Marquette Mountain Ski Area and its surrounding 330 acres have been sold by Peter and Louis O’Dovero to Eric and Sarah Jorgensen. Marquette Mountain opened in 1957 as Cliff’s Ridge, operating under different ownership entities until the O’Dovero’s purchased the business assets and surrounding property out of receivership in 1987. Recently, the O’Dovero’s invested signifcantly in the infrastructure and equipment greatly expanding snowmaking and improving overall capabilities.
The hill has a summit elevation of 1,257 ft (383 m) above sea level and a vertical drop of 457 ft (139 m). As of the 2018/2019 season, snowmaking has been limited to the west side of the ski area only. It has three chairlifts and a rope tow (however, normally only one or two of the three chairlifts is operational), night skiing, and receives an average of 120 in (300 cm) of snowfall annually, the recipient of lake effect snow from nearby Lake Superior, prominently visible to the north and northeast. The shore of the lake's Marquette Bay is just two miles (3 km) to the northeast. Ten miles (16 km) to the south is the extensive runway of the county's Sawyer International Airport; it opened in 1999 on the site of the former K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base, which closed in 1995.
Eric Jorgensen is the President & CEO of JX Enterprises Inc., a second-generation family business that serves the heavy and medium duty truck transportation industry in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. His business, based in Hartland, Wisconsin, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity that Marquette Mountain brings to the community and outdoor enthusiasts,” said Eric Jorgensen. “I am especially thankful to the O’Doveros for working with me positively in this transfer, including their fortitude over the last 33 years and recent improvements.”
Plans will unfold over the next few years to build on the Marquette Mountain Experience, clutivating the uniquely diverse environment while strengthening ties to Northern Michigan University and the City of Marquette.
“Marquette Mountain Ski Area is an important part of the Marquette community, and we are excited to forge a strong partnership with the new owners,” said Fritz Erickson, president of Northern Michigan University. “A vibrant ski operation is an important part of recruiting students and employees to NMU. Additionally, we recently announced the addition of varsity men’s and women’s alpine ski team who will compete in the U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association. Marquette Mountain will be their home training site.”
“The news that the Marquette Mountain Ski Hill has been purchased is very exciting and something that I see as only positive for the City of Marquette and the Marquette community,” said Michael Angeli, Marquette City Manager. “My time with Eric Jorgensen has convinced me that their vision for the ski hill will truly benefit the Marquette area and that Eric is the person to get the job done. The City of Marquette looks forward to working with him as we move forward.”
“I truly believe this is a dream come true for Eric,” said Andrew Farron, General Manager. “He’s even quoted in his high school yearbook as wanting to own a ski area someday. He’s worked tirelessly to become a successful Midwestern businessman, always putting integrity and compassion first. As an avid skier and mountain biker, he is well aware of industry standards and expectations, something that I believe will lead to very strong leadership. His entire marketing approach is based on the ‘Marquette Experience’—focusing on the college, restaurants, hotels, trails, campgrounds and sights that make Marquette special. He believes this is fundamentally what makes Marquette Mountain so special.”
