Bluewood Ski Area, WA, Files Lawsuit Over Delayed High-Speed Quad Installation

This article is a follow-up story to a story that was published on September 1, 2025.

Just days after confirming its new Skyline Express lift would not be ready for the 2025-26 ski season, Bluewood Ski Area has announced it is taking legal action against companies it says are responsible for the delay. In an August 29 press release, WGSKI, LLC, Bluewood’s ownership group,  confirmed it has filed suit in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Steelhead Systems Inc., Mar Divina Ltd., and their principal, Zrinko Amerl. The complaint alleges breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment related to the procurement and delivery of the Skyline Express, Bluewood’s first-ever high-speed quad. 

• Related: Bluewood Ski Area, WA, Delays Debut of Its First High-Speed Chairlift Until 2026

According to the filing, Bluewood entered into a purchase agreement in June 2024 for the full acquisition and shipping of the lift. The resort says it paid in full under the contract, but key components remain undelivered, effectively halting construction. Bluewood has accused the defendants of acting “dishonestly and in bad faith” and is seeking immediate delivery of the equipment, damages, and additional remedies.

The dispute means the Skyline Express, which was originally planned to replace the Skyline Triple for the 2025-26 winter, will not open until the following season. The resort has stressed that without the final parts on site, dismantling the current lift and attempting to install the new one would have jeopardized Bluewood’s ability to operate this winter.

Despite the setback, crews have already completed tower pad excavation, concrete foundations, and site work for both terminals, setting the stage for a faster installation once the missing equipment arrives. “Our top priority is ensuring a full and uninterrupted winter of skiing and riding for our guests,” Bluewood Marketing Manager Will Weisz wrote in an email to SnowBrains.

As part of its commitment to passholders, Bluewood will provide a $100 credit to all 2025-26 season pass buyers, usable anywhere on the mountain, from dining to lessons. Located in southeastern Washington near Dayton, Bluewood is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, absence of large crowds, and annual average of 300 inches of snowfall. The Skyline Express is considered the most significant lift upgrade in the ski area’s history, with the potential to increase uphill capacity by 25 percent and reduce wait times for summit access.

The matter is now before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and SnowBrains will provide updates when they become available. 

New Skyline Express Timeline:

• 2024 — Purchase agreement signed for the lift equipment.

• Summer 2025 — Groundwork completed, but equipment delivery stalled in dispute.

• Winter 2025-26 — Old Skyline Triple remains in service.

• Spring 2026 — Installation expected to resume.

• Winter 2026-27 — Planned opening of Skyline Express.