopeful there will be good news very soon.”
The three American owners from Idaho have “poured in a significant amount of money” since purchasing Mount Baldy back in 2008 and they want and deserve a solid return on their investment, said Koenig.
“This has been hard on everyone … including the owners,” he said. “It has been a difficult time for a lot of people.”
Located approximately one hour north of Osoyoos, Mount Baldy ski area originally opened in 1968. The three Idaho entrepreneurs – Brent Baker, Bob Boyle and Brett Sweezy – are going to have to make a decision on whether or not to pour more money into Mount Baldy within the next couple of weeks, said Koenig.
Despite having a solid season last year, there wasn’t enough money left over to pay the significant “up front costs” to purchase supplies, hire staff and pay all the bills before opening this year, said Koenig.
Despite sturdy competition from much bigger hills that attract much larger crowds – like Apex Ski Hill in Penticton and Big White in Kelowna – Mount Baldy has managed to survive for almost 50 years and it would be a shame to see it have to close, said Koenig.
“We have an outstanding facility here and the amount of support we get from the local ski and snowboard community is amazing. We’re very thankful to the local community (Osoyoos) for the support we get.”
Koenig reiterated he believes the ownership group is going to come through with the funding and there will be skiing and snowboarding at Mount Baldy this winter.
“I’m not sure how this is going to play out, but I remain optimistic,” he said.
Mount Baldy employs more than 50 full and part-time staff during ski season, which makes it a significant employer, especially of young people in this area, he said.
Keith Lacey
Special to the Chronicle
