Choteau's Teton Pass not opening this winter
Kristen Inbody
Teton Pass Ski Resort near Choteau will be closed this winter, according to an announcement on its website.
The news comes as a surprise since Teton Pass, unlike Showdown, had a banner year last year.
Charles Hlavac, Teton Pass general manager, told the Tribune then: "We had an awesome season with tons of snow. We had an above average number of skiers, snow and revenue."
In an email to the ski community, Hlavac wrote that New Zealand owner Nick Wood updated the website without word to anyone in Choteau. Hlavac knew Wood was unlikely to fund another season, but the ski area is not yet listed for sale.
The 400-acre ski area also sat out the 2011-2012 ski season after technical issues with obtaining insurance.
Wood purchased the ski area in 2010 after it had been idle for two seasons. He refurbished the lodge, improved the chairlift and added runs.
Wood's decision is a blow to the local economy.
Teton Pass and the Choteau Stage Stop Inn partnered for "Stay and Ski" packages for several years, which hotel manager Beth Barlow said worked wonderfully.
"When the ski hill has not been open, in the past, we definitely experience a decline in our hotel occupancy," she said. "We are hoping that another buyer will come along but in the mean time the hotel will continue to network within the community for other activities to experience."
The hotel is offering a "Stay and Play" package this winter to highlight other winter recreation opportunities along the Rocky Mountain Front, she said, such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, fishing and "just relaxing."
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