Steady Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador — The Newfoundland & Labrador government is tired of operating Marble Mountain Resort. For years, it has tried selling the ski resort to a private operator. Unfortunately, the demand to own the remote ski resort isn’t there.
The Telegram reported in April that Newfoundland & Labrador’s latest request for proposal (RFP), which was intended to have private vendors submit bids to acquire the ski resort, didn’t receive any offers. This follows years of the province trying to sell the ski resort. The prior RFP occurred from 2018 to 2021, which saw a few parties bid. However, that RFP process ended up being derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steve Crocker, who’s the Tourism Minister of Newfoundland & Labrador, described what he believed to be the reason behind the failed sale:
“If you look at the challenges that are faced literally by the industry — not only here in Newfoundland and Labrador, but around the world — the ski industry is really having a rough time.”
I don’t particularly agree with that statement, but maybe that’s because of my American perspective. The US ski industry just saw its second-highest visitation tally ever, so I wouldn’t say they’re having a “rough time.” Climate change is real, but that hasn’t impacted present-day demand. The one problem this place has is its remoteness, and not many foreigners are trying to visit this place during ski season, despite its beauty.
Marble Mountain has had its fair share of battles with Mother Nature as well, which may make it less attractive to buyers. In 2014, a lightning strike hit their core chairlift, resulting in a fire. The chairlift reopened in early 2015 and was renamed the Lightning Express. In February 2024, a mudslide from heavy rain impacted their trails, leading to a temporary closure. I do wonder if these situations have caused investors to be pessimistic.
I’d say what they should do now is create a plan to increase four-season visitation. It seems like that mindset is shared by the provincial government, which is creating plans to add mountain biking trails, along with creating tours for cruise groups that visit the area. Other ideas include adding infrastructure for RVs, ATVs, and snowmobilers. Marble currently has a few attractions in the summertime, like scenic chairlift rides.
In terms of when the next RFP could occur, Steve Crocker thinks it’s going to be a long, long time:
“There was a lot of time and due diligence that went into the RFP that closed last week, so I don’t see any reason why we would go back with another RFP any time in the near future.
There was a lot of time and due diligence that went into the RFP that closed last week, so I don’t see any reason why we would go back with another RFP any time in the near future. So, right now it leaves us awaiting Marble’s plan for ’25-’26.”
Image Credits: Marble Mountain Resort
