Some of California’s smaller ski resorts have closed because of the state’s drought, which has diminished the amount of snow in the mountain areas. Presidents’ Day usually is a boon for the ski resorts, but this year, the resorts are hurting.
Donner Ski Ranch, with 400 skiable acres, Dodge Ridge, with 852 skiable acres, Badger Pass, Ski China Peak, with 452 acres, Mount Shasta Board and Ski Park, with 425 acres, and Tahoe Donner, with 120 acres, have closed due to the lack of snow.
Bloomberg reported that a spokeswoman for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area said only 48 inches has hit Mammoth Mountain Ski Area since early November, compared with a usual total of 400 inches per year.
Small ski resorts may be bought by larger ones as a result. Robert Katz, chief executive officer of Vail Resorts, told Bloomberg, “We are always looking. Seasons like this can be an opportunity, but acquisitions in the ski industry are often the result of long-term discussions. Owners are usually very passionate about their business. Negotiations can take a long time. It’s not like a hotel or an office.”
Vail has already purchased Afton Alps in Minnesota, Mount Brighton in Michigan, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe.