Sheridan, WY – The Antelope Butte Foundation has announced that it has secured all funding needed to complete its purchase of the ski area at Antelope Butte, ten months ahead of schedule. The foundation will take ownership of the lodge, chairlifts, and outbuildings that are currently possessed by the US Forest Service.
The Antelope Butte Foundation is placing the final payment of $220,000 into escrow this week and has requested a closing date, which should occur within thirty days based on the purchase and sale agreement signed last summer.
“Ullr has smiled on Antelope Butte,” said foundation President Mark Weitz, referencing the Norse god of skiing, “We are very appreciative to the numerous donors who stepped up to support us in this early phase and look forward to celebrating with the community at our event this Thursday.”
The next step for the Antelope Butte Foundation is the restoration of the ski area and acquisition of equipment to operate it. To meet these goals, the foundation is launching a legacy sponsorship campaign that allows donors to name their favorite ski slope or to sponsor one of the chairs on a chairlift in perpetuity. There are also opportunities for donors to name ski area amenities inside the lodge, or the lodge itself.
“This is our greatest achievement yet in our efforts to open the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area,” said Executive Director & “Ski-EO” Andrew Gast, “We can now mobilize our volunteers and utilize our in-kind pledges to begin restoration, and move ahead on permitting the winter and summer operations with the US Forest Service.”
The Antelope Butte Foundation will host its Ullr Ball tomorrow at the Best Western Sheridan Center, an event already designed to celebrate mountain recreation and Wyoming winters. The foundation now also plans this as a celebration of their milestone and launch of the legacy naming program. The event will feature the Craft Brothers as the musical act, as well as auctions and presentation of the Ullr Honor.
“The Ullr Ball will be an exciting night to share our success with the community,” said Gast, “As the new owners of the facilities at Antelope Butte we can move on toward opening and work with donors on naming recognitions at the facility.”
Tickets for the Ullr Ball are available at AntelopeButte.org, or at the Antelope Butte Foundation office, located at 201 E. 5thStreet in Sheridan. Tickets cost $35 for individuals or are $60 for couples, and include heavy appetizers and two drinks per person.