Anthony Lakes Ski Area

Started by Bill, Jul 10 2010 04:49 PM

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#1 Bill

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Posted 10 July 2010 - 04:49 PM

Oregon county may take over money-losing ski area
Despite some jitters, Baker County officials say they're pursuing the idea of taking over a money-losing ski area.

The Associated Press

BAKER CITY, Ore. — Despite some jitters, Baker County officials say they're pursuing the idea of taking over a money-losing ski area.

The owners of Ski Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort have offered the assets of the ski area to the county government, including the rest of its 30-year Forest Service lease, the Baker City Herald reports.

Skiers and businesses that rely on winter visitors to the county's only ski area back the idea.

"I can tell you it is hugely important to us," said Luke Brown, whose family owns two restaurants in Baker City.

County Commission Chairman Fred Warner Jr. calls the area "an asset we don't want to lose. I think we have an opportunity here to do something good, but before we accept this gift, I want to make sure we have a business plan that makes money at least most of the time."

During most of the last 12 years the three couples that own Ski Anthony Lakes were close to breaking even, but they have lost about $45,000 annually in recent years, according to figures given the commissioners.

Two Washington state couples, Lee and Connie Kearney and Parke and Gail Ball of Vancouver, and Kim and Dana Kutsch of the Salem area own Ski Anthony Lakes. Its advocates say it dates to the 1930s.

The owners absorbed the losses because they like skiing and believe the resort is an important community asset, said General Manager Bill Junnila.

"If we say no, I don't know what the owners will do," Warner said. "If we had a year to set this up I would be more comfortable, but we may have to take the first year on faith."

He said the county could use lodging tax revenue to offset a one-year loss while it works on a business plan that would include better marketing and cost savings, such as having county employees take on maintenance and other work.

Warner said the operation might be restructured as a nonprofit organization, and the restaurant and bar could be leased out.

- Bill

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#2 stmad12

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Posted 05 August 2010 - 02:12 PM

Sad to see another usuable ski area go, but the nessescary must happen.

-The Breck Freak

- -Poma may be the new Quad, and Doppelmayr may be the last single, but Yan will always be the superior in detachables.

If in doubt, don't fall and roll unless you're in a Von Roll.