“It’s been a challenging process with a very tight timeline. We have been working very hard to see if we could get the ski hill open for this season while the Receivership process and court approval of an Asset Purchase Agreement can be completed over the next several months. With the help of many key supporters in the community we are very pleased to finally be able to make this announcement.” said Fred Johnston, President of Baldy Capital Corporation.

Mr. Johnston indicates that it will be a priority of the company to seek input from all the key stakeholders, including the South Okanagan communities, the Osoyoos Indian Band, regional tourism officials and the provincial government to ensure that the resort can be rejuvenated to provide a top quality recreational experience and that it can be operated on a sound financial footing in the future. This is deemed to be critical to the resort’s long term survival and success. “Based in large measure on strong community encouragement, the company decided to commit to the substantial effort and money necessary to open and manage the hill this season.” said Johnston. This has only been made possible because of interim funding from the company and some key supporters in the community and was only deemed viable at the eleventh hour because of the confidence the company has in the knowledge, experience and persistence of Matt Koenig, the mountain’s incumbent Manager.

Major maintenance and preparatory efforts by Matt Koenig and a small team of loyal former employees have been quietly under way over the last several weeks, with the goal of opening the ski hill on a limited basis this season. Only the Sugarlump quad chair and the Magic Carpet will be open, so based on this limited opening, prices for adult day passes will be set at only $29, season passes will be $249 and family passes will be $449. (any number of children). Holders of season passes from other ski areas will receive a further 25% discount on these prices by presenting their passes at the ticket office. The initial plan is to be open only Friday through Sunday each week this season and the hill will open as soon as the necessary liability insurance can be confirmed.

Mount Baldy has been challenged financially for some time and did not open for the 2013/14 ski season. Previous management and ownership struggled with both the ski hill operations and real estate development following the economic downturn in 2008. New management believes they have a plan that will enable Mount Baldy Ski Resort to recover in the short term and sustain itself in the long run. “Job one will be to focus on improving ski hill operations and facilities so that people will want to be here and so it can be profitable and sustainable. Without that focus there is no market for the associated real estate development.” said Johnston.