Abandoned Spout Springs Ski Area, OR, Seeks New Operator Ahead of May 20 Deadline

Umatilla County is officially seeking a new partner to revive the long-dormant Spout Springs Ski Area, according to a Request for Proposals issued by the Board of Commissioners. The county is looking for an entity capable of managing all operations and enhancements for the 1,413-acre site, which has remained closed to the public since the 2017/18 winter season.

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Located within the Umatilla National Forest in northeastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains, Spout Springs sits at an elevation of 4,920 feet and features a 530-foot vertical drop. The infrastructure includes two fixed-grip double chairlifts serving 13 downhill runs, along with more than 20 miles of Nordic trails. The successful proposer will receive ownership of all existing personal property, buildings, and equipment — including the main lodge, rental shop, and groomer fleet. A sale would hand over the ski area and its existing assets an as-is basis, while the underlying land remains under U.S. Forest Service ownership.

The project is a significant opportunity for an operator willing to invest in a mountain resort that has seen a decline in recent years. Previous market listings, including a 2020 price tag of $1.25 million, have signified the need for infrastructure improvements, such as lift maintenance and the potential introduction of snowmaking. The winning bidder will be responsible for all aspects of management, including hiring staff and ski patrol, and must be able to obtain a Ski Area Term Permit from the Umatilla National Forest.

Proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026, and must be submitted physically to the Umatilla County Courthouse in Pendleton. Commissioner Daniel N. Dorran is currently serving as the point of contact for the bidding process. Following a public bid opening on the deadline date, the county aims to award the contract by June 3, 2026, potentially paving the way for the resort’s first operational season in nearly a decade.

For more information on inquiring about Spout Springs, email Darcy Weseman at darcy.weseman@usda.gov.