Homewood, California — The latest twist in the Homewood saga unfolded today, as the California ski resort announced that it won’t be opening this winter.
Interestingly, the move hasn’t been formally announced on their social media pages yet but has been shared by local groups like Keep Homewood Public.
The news was announced today (October 11th) as they claimed that their financial partner had backed away from supporting the ski resort for this winter. Homewood locals were wondering about the ski resort’s status, as season passes never went on sale, and its social media pages have been quiet since April. Homewood has attempted to get small modifications approved to its 2011 master plan, but the process has been slower than it wanted. They directly blamed the non-profit Keep Homewood Public for spreading “hypothetical fears and false rumors regarding public access to the mountain.”
Homewood Mountain Resort is owned by JMA Ventures, which bought the ski resort in 2006. Back in 2022, Homewood Mountain Resort seemed like it would become the latest private ski resort. Citing diminishing visitors and the rise of mega passes, the California ski resort announced that they would be transitioning towards a members-only model. JMA Ventures decided to partner with Mohari Hospitality and Discovery Land Company, the latter of which is known for the Yellowstone Club, to develop the ski resort. After locals, led by Keep Homewood Public, voiced their opposition to these plans, Homewood shifted course. Since 2023, Homewood has tried to state that they’ll remain open to the public, but the local’s trust in ownership is gone. I imagine this move isn’t going to help Homewood out with regaining it.
Keep Homewood Public has released its own statement, which can be read below.
Image/Video Credits: Homewood Mountain Resort, Keep Homewood Public
Update 10/12: This article has been updated to include statements from Homewood Mountain Resort and Keep Homewood Public.
