49 Degrees North Sold
49° North Mountain Resort located on Chewelah Mountain in Northeast Washington is proud to announce a change in ownership. For the last 85 years, Chewelah Mountain and 49° North has had several generations of long-term owners and managers. On April 19, 2019 the next generation of ownership acquired 49° North, when CMR Lands LLC acquired all of the assets for an undisclosed price. 49° North and Silver Mountain resorts will now have related ownership but will operate as independent entities. The management team at 49° North Mountain Resort will remain intact with John Eminger continuing as the General Manager after 23 years as the owner and operator. The management of both areas are looking forward to the synergies created between the resorts that will benefit passholders and guests.
“It has been an honor over the last two decades to be part of increasing the size of the ski area. We have grown from 905 acres to nearly 2,250 acres, created a Nordic trail system with 9 miles of trails, opened a new summit to lift assisted skiing, created over 35 new trails and glades in two basins and added new lifts. It is all a testament to the well developed winter community in Chewelah” notes Eminger. “This transition in ownership will allow for continued improvements and growth, especially in skier experience on and off the snow. We look to increase passholder benefits, remodel the lodge, add a new conveyor carpet to the beginner area, upgrade lifts and add new grooming equipment.”
A new discounted combo 49° North and Silver Mountain pass that will allow passholders to ski at either resort is debuting this week with an introductory price of $459 for adults and $329 for youth, and can be purchased at either mountain. “We think this is a great value as we are essentially adding an entirely new mountain to a normal season pass,” states Eminger. “For the storm riders, it offers a seven-day-a-week option and allows dual pass holders to follow the snow and great conditions. We think this will be a great product for our Spokane guests who can go an hour either direction for a great snow experience.” 49° North and Silver Mountain resorts will also be adding additional benefits to their respective season passes for those who choose to only ski at one resort.
49° North has worked closely with the Colville National Forest over the last 15 years implementing significant changes to the ski area. The Colville National Forest and 49° North are excited about the new ownership and opportunities it represents. “The Chewelah Basin Ski Corporation, Eminger family, and staff have been great stewards of the land and have made 49 Degrees North what it is today with the addition of new lifts and many other improvements through the years,” said Rodney Smoldon, Colville National Forest Supervisor. “According to our visitor use surveys, a large percentage of our recreation visits occurs at 49° North and those surveyed express a high degree of satisfaction. We look forward to this opportunity to form a new partnership to enhance quality year-round recreational experiences on National Forest System lands.”
The development in the Spokane region and northeast Washington leaves 49° North well positioned for growth in the coming years. 49° North will continue to be the perfect family mountain resort for beginner to expert skiers and riders with long wide groomed runs, legendary glade skiing and consistently great snowfall.
49° North Mountain Resort is a 2,250 acre ski resort with 7 lifts, two summits, three basins and Nordic system located in the Colville National Forest near Chewelah Washington.
