LASC News:
- Meeting to discuss and vote on a proposal to transfer club assets to a private/public partnership for continued operation and improvement of Pajarito Mountain Ski Area will be held May 15 with two informal informational meetings May 5 and May 10 with representatives from the partnership on hand to answer questions.
As a result of the recent drought years and changing skier demographics, the financial viability of Pajarito Mountain has been seriously challenged. In response to these challenges, the Los Alamos Ski Club (LASC) Board of Directors has worked for many years to identify options for continued operation of Pajarito Mountain.
Two critical inputs are required to keep Pajarito Mountain as an operational ski hill: substantial financial investment, and a guaranteed water source for snowmaking.
Therefore, the Board of Directors has proposed that a private/public partnership between the Managing Partners of Sipapu Ski Area and the Los Alamos County become the transfer recipients of the 751 acres of land owned by LASC, who in turn will operate Pajarito Mountain and ensure skiing into the future.
If accepted by a 2/3 majority vote of the membership, the Board believes that this transfer will allow Pajarito to remain a viable ski area for many years to come. Members can expect to be able to purchase season passes at an attractive price later this year. The first priority for this partnership will be to improve Pajarito’s snowmaking infrastructure to ensure a full operating season for 2014-2015.
In the coming years a number of positive changes to the mountain are proposed, such as extensive improvements to the snowmaking system, base area facilities, trail development, a magic carpet in the beginner area, a replacement chair for the Mother Lift, as well as a future reliable water source for snowmaking and fire protection. Many other amenities for both summer and winter recreation such as mountain biking and festivals will be strengthened by this partnership.
In concern for retaining community green space, certain land transfer restrictions will be in place to ensure that Pajarito Mountain continues to be substantially used for recreational purposes with public access into the future.
“The Board is of the opinion that the proposed business model will be successful and the future of skiing and other recreational activities at Pajarito Mountain will be assured,” said Philip Rae, President of the Los Alamos Ski Club.
The two informal informational meetings will be held at the Pajarito Mountain Ski Lodge at 6 p.m., May 5 and 3 p.m., May 10. Both parties from the proposed partnership, as well as members of the board will be on hand to answer your questions.
The Spring Meeting is 6 p.m., May 15 at the Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church – Fellowship Hall at 3900 Trinity Dr. in Los Alamos. Members are encouraged to attend this critical meeting to place their vote regarding the proposed transfer. Only members will be allowed to vote on the proposed motion.
