Expansion is vital to future survival

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In 1998 the Mount Ashland Association started the Federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process required to bring about much-needed improvements to Mount Ashland.

As we all know, Mount Ashland is a very challenging mountain. National statistics indicate that 80 percent of all skiers and riders are of intermediate ability or below while our mountain is 78 percent advanced intermediate and expert. One of the first studies done indicated that 30,000 skiers were driving right past our exit on Interstate 5 heading south to easier, gentler terrain offered in northern California. It has been said many times that "if you can ski Mount Ashland you can ski anywhere." The only problem with that reality is hoping our newcomers stick with it long enough to make the tough transition from low intermediate to advanced intermediate on our lack of suitable terrain.

The federal NEPA process is slow, expensive and thorough. Through this process, terrain was identified that is 100 percent within our current Special Use Permit that has excellent low intermediate terrain, good northern exposure to hold snow and protected from the elements better than our current ski runs.

The NEPA process culminated in the issuing of the Record of Decision by the Forest Service in September 2004 approving 16 new trails covering 71 acres, widening seven existing trails primarily for safety concerns, adding much-needed parking and a 4-acre snow tubing area for our non-skiing guests and improvements to the base area buildings. Along with all of this are 25-plus restoration projects aimed at improving existing watersheds on all sides of the mountain. This is truly a win-win situation for all.

As I mentioned before, this all costs money, lots of it. The studies alone have cost $1.3 million. We had to upgrade our old, failing wastewater treatment system with a new state-of-the-art plant that would be big enough to accommodate future growth at a cost of $962,000. And then there are legal costs associated with defending this decision brought on by opponents that previously had endorsed the project, to the tune of $250,000. Yes, $2.5 million is a lot, but without it the future looks very dim.

Since 1993, the first year of the Mount Ashland Association, we have been able to save enough money to cover all of these costs, but some of it has come by deferring maintenance. The association has paid cash for this project and not incurred any long-term debt. During that same period our operating revenue has increased 71 percent but our operating expenses have increased 261 percent. The days of Mount Ashland being "steep and cheap" are no longer possible.

The single most telling study of the entire NEPA process is the economic impact study. It states that, conservatively, Mount Ashland will experience an increase in skiers of about 25,000 visits (remember the 30,000 skiers heading south right past our front door). This represents a net increase in revenue to Mount Ashland of approximately $450,000 annually. This will make us financially stable again.

Did our previous Mount Ashland board and staff lead us in the right direction for a long and sustainable future? You bet they did.

Are our current board and staff working to provide the Southern Oregon and Northern California region with a viable and consistent Mount Ashland for generations to come? I believe they are.

Without the improvements, the future may be very different for winter sports enthusiasts.

Sam James is president of the Mount Ashland Association.

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