Oak Mountain is for sale

From the SANY News, a press release:

Oak Mountain Sale: Buyer Incentive for Continued Ski Area Operation

SPECULATOR NY – The owner of Oak Mountain (www.OakMountainSki.com) in the Adirondacks has issued a request for proposals from corporations or individuals interested in the purchase and operation of the ski area.

The Hamilton County Industrial Development Agency seeks to sell the ski area and its access road, located an hour north of the NYS Thruway (I-90). Oak Mountain is a family ski area with 650' vertical drop and 14 trails serviced by one fixed grip C-Tec quad chair lift and two Hall T-bars. The ski area, first opened in 1948, comprises approximately 230 acres, and features a 9,500 square foot base lodge constructed within the last 10 years, a tubing facility and snow-making capacity over 35 percent of the mountain.

The Village of Speculator has operated Oak Mountain under a lease agreement with the IDA since 2008.

RFP respondents may also bid on the undeveloped acreage east and west of the access road, with the understanding that the purchase option may be exercised only after three years of successful operation of the ski area. Proposals from parties interested only in purchasing undeveloped land will not be accepted.

“Winter jobs are important in Hamilton County,” according to Ann Melious, executive director of the IDA. “As a result, the mountain’s sale includes a five year deed restriction requiring that it be operated as a ski area, and an incentive -- the option to buy roughly 20 acres of land suitable for development.”

Melious explained that the ski area deed restriction would not affect other uses during spring, summer and fall.

The full RFP may be reviewed at http://www.hamiltoncounty.com/business-opportunities/oak-rfp . Proposals must be received by the Hamilton County Office of Planning, Tourism and Community Development, PO Box 57, 102 County View Dr., Lake Pleasant, NY 12108, no later than 1:30 pm, Friday, Sept. 16th, with public opening of proposals at 2 pm the same day in the County Office Meeting Room.

Probably going to be a tough sale. Can't see the draw with it's location . It really has 0 expert terrain. Checked it out a few years ago when it was closed after a 1ft dump. It was too much for the place. Couldn't find anywhere steep enough

The ACR gang will scoop this up in a hurry so they will have room for all the extra hoards of rich sububurbanites who won't be able to get in on the Big Tupper resort.

After receiving no bids last summer, Hamilton County is again seeking a buyer for Oak Mountain.  Interesting article in the Times Union business section this morning.  Get your offer in by March 22.  

Looks like Matt and Laura O'Brien are back as the owners of Oak Mountain.

Story at Ski Esq:

The Hamilton County Express previously reported that Oak Mountain's current owner, Tom Preston, had received 3 offers to purchase the resort.  The first proposal was from Grain Communications Group Inc. (Sarasota, FL) which was not interested in running the ski operation, but wished to purchase telecommunications equipment already located on the property. The second proposal was from from Independent Towers Holding LLC (Latham, NY) which offered to buy the property and lease ski operations to an independent operator. The third, and ultimately successful, proposal was the O'Brien's.

http://www.skiesq.com/2012/04/oak-mountain-sold.html

I also stumbled on this odd thing:

http://www.skiingreviews.net/how-to-buy-a-ski-area-for-1/

Good news for Speculator!!!! I have friends who live and run biz there, glad to see the ski hill will still B around.

They need a ski train to bring in the crowds

From SANY:

Oak Mountain Ski Area Purchased by O’Brien Family

Oak Mountain Ski Area located in Speculator, NY was purchased by the O’Brien Family long time operators of the Iggy’s store at Moffit Beach campground.

Matt and Laura O’Brien who ran the ski area two years ago under contract with the previous owners, the Town of Speculator, will run the resort. Matt and Laura have over 20 years’ experience in the ski industry including working at major resorts in the Rockies.

The O’Brien’s are focused on keeping the family friendly tradition alive and prospering at Oak Mountain. They have an excellent ski school and they are looking to expand their learn to ski and ride programs.

The Oak Mountain Ski School has a well-earned reputation as being very talented with many of the instructors certified by PSIA and AASI.

Oak Mountain boasts three lift including a Quad chair, 14 trails, 650 feet of vertical, snowmaking, a rental shop and a full service newly renovated lodge.

GREAT news!!!

Best wishes to the O'Brien Family!!!!

Now let 'er snow

awesome!  Luck of the Irish to them!