SAM Magazine-Bessemer, Mich., Nov. 9, 2009-An investor from Oshkosh, Wisc., with close ties to Blackjack Mountain has purchased this area in Michigan's UP. Rick Schmitz, owner-operator of Nordic Mountain Ski Area in Wisconsin, will now manage Blackjack as well.

To help Schmitz manage two resorts that are about three and a half hours apart, Nordic Mountain has named Bill Ringenoldus to serve as general manager, though Schmitz will continue to spend significant time there and will serve as the full-time year-round manager for both areas.

Despite the timing of the deal, Schmitz said, the resort will be ready for its scheduled Dec. 12 opening. The previous owner worked closely with the new management and has made improvements over the past several months to the main lodge, trails, and terrain parks.

Long term, Schmitz said, "the overall goal is to improve the entire guest experience." He added, "The most important thing, however, is our attitude and approach to everything we do. We have established a great management team and begun our hiring process."

One of the biggest changes will be everyday operation. In the last few years, Blackjack operated on weekends only. To spur midweek visits, the area will promote reduced pricing and numerous specials and discounts. Groups will be the primary focus, especially ski clubs and other organizations from major metro areas that already head to the UP, and Schmitz said that pricing will be "extremely aggressive." Nordic and Blackjack will do some joint marketing in this effort, too, he noted.

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