SAM Magazine-Donnelly, Idaho, Sept. 15, 2010-A unanimous executive committee of the Tamarack Municipal Association (TMA) homeowners today moved to launch a marketing campaign to offer a 2010-11 season at Tamarack Resort.

The season is scheduled begin on Dec.20. Snowmaking is set to fire up in early November.

"We need to move now to complete the work that will ensure that skiers and boarders who want to stay and play at Tamarack have a high-quality experience this winter," said Doug Dvorak, a member of the homeowners board. "We are optimistic that stakeholders in the resort's bankruptcy reorganization see all of the asset-protecting value of having a fully functional resort running while legal issues are resolved. We hope they will continue to be supportive."

Tamarack's homeowners have earned consent of Tamarack Resort principals to use resort equipment and amenities to serve guests, but other obstacles remain. The State of Idaho continues to work with owners of Tamarack Resort and their lenders to secure the 2010 lease payment that is currently overdue; the homeowners group previously said it was willing to pay a portion of that as well. The group will also need the approval of the federal bankruptcy judge on the case.

The bankruptcy court is reviewing whether to appoint a "chief restructuring officer" in the case. That court official, if appointed, could consider acceptance of TMA's plan.

TMA plans to conduct a 15-week season from Dec. 20 to April 3. The resort would be open Thursdays through Sundays, with extended days during holidays of Christmas, New Year, Martin Luther King, Jr., President's Day and spring break.

The resort operations team is in place and this week began preparing for ski operations. Up to 65 jobs will be created or preserved by TMA's mountain and amenities operations this winter.

The group hopes to operate five lifts, including the lift accessing the 7,700-foot summit of West Mountain. It will conduct snowmaking and grooming operations, maintain a terrain park, rent ski and snowboard gear, and provide food and beverage services via a concessionaire. The Lodge at Osprey Meadows will provide lodging, plus food and beverage operations. The Nordic Center trails will be groomed and open as well.

Adult season and family passes are available; prices begin $199 per person. Daily lift tickets are $46 for adults and $22 for youth. All funds will be held in escrow and are fully refundable if the area is unable to open.

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