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SHERIDAN, WY – The Antelope Butte Foundation that purchased the shuttered ski area at Antelope Butte in northern Wyoming has now received a federal permit to restore the facility. The United States Forest Service issued a special use permit on June 6 which allows for restoration of the lodge, chairlifts, ski trails, and other facilities of the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area.
“Closing on the purchase of the facilities this past spring, and getting the permit to start restoration are big steps forward in our efforts to get Antelope Butte opened as a year-round recreation area,” said foundation President Mark Weitz. Bill Bass, Forest Supervisor of the Bighorn National Forest added, “Issuance of this permit is one more step displaying the Antelope Butte Foundation’s diligence in pursuit of their goal to reopen the ski area.”
The immediate plans for the facility are to stabilize and prepare the lodge for renovation. Contractors and volunteers will be working to remove old carpet, drywall, and other interior surfaces this summer, as well as securing the exterior against the elements. A local architect and structural engineer are already working on plans for the renovation of the building, in cooperation with a general contractor, all of whom are donating their services. This summer volunteers will also be utilized to reclaim the ski trails by removing small saplings and clearing debris.
“We now have the tremendous opportunity to work on the lodge and trails this summer,” added Executive Director & Ski-EO Andrew Gast, “This is the type of work that volunteers thrive on and it will be a great way for them to be inside of the lodge, imagine the possibilities, and make a tangible difference.”
Antelope Butte was issued a road use permit last month, allowing the foundation to conduct basic maintenance to the access roads and to plow snow. Renovation of the lodge is planned to continue through next winter and the goal is to restore the chairlifts in summer of 2017, in preparation for a grand opening later that year.
The Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area will be open for two events this summer to give visitors an opportunity to tour the facilities and experience some of what the facility has to offer. The Bighorn Mountains Brewfest will be on Saturday, July 2 and Antelope Butte Summer Festival on July 22-24.
The Antelope Butte Foundation is now looking for volunteers to assist in the restoration work of the lodge and ski trails for this summer. Information on volunteering or on the summer events is available at www.AntelopeButte.org.
About Antelope Butte Foundation:
Antelope Butte Foundation’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible year-round mountain recreation, training, and educational opportunities, with a focus on youth and beginners. The organization is under contract to purchase the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area and projects to be fully operational in 2017. For more information, please visit http://www.antelopebutte.org/.
Please send media inquiries to andrew@AntelopeButteFoundation.org.
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