Those looking to make tracks in the western portion of the Upper Peninsula will be stoked to find out Blackjack Resort is back up and operating for the 2009/2010 season. If you remember Blackjack was closed all last season with a sale pending. Now they’re back and ready for this season with many improvements including a new website! Check back as their stats and events are being added to our site soon.
The official statement from Blackjack Resort:
Bessemer, MI – The sale of Blackjack ski resort was finalized on Friday. The resort was purchased by an investor from Oshkosh, Wisconsin that has close ties to the area. It will be operated by Rick Schmitz, owner and operator of Nordic Mountain Ski Area in Central Wisconsin.
Although the sale happened late in the fall, work has been underway for months for the 2009/2010 season. Previous ownership has worked hand in hand with new management to ensure a smooth transition. The resort is set to open for the season on December 12, 2009.
Schmitz has big plans for Blackjack. Intentions are to grow on the strong history and tradition the resort has developed in over 30 years of operation. “The resort has an extremely loyal customer base. We plan to grow that base with the many improvements we are making,” said Schmitz.
The resort has begun the process of making noticeable improvements to the main lodge, trails, and terrain parks, and has numerous bigger, long-term goals. “The overall goal,” states Schmitz, “is to improve the entire guest experience. We are accomplishing this in many ways, including a new deck, terrain park expansion and the many other projects we are currently working on. The most important thing, however, is our attitude and approach to everything we do. ‘Fun is Back’ is our slogan for this year. We have established a great management team and begun our hiring process. I know with the people we have, the ‘Fun is Back’ message will undoubtedly get to our customers.”
One of the biggest changes to the New Blackjack’s operation is this year the resort will be open 7 days a week. In its last few years of operation, Blackjack was open only on weekends. To get people out on slower midweek days, the area has come up with reduced midweek pricing as well as numerous specials and discounts to bring skiers and boarders to the area.
For more information on all of the changes at The New Blackjack, visit their website at www.skiblackjack.com.