Red Deer’s Canyon Ski hill is officially under new ownership as of June 1.
The new owners — identified as the Alois Kunc and David Martel families — say they have every intention of maintaining Canyon Ski Area as an alpine recreation facility with year-round activities, including a summer children’s camp.
Former Canyon owners Karl & Lorraine Martinek, along with the previous shareholders, thanked Red Deer and the Central Alberta community for the past support and patronage to the ski area.
In early March, it was announced that a local family had come forward to purchase the ski hill, but the buyer’s identities were not disclosed.
At the time of the sale, the Martinek’s said they were confident Canyon would be in good hands.
“They’ve got a lot of energy and they’re enthused to be able to keep it as a winter resort, which is fantastic, because that is one of the criteria we were working toward so Central Alberta wouldn’t lose this great ski and snowboard facility,” said Lorraine. “I think they’ll be successful there. They’re realistic and excited and enthused and young. Those things all help.”
The deal ends nearly two years of uncertainty over the fate of Canyon. The City of Red Deer and Red Deer County announced a conditional offer to purchase last April and a three-month deadline set to review various conditions. But the deadline passed and a sell agreement appeared elusive.
At one point, the property had been listed for sale at just over $3 million.