North Powder, Oregon — A loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow an Oregon ski area to create a new rental shop.
This week, Anthony Lakes and the USDA announced a joint venture. Anthony Lakes plans to build a new base area facility, which will include a retail area, a rental shop, and employee housing.
“This investment is more than a loan for a historic recreation area; it’s a one part of a whole to strengthen both local opportunity and Oregon’s outdoor recreation economy,” said Jim Carmack, Oregon State Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. “USDA is pleased to partner in this project and ensure this community landmark continues to serve residents and visitors for long into the future.”
The two-story building will cost an estimated $1.8 million. The USDA is providing a $650,000 loan, with other community partners contributing as well. The partnership makes sense, given the ski area’s location in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. In response to these contributions, the project is moving forward.
“ALORA is proud to partner with OTEC and USDA through the Rural Economic Development Loan program to make this new rental shop facility possible,” said Chelsea Judy, Marketing Director of the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA). “This project is much more than a new building, it is an investment in the future of outdoor recreation in our region. This updated facility will allow us to better serve our guests, create more opportunities for youth to learn and participate in outdoor recreation, and strengthen the overall experience at Anthony Lakes. We are grateful for both OTEC and the USDA’s partnership and investment in our rural community, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact this project will have for generations to come.”
An opening date for the new facility has not yet been announced.
About Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort
Situated in Oregon, Anthony Lakes features 21 runs across 1,000 skiable acres. The resort has three lifts, including a triple chairlift. Although it has a relatively small vertical drop (900 feet), it has the highest base elevation of any ski area in Oregon (7,100 feet). It also has over 30 kms of Nordic ski trails. In summer, Anthony offers mountain biking, camping, and yurt rentals. The over 85-year-old ski area is operated by the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA).
Image/Video Credits: Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, Travis Ellingson (Traveller1973)
