Owners prefer city preserve resort
A move is afoot to preserve Alberta’s largest non-mountain ski area.
Operated by Karl and Lorraine Martinek on behalf of their fellow shareholders, Canyon Ski Area has been put up for sale so the couple can retire. Lorraine Martinek confirmed on Thursday that the company is looking for about $3 million.
A number of people have expressed concern that the new owners will close the hill and redevelop the property, said Martinek.
She and Karl would prefer to sell the operation to the City of Red Deer as an extension of its recreation facilities.
They plan to make a proposal to city council and would consider a longer-term deal if the city is interested, she said.
Greg Scott, Recreation, Parks and Culture department manager, said he is aware the hill is for sale, but has not seen anything official.
“We really haven’t had any official requests as of now about our involvement. Obviously, it’s a facility that’s in our community that, I think, meets not only the needs of our particular city, but the region extensively.
“In talking to Lorraine and Karl over the years, it’s been pretty well used by some local clubs, by schools and by the public.”
Scott said he cannot comment on the potential for a deal with the city without seeing more something official.
Among the people supporting the Martineks’ proposal is Red Deer industrialist Garett Cupples, who is an avid skier along with his two daughters and a regular visitor at the hill.
Cupples said he has considered buying the hill himself, but hopes to convince the City and Red Deer County to get involved. He would like to see the City buy the land and then contract the business to an operator.
Cupples said he has been lobbying Red Deer Mayor Morris Flewwelling and County Mayor Earl Kinsella for support.
He has also been gathering together a group of friends and business associates to see what can be done to ensure that the ski area keeps operating.
He said both mayors were receptive, but neither municipality wants to get involved.
“Maybe there’s a way we can still save the ski hill,” said Cupples.
“The reason I was worried was because Karl and Lorraine said that everybody who has approached them is not interested in keeping the ski hill.”
Martinek said ski hill operations, including the summer camps and horseback riding, will continue until the property is sold.
She and Karl first met at the hill as co-workers in 1970, and were married later that year. Karl, originally from Austria, had come to work at the hill in 1968.
They have gradually taken control of the operation, starting with the shares that were included in their employment contracts.
A considerable number of improvements have been made at the hill in the 40 years since Karl first started there, said Martinek.
Improvements included various lifts and new runs, along with the ski lodge itself, she said.
Once the hill has sold, the Martineks plan to embark on a fairly standard retirement, including spending time with their grandchildren and doing some travelling.
Contact Brenda Kossowan at bkossowan@reddeeradvocate.com
