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Ski area foundation raising $3M for upgrade, operations
By Richard Reeder
This document was published online on Wednesday, August 06, 2008
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| Sheets Logging Co. of Montana transports timber during recent removal of dead and dying trees at Sleeping Giant. (Photo by Ken Blackbird) |
The community foundation charged with operating Sleeping Giant ski area is closer to beginning public fundraising.
The Yellowstone Recreations Foundation has a goal to raise $3 million to operate the North Fork ski area.
“We wanted to raise half that amount before we began public fundraising,” spokesman Kerry Strike said. “We have almost reached that goal through private donations.
“What is great about this foundation is that anyone who's excited and wants to be involved can be,” she added. “That's why we haven't asked for taxpayer funding - we want this to be totally a community project.”
The ski area, which has been closed for four winters, was purchased last year by Jim Nielson. He subsequently donated the property to the foundation so they can operate it.
“Sleeping Giant is Yellowstone Foundation's first project,” Strike said. “The foundation's goal is to create winter recreation opportunities throughout the Big Horn Basin.
“With the continued winter use of the east gate (of Yellowstone Park), we know this will open up opportunities for North Fork lodges and businesses and the Cody community as a whole,” she added. “We want this to be the first of many community projects the foundation helps operate or create.”
Yellowstone Recreations Foundation is working in conjunction with Cody Recreation Foundation Inc. on fundraising.
“The Cody Recreation Foundation has helped raise money for Canal Park and the Riley Arena,” Strike said. “It's a good partnership for the two of us to work together on this project.”
The $3 million will be used for improvements to the ski area.
“We will outfit and refurbish the equipment and lifts,” Strike said. “The ski runs will be groomed and ready for this winter.”
Work at the ski area this summer and fall includes bridge replacement, replacing the old T-bar with a chair lift that extends higher up the mountain, refurbishing the existing chair lift, installing a snowmaking system and removing dead timber.
Strike said Sleeping Giant will offer many beginner slopes for young skiers and some expert runs for more experienced skiers. It will also offer nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
Strike said the ski area will operate as a non-profit entity.
“We want this to be completely focused on families,” she said. “By operating as a non-profit, it will be more affordable for families.
“I have three kids and skiing can be an expensive hobby,” she added. “We'd like to help families discover skiing without a heavy financial burden.”
They are working on ski lesson packages for middle school students.
“And all fifth graders will receive a (free) season pass to ski all winter,” Strike said. “That seems to be a good age to get kids started.
“My children started young, and many others get started sooner,” she added. “But for what we're trying to do that seems to be the perfect age.”
For more information about ski programs or supporting the foundation call Strike, 578-8262 or 250-7598.
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Stephen Catterall wrote on Aug 8, 2008 4:38 PM:
Stephen Catterall
Roxborough Park, Colorado "