The past couple years have been a bumpy ride for Maryland’s Wisp Resort. Wisp’s current owners, D.C. Development, filed for bankruptcy protection last fall after defaulting on nearly $30 million in loans. Earlier this month, D.C. Development filed documents with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to approve the sale of Wisp Resort to Entertainment Properties Trust. The Associated Press reports that the negotiated price of the property was $20.5 million.
Entertainment Properties Trust owns 11 other ski areas, including Pennsylvania’s Big Boulder and Jack Frost resorts and Vermont’s Mt. Snow. The Kansas City-based Real Estate Investment Trust currently has $3.1 billion in total investments including 117 megaplex theaters, 8 entertainment retail centers, 7 family entertainment centers, 3 water parks, 3 golf entertainment complexes, and 41 public charter schools.
In the meantime, Wisp Resort reports that it’s business as usual; the ski area plans to open for the season and aims to have a seamless transition to the new ownership.
In a bid to introduce a new generation of skiers and boarders to the slopes, Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort is continuing its Snow License Program, which offers complimentary ski and snowboard passes to every 5th and 6th grader in the greater Mid-Atlantic region, good for three visits throughout the upcoming winter season.
Beginning January 2, 2013, students will need to bring a report card to validate their enrollment in fifth or sixth grade. Students must be accompanied by a paying adult, who will also receive discounted lift tickets. There are some limitations and blackout dates, so be sure to contact Wintergreen for the full details, or visit this page to learn more.
“We feel it’s important to introduce snow sports to new audiences,” noted Jay Roberts, vice president of resort operations for Wintergreen Resort. “This program, while innovative in our area, is part of an industry-wide effort focused on attracting newer, younger participants and converting them into loyal skiers and riders.”
On November 21, 2012 from 7 p.m. though midnight, Pennsylvania’s Bear Creek Mountain Resort will be hosting a “Pub Crawl.” Participants will be given a punch card and given an opportunity to collect punches at Bear Creek’s three Thanksgiving bars for a chance to win great prizes. Trivia, Karaoke, live music, and other activities will be on tap. Bear Creek’s The Grill Restaurant will also be offering a Thanksgiving Dinner on November 22.
Visit this page for more information.
Whitetail Resort will be contributing $10,000 to help fund a part time program coordinator and grant administrator for the Montgomery, Peters, and Mercersburg Connectivity (MPMC) Project. The project aims to make the Tuscarora region community safer and friendlier for walkers and cyclists.
“Whitetail Resort is very pleased to be involved in the promotion of the well-being of residents who live in our Tuscarora region,” said Don MacAskill, President of the Pennsylvania ski resort. Whitetail hopes that other businesses will also contribute to the project.
M. Scott Smith is the founder and Editor of DCSki. Scott loves outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and mountain biking. He is an avid photographer and writer.
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