Searchmont ski snippets

Perhaps the best-known ski resort in the Sault area is located in the community of Searchmont.

Over the years the resort has changed ownership many times and has often experienced the threat of closure on a number of occasions.

At any rate, following are a smattering of Searchmont Ski Resort snippets via the Sault public library.

In 1985, Sault hotelier and businessman Jim Hilsinger formed a group of local investors and with a reported $15 million investment, an expansion plan for the area was developed, which saved the Searchmont Ski Resort from bankruptcy.

Hilsinger wanted to promote tourism and recreation but he also wanted to protect and preserve the natural environment of the area so that everyone could enjoy it.

In Heather Ingram’s book, Views of the Sault, Hilsinger is quoted as saying: “Searchmont is the Rocky Mountains of the mid west.”

Although Sault Ste. Marie usually gets a fair amount of snow during the winter season, sometimes it is still not enough and more snow may be needed.

Ergo, by using high-pressure snow-making machines, about 90 per cent of Searchmont’s land can be covered with man-made snow. This same system was designed by the professionals that were in charge of snow-making at the 1988 winter Olympics.

Meanwhile, with each new owner following Hilsinger et al, the property underwent improvements and changes.

On Nov. 1, 2018, the ownership of the resort changed when Wisconsin Resort Inc. purchased Searchmont for a reported $2 million.

One of the first changes planned was investing $750,000 in new snow-making equipment. This investment would increase Searchmont’s snow-making ability from 1,000 gallons per minute with 20 guns to 5,000 – 6,000 gallons per minute using up to 100 guns.

In addition to the slopes, Searchmont boasts both villas and chalets for overnight accommodation. These accommodations are located at the base of the main slope and provide a picturesque view of the mountains and surrounding landscape.

Herbert Lederer and others were instrumental in ensuring that the ski hill was established and continued to grow and develop. Another character was Searchmont’s very own mascot, Searchmont the St. Bernard, who wore a rescue barrel around his neck and would roam the grounds greeting visitors.

Since the 1950s, Searchmont has provided the Sault and surrounding communities with both winter and summer activities — and the hope remains that the residents of the area, as well as visitors, will continue to be able to enjoy what is, simply put, a wonderful and picturesque corner of Algoma.

— with files from the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library