Whitetail Ski Resort is still in search of a buyer, and according to news reports, the Northumberland County General Authority (NCGA) has authorized a bond issue of up to $33 million to purchase the resort. This follows an offer by the Dauphin County General Authority earlier this fall to purchase the resort; that offer fell through after Snow Time Inc., the owner of both Ski Liberty and Ski Roundtop, objected to the sale, arguing that the resulting tax-exempt status of Whitetail would represent unfair competition.

Ski Time Inc. may object to the proposal by the NCGA for the same reason. Ski Time’s president, Irv Naylor, has reportedly considered pursuing a similar county ownership for Ski Liberty and Ski Roundtop, which would grant his resorts a tax-free status.

Although the sale of Whitetail to the Daughin County General Authority (DCGA) fell through, the DCGA still owns the rights to develop a golf course and conference center at Whitetail. If the NCGA purchases Whitetail, it may acquire these rights from the DCGA.

No deal has been finalized, and Whitetail is still entertaining offers from other potential buyers.

Skiers and snowboarders will not be affected by the negotiations; Whitetail’s plans for the upcoming winter season remain on track. Whitetail recently revealed a $50,000 sponsorship by Pepsi/Mountain Dew, allowing the resort to improve snowboarding facilities. These improvements include an expansion of the half pipe and Snowboard Park, and the hiring of three “Park Rangers” to keep the pipe and park in perfect condition.