Beartooth Basin is looking for support from the ski community to help this independent ski hill stay open. This season the “backcountry skiing hill with a lift” needed to make an investment of $35,000 to fix a gear box on the aging top lift. They have turned to gofundme.com and have asked the community to help save this uniques summer only ski hill.
Despite the outcome of their gofundme campaign, Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area still plans on opening this May 26, 2019.
Beartooth Basin – The Uphill Battle
From gofundme.com page
Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area is a locally owned and operated recreation destination near Red Lodge, Montana. Every year from late May to early July the mission of Beartooth Basin is to keep the spirit of skiing alive with two surface lifts atop the iconic 10,000 foot elevation Beartooth Pass, MT-WY.
Formerly known as Red Lodge International Summer Racing Camp, Beartooth Basin is one of North America’s oldest alpine ski training areas. Historically the Basin was a summer destination for alpine racing athletes, operated as a private camp. Ownership changed in 2003 when an adventurous group of Red Lodge locals invested in the race camp and opened the door to a younger generation of skiing enthusiasts – freestyle skiers, big mountain riders, terrain park jibbers, and of course, anyone keen for summer skiing.
Beartooth Basin is not your average ski hill. You could describe it as backcountry skiing with a lift. Similar to traditional lift-serve ski facilities, the Basin is staffed with professional ski patrollers and skillful lift attendants. And just like other ski areas, it faces extreme economic challenges – aging infrastructure, high equipment costs, expensive insurance policies, and rigorous engineering inspections. All of these obstacles are made even more difficult with the access issues experienced due to its remote location at the whim of multiple surface owner-operators of US Hwy212.
US Hwy 212, also known as The Beartooth Pass, is a truly unique setting – high alpine views, a plethora of ski routes, and like minded folks that enjoy the simplicity of skiing and exploring the mountains with friends. Beartooth Basin offers patrons access to an experience that has been quoted as “the spirit of skiing “ or “skiing’s soul”. Any skier that drops in to Twin Lakes Headwall is a caretaker of that spirit.
It is the mission of Beartooth Basin to preserve this unforgettable western skiing experience for future generations. In the age of corporate ski resort conglomerates, it is important to keep locally-owned ski hills thriving and it takes a community effort to make that happen. Each year, it is an uphill battle to provide uphill service to skiers and snowboarders that visit Red Lodge for a summer snow session. With that spirit in mind, for the 2019 Basin season to occur, we humbly ask for your support.
The 2019 Beartooth Basin fund drive is now open to receive your pledge of support in exchange for lift tickets, season passes, VIP ski tours, merchandise, and private events at the Basin. With your support, we will be able to kickstart the infrastructure necessary to bring the joy & adventure from being on top of the world sliding on snow.
THIS IS WHAT YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS WOULD SUPPORT:
1) LIFT MAINTENANCE: We are replacing the gearbox on our top lift (Lift #1). Without this piece of equipment Beartooth Basin cannot operate. Doppelmayr manufacturer costs + labor – $35,000 (this is crucial)
2) INSURANCE: Each season our biggest upfront expense in operation insurance. Just like the big ski resorts – we have to have a high insurance policy and have a licensed engineer approve our lift operations. We have never had a claim, but the cost to play is high! $8,500
3) FUEL: BioDiesel purchase from local BioFeul source (Full Cirle Biofuels in Bozeman MT): We are committed to making a positive change and using renewable energy to stoke the fire of summer skiing/riding. $5,000
4) SNOW SURFACE MAINTENANCE: Pisten Bully SnoCat rental (contingent on our funding). This is an essential tool for any ski area. The Pisten Bully would allow us to provide groomers and perfect terrain park features. $10,000
5) TERRAIN EXPANSION: We are permitted for 2 additional surface lifts – and we are planning to get another lift running in our lower ski terrain this season! This of course comes with operation costs and installation to engineer requirements. $7,000
INCENTIVES:
We invite you to become a member of the Basin Club with your donation of support! We can no longer offer incentives in order to keep our campaign active with this site. Please check in with us at – info@beartoothbasin.com or on facebook for the direct benefits from you donations. We will keep track of all donations!!
Thank you for your consideration and support! For questions email austin@beartoothbasin.com , call 307.250.3767 and stay tuned on our Facebook – Beartooth Basin on FaceBook and twitter feed – @beartoothbasin.