Rockford, MI – The owners of Cannonsburg Ski Area in western Michigan have purchased the Pando Winter Sports Complex, about 15 minutes outside of Grand Rapids in the village of Rockford. The deal closed on Friday.
Pando operates alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing facilities. All six ski lifts are rope tows, while another four cable tows service the tubing hill.
In the early 1960’s, Kent County resident Richard Bresnahan was pondering the high costs of the many trips his family of seven took each winter to enjoy skiing. In 1962, Bresnahan and his two brothers took equipment from their septic tank business and started to clear trees from the rolling hills in Rockford. A 10th Mountain Division veteran from World War II, Bresnahan trained for his service in Pando, Colo., the inspiration for tha name of his new Pando Ski Center.
“Knowing the history of Pando in our local community over the years, we felt we were well-suited to take on the future of Pando,” Cannonsburg officials indicated in a written statement. “Pando has been the home to many first-time skiers and snowboarders; to many thrilling tubing rides; to a countless number of unforgettable memories. We hope to continue Pando and Cannonsburg’s common goal of promoting skiing, snowboarding and outdoor recreation in West Michigan.”
Cannonsburg officials indicate that their decision to buy Pando from its current owners, who have operated the ski area since 1977 and had listed the property for sale for several months, will have no effect on the return of snow tubing to Cannonsburg with a new conveyor lift this winter — especially because Pando will remain closed until 2016-17.
“Due to the late closing of the sale, it is not feasible to open Pando in time for the coming season; however, we will be using the next year to figure out the best possible course of action for Pando,” the statement from Cannonsburg continues. “Our primary goal is to bring all elements of the business up to Cannonsburg’s extremely high standards for safety and overall experience. Cannonsburg will be retaining many of Pando’s key staff and we are excited to combine our two businesses and visions this season.”