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49 Degrees North sells to Silver Mountain affiliate

Skiers leave the mountaintop area Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at 49 Degrees North near Chewelah, Wash. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
By Amy Edelen amye@spokesman.com(509) 459-5581

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort near Chewelah announced it has sold the property to an affiliate company of Silver Mountain Resort for an undisclosed price.

CMR Lands LLC purchased the site Friday, according to a news release. Although Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg and 49 Degrees North share related ownership, they will operate as separate entities.

The management team at 49 Degrees North will remain, with John Eminger serving as general manager. Eminger was owner and operator of the ski resort for more than 23 years.

“It has been an honor over the last two decades to be part of increasing the size of the ski area,” said Eminger in a statement.

During that time, Eminger noted the ski area has grown from 905 acres to nearly 2,250 acres, created a Nordic trail system with 9 nine miles of trails, opened a new summit to lift-assisted skiing, created more than 35 new trails and glades in two basins, and added new lifts.

“It is all a testament to the well-developed winter community in Chewelah,” he said.

The transition in ownership will allow for continued growth and improvements at the ski resort, Eminger said.

“We look to increase passholder benefits, remodel the lodge, add a new conveyor carpet to the beginner area, upgrade lifts and add new grooming equipment,” he said.

A discounted combination pass will debut this week for an introductory price of $459, allowing holders to ski at either resort.

The Colville National Forest and 49 Degrees North have partnered during the past 15 years to implement changes to the ski area.

“The Chewelah Basin Ski Corporation, Eminger family, and staff have been great stewards of the land and have made 49 Degrees North what it is today with the addition of new lifts and many other improvements through the years,” said Rodney Smoldon, Colville National Forest Supervisor in a statement. “We look forward to this opportunity to form a new partnership to enhance quality year-round recreational experiences on National Forest System lands.”