The iconic Prospect Mountain nordic ski area has been sold to a newly formed non-profit organization- Prospect Mountain Association- on September 19.
The sale includes the 5 buildings at the ski area, 144 acres, all the tools and contents including the grooming machine, cell tower revenue, and the business. The sale price was $900,000.
“We feel that this is a great development for the economic and recreational health of our area” commented PMA president, Dave Newell. “It was a great team effort with a lot of moving parts. We know now that Prospect will be preserved for future generations in our area. However, our efforts are still ongoing to complete our capital campaign which is critical to the success of our mission.”
The group’s fund raising goal is $265,000 which is needed to pay off a mortgage held by one of the former owners, Steve Whitham, a loan from the Vermont Land Trust, and raise some working capital. To date they have raised $150,000 in cash and pledges.
The purchase was facilitated by a $450,000 donation from Williams College alumni, and a $285,000 grant from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Prospect will serve as the home base of the Williams College nordic ski team for their training and winter carnival.
The VHCB grant is contingent upon the approval of a preservation easement of the mountain area land, and the completion of the PMA capital campaign.
Steve Whitham, one of the current co-owners, will stay on as mountain manager for PMA. The PMA board will consist of nine members- four from Williams College.
PMA is sponsoring a “meet the Olympians” event on Wednesday, September 26 at 7pm at the Prospect base lodge on route 9. The evening will feature gold medalist Jessie Diggins, and 3rd overall World Cup sprint racer Sophie Caldwell. The event is free and open to the public.
Season passes are now available. For those and more information contact Dave Newell: dnewell@therichardsgrp.com. 802-688-7807.
