This week we’re celebrating the 10 best independent ski resorts in North America, with our lighthearted (and completely arbitrary) guess at their chances of becoming Epic or selling to another resort group. See the first five resorts.
Whitefish – Montana
Chances of selling: 50%
Montana’s other big resort, Whitefish, is just the kind one could see going Epic in the next few years, but for now it remains stockholder-owned and community-based. If the Big Mountain resort ever does become an acquisition target, we just hope they keep their quirky humor (see below).
Le Massif – Montreal
Chances of selling: 25%
If you have not tried Le Massif, make this the year you celebrate North America’s own French-inspired resort, a combination of culture, authenticity and in the resort’s own words — pure, raw fun. We would expect nothing less from Daniel Gaulthier, the mind behind Cirque du Soleil.
Sundance Resort – Utah
Chances of selling: 15%
Many of the benefits that attract other resorts to collectives — group season passes, more on-mountain improvements — are unlikely to sway Robert Redford, whose original artists’ enclave focuses as much on off-mountain activities as skiing itself. That said, if KSL Capital Partners could convince Bob Wheaton, we don’t put it past them to convince Utah’s other famous Bob.
Powder Mountain – Utah
Chances of selling: 15%
A secret hot spot of the rising entrepreneurial set, Summit-owned Powder Mountain is the original home of Summit Series, the invitation-only retreat of the social and talented. Which makes us believe ownership isn’t changing anytime soon — but ski resort ownership is hard work, and if priorities change at Summit, we wouldn’t be terribly shocked to see PowMow eventually become Epic.
Wolf Creek – Colorado
Chances of selling: 50%
Wolf Creek proudly boasts the most snow in Colorado, making this hidden gem tucked in the Southeast Corner a popular spot for New Mexico and Texas residents who also enjoy the hot springs and beauty of Pagosa Springs. Given the resort’s strong identity (see photo below), part of us hopes Wolf Creek stays as it is.
Luxury Ski Magazine 