Montana Ranch with Skiing Potential Sold for $24 Million
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A 2,000-acre ranch in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana, once envisioned as a major ski area and site of over 20 ski races, has been sold for $24 million.
By [Invented Reporter] | LOS ANGELES – 2025/06/21 07:16:32
A 2,000-acre ranch nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana, previously earmarked for a significant ski area and host to more than 20 ski races, has been sold for $24 million.
The Ranch Lolo Private, bordering the Lolo National forest, features a 5,000-square-foot round house, forests, streams, courses, and a ample herd of Wapiti.
The ski races were established in the mid-2000s by a former owner, the local Tom Maclay, whose family has deep roots in the region spanning over a century. Mr. Maclay’s ambition was to create a large ski resort.Tho, his property’s low altitude presented challenges with consistent snow cover throughout the season, necessitating an agreement with the US Forest Service for access to higher altitude terrain. This agreement never materialized, leading to the abandonment of the plans, but not before resort infrastructure, including roads, electricity, snowmaking water systems, and ski slopes, were developed.Currently, there are no ski lifts on the property.
A spokesperson for the sales agents, Hall and Hall, informed the media that the existing tracks could be used privately or by the community under new ownership, albeit with a possibly short season. The trails are also suitable for year-round mountain biking.
potential for Limited Skiing
“During a good year of snow, you could be there to shred for a few months,”
Hall and Hall noted the limited skiing potential, telling Mansion Global, “For a ski resort, you need the season to be longer.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main challenges in developing a ski resort?
- Key challenges include securing necessary permits, managing environmental impact, ensuring sufficient snow cover, and obtaining financing.
- What other activities can the Ranch Lolo Private be used for?
- Besides potential limited skiing,the trails can be used for mountain biking year-round.
- Why were the plans for a large ski resort abandoned?
- The property’s low altitude made reliable snow cover a challenge, and an agreement with the US Forest Service for access to higher altitude terrain was never reached.
