Events Continued - The Lake-Front Magazine

Feature Story
Wisp Resort Better than Ever!
New Ownership & Existing Management
provide Stability and Consistency
After fourteen months in Chapter 11, Wisp Resort emerged from bankruptcy
protection in late December with a new ownership structure and an infusion of
capital and experience. Salt Lake City, Utah based Everbright Pacific, an affiliate
of Pacific Group, has taken over as the new operator of the resort. Pacific Group
partnered with a publicly traded real
estate investor on the transaction.
The sale was finalized just in time
for the Christmas holidays to arrive
and for the ski season to kick off in
earnest.
The vast majority of the Wisp
management team will remain
in their current positions with
longtime Wisp Resort veteran
Jerry Geisler assuming the reins
of General Manager. This smooth
transition will provide successful
and experienced management for
the resort going forward. Pacific Group will bring its operations and development
experience from ski and golf resorts in New England, Canada, and throughout the
West to help Wisp Resort as it expands its on-mountain services and associated
amenities.
“To be able to emerge from bankruptcy with a healthy financial situation presents
lots of opportunities for us,” explained Geisler. “The way our team has worked
together through a very difficult economic situation has been a strong testament
to the culture here. With the additional support from Pacific Group, we are back
on track towards our goal of providing our guests with the best mountain resort
experience in the Mid-Atlantic region.”
Geisler noted that the resort is in the midst of working on plans for improving
the resort beginning this summer. In the meantime, some first steps towards
improvements have already been implemented such as providing ski and snowboard
rentals at the top of the mountain on busy weekends in the building that houses
the Pumphouse Café. Food service has also been expanded at that location. Both
changes have helped relieve some congestion in the Main Lodge on busy holidays
and weekends. Geisler noted, “By eliminating the shuttle ride back down the
mountain to the base for rentals and lift tickets, our guests get more time on the
snow and have a much better experience.”
Wisp Resort is continuing its full offerings in skiing and snowboarding as well
6 -The Lake-Front TM - March, 2013
Continued.....