NEAR OLIVER, B.C. — After shutting down for year, a South Okanagan ski resort will soon welcome skiers and snowboarders. Mount Baldy was closed last ski season after facing financial struggles. This past summer it was put up for sale by order of the B.C. Supreme Court. G-Force Group was hired to market and sell the property and the mountain’s assets.
The marketing agent announces Monday that Calgarian Fred Johnston will be the ski hill’s operator until court approves the full acquisition.
“I’m pleased that we found someone that was prepared to invest quickly and on a sound basis so that the mountain can open this year. I think the ground work is laid for a long-term, sustainable operation of Baldy which will be result of this operator working with the community,” says Gary Powroznik, Managing Director of G-Force.
G-force has entered into an operating agreement with Johnston so that Mount Baldy can open as soon as possible.
“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,” says Johnston.
He says he has strong ties to the Okanagan.
“I’ve lived in Kelowna for about 12 years and all my three children were born in Kelowna, so the Okanagan is much of a home to me as Calgary is.”
Johnston says only the Sugarlump quad chair and the Magic Carpet will be open.
Due to the limited opening, Mount Baldy will be offering discounted tickets: adult day passes for $29, season passes will be $249 and family passes will be $449.
Johnston says details of the deal is not available, pending court approval.
Mount Baldy is scheduled to re-open in early January.
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