Saddleback

xwhaler · Jul 18, 2016

From this article----if that is still the case I can see why the mtn hasn't sold.

The asking price is $12 million for 400 acres of property that includes the ski trails and lifts, the base lodge and most of the surrounding 121 units.
The Berry family will keep 7,600 of the 8,000 acres it bought 10 years ago and hopes to remain involved with the ski area in some capacity.

http://www.pressherald.com/2012/12/14/saddleback-for-sale-berry-family/

mbedle · Jul 18, 2016

Based on the 400 acres, that doesn't leave any room for expansion. I did some quick measurements by just outlying the outer runs and the condos at the base and actually came up with 539 acres. I am not sure how they are coming up with only 400 acres. You would think they would have a better chance of selling the place if they offer at least some of the land north of the resort in the deal.

deadheadskier · Jul 18, 2016

Mapnut said:
What do you think if a prospective new owner built on-site, instead of a hotel, a plain old motel with 100 rooms that could rent for $90 a night? That would help the beds situation but leave money for lifts.

I like this idea. Start small and affordable. Attach a restaurant to it to address some of the apres ski needs.

machski · Jul 18, 2016

After this season, any new owner has to focus on snowmaking improvements first if they want to compete against SL. If the Berry's are still trying to hold onto the majority of land and all the other needs the ski area has, o wish them well but doubt they will be selling any time soon.

tipsdown · Jul 18, 2016

mbedle said:
Based on the 400 acres, that doesn't leave any room for expansion. I did some quick measurements by just outlying the outer runs and the condos at the base and actually came up with 539 acres. I am not sure how they are coming up with only 400 acres. You would think they would have a better chance of selling the place if they offer at least some of the land north of the resort in the deal.

All 7-8k acres are now in play from what I understand....

yeggous · Jul 19, 2016

tipsdown said:
All 7-8k acres are now in play from what I understand....

Would it be fair to say this was not the Berry's first choice? Bad timing all around.

Cat in January · Jul 19, 2016

Made the Portland Press Herald today
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/07/...ts-voice-concerns-if-saddleback-remains-idle/

deadheadskier · Jul 19, 2016

Guessing that's Salsgang quoted in the article?

bdfreetuna · Jul 19, 2016

At least Les Otten thinks it's bound to reopen in that article.

machski · Jul 20, 2016

bdfreetuna said:
At least Les Otten thinks it's bound to reopen in that article.

He thinks it should, but he noted early in the article that if it remains closed this season, the inertia is against it reopening. Even DB would like to see it reopen but they all echo the same sentiments about remaining closed to the ability to reopen. Think about it, the Berry's have had to supplement the operation every year since '08. So that means that if it stays closed and you loose some of your loyal skier base, that supplement becomes even greater for years likely after you reopen (unless you make a huge upgrade splash prior to re-opening). Thus, why Les said as you remain closed, to re-open you need a different type of buyer from the buyer who would buy an operating resort.

bigbog · Jul 20, 2016

Sounds like Les still has an interest...y/n?

tree_skier · Jul 20, 2016

i would think that les is tied up with the Balsams. However if he could condo up those 8000 acres???????? it would be interesting to see him have a go and give us something to talk about besides hail at jay

skiMEbike · Jul 21, 2016

Interesting post from C Farmer (Saddleback GM) on Sugarloaf chat....

http://www.sugarloaftoday.com/chat/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7259&start=660

tipsdown · Jul 21, 2016

"I speak on almost a daily basis with the Buyer who is wrapping up his details to complete the transaction"

Sounds encouraging but we'll just have to wait and see...Interesting for sure. Lots of permits. Sounds like there will be some big changes if this goes through.

ironhippy · Jul 21, 2016

I probably posted this already in this thread, but my (very small) local hill sold last year.

The perspective buyers were assembled in March/April and began their negotiations and diligence in April/May. They had the money and the will.

The deal did not close until the end of September and was cutting it VERY close to interfering with the season. The buyers kept saying "we'll know more next week" all summer long (and weren't lying).

These things take time.

salsgang · Jul 21, 2016

deadheadskier said:
Guessing that's Salsgang quoted in the article?

Yup that was me trying to be diplomatic.

I sure hope like hell that something gets done in the next week or two or three. Sounds like a buyer is STILL in play. According the the farmer post referenced above, there is still hope but...

Out of frustration and doing something to try stay supportive, I created an online petition to show support for saddleback and encourage the successful conclusion of the sale. Give it a read and sign & share if you are so willing.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/450/749/437/i-would-come-back-to-saddleback-maine/

fiddleski · Jul 22, 2016

Putting together Chris Farmer's post and Les Otten's comments in the article, it might seems like whoever the buyer is, it's not LBO. I wouldn't think he would comment at all if he were involved.

At least there's hope. Best of luck to Chris.

salsgang · Jul 22, 2016

uphillklimber said:
I know the petition won't force a sale, but it will show there is support for people who want to ski Saddleback, which just might spur the sale. Signed.

Thank you uphillklimber. 73 signers just a few hours in. Hopefully the news of the petition keeps spreading.

Jully · Jul 22, 2016

fiddleski said:
Putting together Chris Farmer's post and Les Otten's comments in the article, it might seems like whoever the buyer is, it's not LBO. I wouldn't think he would comment at all if he were involved.

At least there's hope. Best of luck to Chris.

On the Sugarloaf Today site Chris sounded pretty frustrated at the situation and at some people's attitudes towards the whole situation. It's certainly a tough spot to be in, but I'm glad theres still hope!

Any good will sent Chris's way I'm sure is appreciated.

bdfreetuna · Jul 22, 2016

Well that's encouraging to read from Chris. Thanks for the link!

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