Marquette Mountain Resort Sold. Acquired By Eric K. Jorgensen

Marquette Mountain Ski Area and its surrounding 330 acres have been sold by Peter and Lois 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 significantly in the infrastructure and equipment greatly expanding snow making 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 to the northeast.

"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'Dovero's, 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, cultivating 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 teams 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," Andrew Farron, General Manager of Marquette Mountain. "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 mid-western 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."

Eric comments, "I am very grateful for Dave Mingay and Fran Sevegney at RE/MAX 1st Realty, Joe Havican and Boris Martysz at mBank and Adrianne Wolf, our local counsel from McDonald & Wolf, PLLC, for their tireless support; without them this opportunity would not have become reality."  Eric is the President & CEO of JX Enterprises, Inc., a 2nd generation family business celebrating its 50th anniversary. JX serves the heavy and medium duty truck transportation industry in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Marquette Mountain is a winter sports area for skiing and snow boarding, located within city limits a few miles south of downtown Marquette, Michigan, the major city in the state's Upper Peninsula. In the summer, Marquette Mountain formerly offered activities such as mountain biking, and volleyball; however, as of summer 2018 new management has fenced the ski area off to non-employees during the off-season. The base area's parking lot is adjacent to highway M-553.

Popular from the start, the ski area opened in late 1957.It was originally known as Cliffs Ridge, as it operated on land leased from the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company of Cleveland, Ohio.The first chairlift, a Riblet double, was installed on the skier's right side of Rocket Run in the fall of 1972.Previously, there were 2 T-bars (the original Constam on the skier's left of Rocket and a newer Hall Ski-Lift on the skier's left of Snowfield) and several rope tows. The ski area was renamed "Marquette Mountain" in 1982.

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.