RIB MOUNTAIN, Wis. (WSAU) — The Department of Natural Resources says plans are coming together to review the proposed expansion of the Granite Peak ski area in Rib Mountain.
Granite Peak owner Charles Skinner says he’s hoping to add a dozen new ski runs, on-site lodging and more summer recreation choices in a proposed $50 million dollar expansion of the existing ski hill. The new section would be built to the west of the existing park, and focus on intermediate and beginner level skiers as well as family groups.
DNR state parks chief planner Jeff Prey says the review takes a whole view approach to the request for lease modification. “We’re looking at the complete picture of the proposal, and then evaluate that against both the social needs and the environmental aspects that are part of a state park, and then look at how this proposal fits into the state park mission.”
Any information gathered through the process will be handed over to the Natural Resources board for review and approval. Prey says the Board will be looking for public input in the future both from local residents and the region as a whole to determine of the plan is the right move for the park. “Both the social and environmental aspects to determine if this proposal makes sense, and if it does, what sort of configuration would work best for both Granite Peak and the skiers, but also the state park, going forward.”
Prey says they’ll be getting more information and a specific website for the expansion plans on the web in a few weeks. They’re also planning at least two meetings to go over an introduction to the amendment process and then to take public comment on the amendment request. All of that information will then be handed back off to the Natural Resources Board for review and action.
On the whole, Prey says the state is happy with the work that Skinner has done over the past 15 years with the park. “He’s done a great job in terms of developing the property, trying to make this the Midwest destination resort, and looking at the opportunities to be competitive in the marketplace, and trying to expand the business to get Granite Peak into the next tier of skiing opportunities for the local area but also the state and the region as a whole.”
Prey estimates that the review should be completed by the end of 2015. Skinner says they’re hoping to start construction on the new ski hills and lifts by the middle of 2016.
