What happened to the Mazama ski area?

[cakeo48]

Since the 70's many companies have tried to get a massive Ski Area Approved, on the undisturbed Sandy Butte, but that proposal was completely rejected. By the 90's the idea disappeared, even though there were many other areas that could of worked just across the valley, many of which were already being logged, or even completely logged and burned. So why is no one trying now, chances are it would be approved in these areas.

Possible areas, a more southern aspect burned area, with adequate snow, 2000ft of steeper vertical. Partially logged area west of burn, 2700-3000 feet of steeper vertical, more western aspect. Logged Mountain east has a little less snow that the other areas, 2000ft of west and east aspect. Lastly the goat peak option, which has 3000ft of western aspect, least logged area, but best for ski area .

Could a ski hill effect the culture of the area too much? Depends a smaller ski hill with mostly expert runs, and no permanent housing. Would have little effect on the area, but who knows what a bigger resort would do. Although most of us would never use this ski area, would you mind its existence?

[num1mc]

Probably won't happen ever.

 

Not enough money in smaller resorts to justify the developent costs. So that will require a larger area.

 

Large resorts require the development of condos and hotels accessible to the lifts without the use of cars. The permitting required by this by the USFS would likely be so onerous as to scare off any developer.

 

You will also be opposed by:

1) The enironmental groups

2) The "206'ers" already there.

3) The born and bred locals who resent any and all "206'ers".

[cakeo48]

It's a shame no one considers the long term investment in a smaller ski area, as the locals have said they wanted a smaller ski area to help their economy, without effecting their culture too much, and they could probably get it built. But no major development company builds resorts between 500-1000 acres anymore, the local resort is dead...

Edited December 21, 2015 by cakeo48

[NateF]

There is a book about what happened during the previous resort development planning. I don't know what it's called but you'd be interested if you haven't read it already.

[cakeo48]

Think I have read it, and I probably not going to find it again, There's not a lot of remaining documents that I can find.

I find it Ironic that the company went to court to get the ski area approved on this one mountain, but Sandy Butte actually has a lot less snow than most mountains in the area. It Must be in Silver star's and Gardner's "snow shadow".

[AlpineK]

There are quite a few places with defunct one lift ski areas. Apparently individuals or companies couldn't get or maintain enough business to keep them running.