Locals Seek New Owners for Defunct Oregon Ski Area
A defunct Oregon ski area may get revived thanks to a request for proposals (RFP) issued by local officials. Spout Springs Ski Area and Resort, which is located in Tollgate, Oregon, just south of the Washington border, has been closed for around a decade.
The resort's previous owners failed to operate the resort in compliance with their US Forest Service permit for five years before the closure, the Union-Bulletin reported.
The USFS reportedly tried to find a resolution with the owners, but was ultimately forced to revoke the permit. The infrastructure on the site of the resort became property of the US Government in November 2021.
In July of 2022, the Umatilla National Forest published a 'Request for Expression of Interest' for the ownership and management of Spout Springs. Interest was widely expressed to the Forest Service following the request, including several formal proposals.
As of January 2023, the Umatilla National Forest was working with the federal government to determine next steps and potentially move forward with the selection of an operator for the resort under a USFS Special Use Permit or to sell the resort's existing infrastructure.
But this past ski season rolled around, and still, Spout Springs remained unclaimed and closed.
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In late 2025, Columbia Basin News reported that Umatilla County had agreed to participate in the Forest Service's search for a new owner.
Then, this April, the county issued an RFP for the operation and enhancement of Spout Springs Ski Area, including a reopening of the resort and plans for year-round recreation use.
"The plan should provide a thorough analysis of the proposer's vision of the proposed business and uses of the facility. Included in the business plan, proposers should furnish a detailed description of their experience and knowledge relating to operating and maintaining a ski area," reads the RFP.
Umatilla County will review all submitted proposals before transferring ownership of existing personal property, equipment, and buildings to the successful proposer.
Whoever ends up in charge will then be responsible for all aspects of resort management, including hiring staff and ski patrol, inspection and maintenance of chairlifts, maintenance of a grooming fleet, bar and restaurant operation, and facility upkeep and maintenance. The land that the Spout Springs Ski Area site sits on will still be owned by the Forest Service, and a Ski Area Term Permit will need to be obtained by the proposer.
The ski area sits at an elevation of 4,920 feet and includes 1,413 acres and 13 ski runs, accessed by two fixed-grip double chairlifts. There are also 20 miles of cross-country ski trails within the permitted area. Two large, chalet-style buildings sit at the mountain's base. Spout Springs was initially opened decades ago by the Blue Mountain Ski Club. The resort's first public season took place in 1956.
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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 4:00 AM.