Industry News
Ski Blandford in Massachusetts announced last week that they will not be opening for the 2020/21 season. The owners of neighboring ski area Butternut purchased the ski area in 2017 and made a variety of improvements to lifts and snowmaking. However, the area has continued to lose money and coupled with the current economic uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the owners have made the difficult decision to shutter the ski area.
In a letter to season pass holders, president Jeff Murdock and general manager Ronald Crozier announced the closure:
“In 2017, Butternut purchased Blandford Ski Area. Our goal was to keep the ski area operational and to grow the sport of skiing and riding. Over the last three seasons we have made significant investments in Ski Blandford’s infrastructure. We fixed the lifts, upgraded the electrical system, replaced snowmaking pipe, and added snow guns. Everyone involved has worked hard to make Ski Blandford a success. We are proud of the Ski Blandford team; they have done an outstanding job.
“However, after all this hard work, we are still losing money. Unfortunately, Butternut cannot continue to support the losses we have experienced at Blandford. When you add present economic uncertainties to the mix, we are forced to make a very hard business decision. With much disappointment, we are announcing the closure of Ski Blandford; the ski area will not open next season.
“This was not an easy decision to make. We know the passion and dedication you have for Ski Blandford, and we share your love of the place. We are very disappointed to have to deliver this news.”
Anyone who has already bought next year’s season pass can either transfer it to a Butternut season pass at no charge, or can request a full refund.
