Wolf Ridge Ski Resort has struggled in recent years. Multiple fires, and a lack of snowmaking capabilities, have led to an unsatisfied group of guests. The North Carolina ski resort was one of the first ski resorts in the country to shut down for the season, which guests blamed on poor snowmaking efforts.
Ski Area Management reports that the Hatley family has acquired Wolf Ridge from Orville English, who has owned the ski resort since 1992. The deal has been finalized, which sets it apart from prior rumors of ownership changes, one of which resulted in a lawsuit.
Some of Hatley’s immediate priorities this offseason include renovating their base lodge, enhancing the snowmaking equipment, and buying new rental gear. Future investments in the next five years could include mountain biking trails, a zipline/adventure course, a swimming club, leaf-peeping lift rides, and more overnight accommodation options.
The mountain has seen a variety of issues over the years. In 2002, a fire damaged their ticketing and group sales building. In 2014, another fire destroyed their lodge at the summit. There was a terrain pod that featured easy runs on prior trail maps, but it randomly disappeared. Customers allege that their snowmaking and lift infrastructure are being neglected and that the ski resort’s customer service is poor. They also have one of the worst trail maps I’ve ever seen, which is down below.
A lot of people seem to like this place though in spite of its flaws, so I hope this ownership group can turn things around.
Image Credits: Wolf Ridge Resort
