Pinedale, Wyoming — One of the state’s most historic ski areas is now in the hands of a billionaire.
The Pinedale Roundup reports that the sale of White Pine Ski & Summer Resort was finalized on April 22nd. Back in February, it was announced that White Pine, which was owned by Alan and Robyn Blackburn, would be sold to Joe Ricketts. Ricketts is the founder, former CEO & Chairman of TD Ameritrade. Since 2009, he and his family have owned the Chicago Cubs, seeing the team win the World Series in 2016, their first title in 108 years. For people in Wyoming, he’s known for his plans to build a resort in the state, which Sublette County rejected partially due to pressure from locals. He remains interested in building that development.
White Pine is a small ski resort that has faced hurdles over the years. The base lodge caught fire in 2019, which is one reason it has been on the market since 2020.
Joe Ricketts plans to add snowmaking to the ski area, subject to U.S. Forest Service approval, which would extend the season. They want to add snowmaking equipment for the 2024-25 season, but the more realistic date for it to be operational is during the 2026-27 season.
Following the closing of the sale, Alan Blackburn released the following statement:
“Selling White Pine is bittersweet for us. I’ll miss being such a big part of the heart of Sublette County, but feel tremendous peace with transferring ownership to Joe because I know he shares my ultimate goal of keeping the resort as such a strong and dependable part of the community. I have total faith in his vision.”
Image Credits: White Pine Ski & Summer Resort
