Saddleback Says It’s In Negotiations To Sell Ski Area

The operators of Saddleback have not been successful over the summer in raising funds for a new ski lift. The latest news, however, is they may have a buyer for the resort.

This summer, owners said that Saddleback wouldn't open this winter unless they could get $3 million to replace an old, slow ski lift.

Early Wednesday night, resort operators posted on their Facebook page that attempts to raise the money had stalled.

Here's an update from the Saddleback Facebook page.

Here are the scenarios we are working through now:

1. We have a buyer negotiating to buy the resort and install a quad lift this season.
2. We have a buyer negotiating to buy the resort; remain closed for the ski season and install a lift next summer.
3. We have two potential buyers looking at operating status quo for the winter. Improvements would begin next summer.
4. We are also discussing a leasing option.

The Berry Family is evaluating all options with the goal of a sustainable future for Saddleback.

It's currently for sale for $9.5 million with 2,070 acres.

The resort employs up to 300 people in the winter and has averaged 80,000 to 100,000 skier visits per year. Saddleback's owners say the resort is the third-largest employer in Franklin County.

Hours after the news was posted, dozens of skiers and Saddleback supporters had posted on the company Facebook page.