WATCH: Mt. Baldy seeking new ownership

MT. BALDY — A local ski hill is struggling to open this season.

Mt. Baldy Ski Resort owners have been facing financial setbacks for the last few months.

They need $100,000 – $250,000 in start up funds to get the ski hill running.

This week Brent Baker, one of the Idaho-based owners, is in the South Okanagan to solidify a deal.

“We have two potential buyers who are looking at the resort,” reveals Baker.

One of these buyers is a group of wealthy families in Europe, and the other is a company that already owns another ski resort.

Long-time cabin owner Bell Mattsen is happy about the news, believing new ownership can help rejuvenate the ski hill.

But he is not convinced management will be able to have the resort ready.

“I really have my doubts. It takes a lot of work to get started,” says Mattsen.

Matt Koenig, local general manager, says there are on major repair work, just maintenance.

“The snow cats, the two chair lifts, and jsut getting things up and running in the day lodge would be the focus,” says Koenig.

The Idaho owner will be in town for the rest of the week. He says there will be an update by early next week.