Sleeping Giant Ski Area, WY Officially Transitions To Private Ownership

Sleeping Giant Ski Area, located on the North Fork Highway between Cody and Yellowstone National Park has just announced it is now privately owned.  Nick Piazza and his wife, from Cody, have taken over the business from the non-profit Yellowstone Recreation Foundation. The ownership only refers to the business itself as the land is leased through the Forest Service.

The mountain has seen some recent financial issues. Since reopening for the 2009-2010 season, the hill has suffered roughly a $200,000 annual deficit. Nick and his wife are looking to change that by enhancing the ski area with financial support. They plan a variety of improvements to the resort to enhance customer experience.

Improvements/changes to the resort will include:

• A new yurt at the base of the mountain for socializing/eating/storing equipment
• Night skiing (installation of 32 solar-powered street lights)
  • Will also include a lighted terrain park
• Snowmaking improvements (first time in 7 years snowmaking will occur at the mountain)
• Snowboarding will be allowed at the resort

There will be an increase in prices at the resort. Roughly a 20-25% price increase will occur. While this is significant, Sleeping Giant was the cheapest ski hill in the state of Wyoming and likely will remain near the bottom after the price changes. Season passes are currently on sale for $400 for adults and $175 for children. The pass will also include 3-consecutive day tickets to Hogadon Basin Ski Area, two free lift tickets at Snow King Mountain Resort, and 50% off ticket purchases at Antelope Butte and Meadowlark ski areas.

Love to hear that the small resort will be getting a facelift. Local ski areas across the United States are often forgotten in the wake of today’s mega-passes. They provide affordable recreational activities to small towns across the country and are loved by so many. Wish the best of luck to both Nick and Yulia Piazza on a successful first season in charge at Sleeping Giant!

To learn more about Sleeping Giant Ski Area visit their website here.