BY JEFFREY WEIDEL
It’s official: Earlier this week, Skyline International Development, Inc. completed its purchase of Bear Valley ski resort after receiving a permit to operate the resort from the US Forest Service.
Skyline International Development, Inc., Canada’s leading owner, operator and developer of hospitality resorts and destination communities, now owns the 1,700-acre Bear Valley ski resort in the central Sierra range. The resort includes nine chair lifts, a 2,000-stall parking lot, and a 40,000 square-feet mountain base lodge.
“I strongly believe that we have acquired one of the most beautiful properties in Northern California. We cannot wait to bring the full experience here,” says Skyline CEO Michael Sneyd. “We are pleased with this addition to our ever-growing hotel and resorts portfolio. We look forward to providing an exemplary standard of hospitality service to Bear Valley.”
Skyline has plans to expand at Bear Valley ski resort. The purchase also includes two approved master plans for the ski area and Village that include expanded ski lifts and a development plan to build 350 new units accompanied by a new Village core, which Skyline hopes to execute.
“We intend to implement the approved master plan and are beginning to explore options. It is too early for specific details,” Sneyd said.
In what is considered to be a first in resort ownership, Skyline has entered into an agreement with the Bear Valley Mountain Cooperative (BVMC), a membership-driven organization formed when the resort first came up for sale in 2013.
“For BVMC, this agreement is a perfect outcome. Through our combined efforts and resources, the resort and community will see rapid improvements while enjoying the benefits and support of an exceptional hospitality company,” says Paul Petersen, Interim BVMC board member and local business owner.
Bear Valley ski resort is located between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe on National Scenic Byway Highway 4, and surrounded by two of California’s largest federally designated wilderness areas, outdoor activities in Bear Valley are abundant.
Bear Valley ski resort features varied terrain, more than 70 trails, two terrain parks featuring more than 18 features, and 1,900 vertical feet. Bear Valley Village is home to a variety of services, shops, restaurants and a wide range of accommodations. Winters provide skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Hiking, fishing, cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, camping and a variety of cultural events make up the summer activities.
More information is available at www.bearvalley.com
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Visit his winter website at www.tahoeskiworld.com
