SAM Magazine—Palmerton, Pa., Feb. 5, 2016—Following a variety of recent capital improvements, Blue Mountain Resort is planning yet another major project—a much-needed lodging property at the summit of the mountain. Described as a “4-star luxury condominium hotel,” the Vista Lodge Residence Club will be the only major lodging property within a 30-minute drive of the resort.

According to Blue Mountain president Barbara Green, Blue has seen a staggering level of interest in a very short period of time for one-fifth shares (equal to about ten weeks a year) in the lodge's units.

“We sent a feeler out to our database over MLK weekend asking if people would be interested in learning more about ownership opportunities,” she said. “We've already gotten over 2,000 responses, which is far beyond our most optimistic expectations.” She added, “Given the amount of interest, we might have to build it bigger than originally planned.”

Green expects the hotel will help bolster the resort's summer business, which already accounts for 20 percent of annual revenue. Blue hosts more than 100 weddings a year, and Green anticipates the hotel will be a major boon for additional business, including corporate functions and family vacations.

Blue has partnered with Terry Elsemore, a New England-based resort developer, as well as SE Group to help manage the planning and development of the project. “With the team we have, I think we're going to knock it out of the park,” said Green.

Vista Lodge is going to be a ski-in/ski-out property and will offer studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Amenities and services will include a member's club room, fitness center, heated pool, hot tubs, spa services, valet service, bell service, concierge services, daily housekeeping, and more. The earliest projected date for groundbreaking is April 2017.

• Previous
  SNOWBOARD Discontinuing Print Magazine
• Next
  Intrawest Plans Millions in Capital Expenditures Despite Tough Q2