Closed Elk Meadows ski resort in Utah goes up for online auction

November 7, 10:52 PMSkiing ExaminerEric Wagnon

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Elk Meadows, a closed ski area in central Utah, is being offered
through an online auction.                           Photo: LFC

Bids accepted through Nov. 23

Elk Meadows ski area near Beaver, Utah, closed in 2002, but an online auction for the property might lead to a rebirth for the area. LFC, an online auction site, is accepting bids through Nov. 23.

Click here to bid on property

Area must overcome tough locale

Orignally opened in 1972 as Mount Holly Resort, Elk Meadows is located about three and a half hours from both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. With 450 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 1,400 feet, the area had trouble competing for skiers from those population centers. Salt Lake City residents can choose from 11 larger ski areas in much closer proximity. Brian Head Resort gives visitors from Las Vegas a closer, bigger option.

Property requires 'vision and persistence'

The property up for auction includes 1,138 acres of land and the facilities of the former ski area. While the auction site suggests a value of $5.15 million, the minimum bid is only $1 million. In a release with the listing, the auction company admitted the challenges for potential buyers.

"While there is some infrastructure in place, Elk Meadows is a project that requires vision and persistence," LFC stated in a Business Wire release. "This non-operational ski resort needs work, and the low minimum bid of $1,000,000 reflects that reality. However, it also makes for a tremendous opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind blank canvas at a bargain price."
 

In 2006, a developer proposed a $3.5 billion plan to develop the area into a private ultra-luxury resort similar to The Yellowstone Club in Montana, a development now suffering financial difficulties of its own. Facing local opposition, financial and legal troubles, the idea never materialized.