A significant development in the revitalization of Oregon’s outdoor recreation landscape has occurred with the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners officially selecting Trevor Abell, a local business owner, as the new operator for the defunct Spout Springs Ski Area. This decision marks a pivotal moment for a cherished regional asset that has remained dormant since its last operational season in 2016, following a period of protracted disputes between its previous operator and the U.S. Forest Service. The selection of Abell signals a renewed hope for the return of winter sports and year-round recreational activities to the northeastern Oregon community.
A New Chapter for Spout Springs
Trevor Abell, a prominent figure in the local business community, brings a wealth of experience and a diverse portfolio of successful ventures to the Spout Springs project. His existing enterprises include Tollgate Crossing & Gas Station, 5052 Mountain Bar, Tamrack Lodge, Tollgate Mountain Chalet Resort & Cabins, Ponderosa Cabin at Tollgate, and the Candy Land Winter Experience. This established track record in hospitality and recreation management suggests a strong foundation for revitalizing the ski area. He is not undertaking this endeavor alone; Abell is joined by a formidable team that includes Dennis Murphy of Hayden Homes, a well-known developer, and John Kohmmstann, the President of Timberline Lodge, another iconic Oregon ski destination. The combined expertise of this group is expected to drive the ambitious plans for Spout Springs.
The proposed revival of Spout Springs is envisioned as a comprehensive, multi-phase project, designed to systematically restore and enhance the facility. This strategic approach aims to ensure sustainable growth and a phased return of operations, minimizing disruption and maximizing long-term success.
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Phase One: Facility Restoration (Six Months): The initial phase will focus on immediate repairs and upgrades to the existing infrastructure. This includes bringing essential facilities back online, addressing any deferred maintenance, and ensuring the site is safe and functional for preliminary operations. The swift completion of this phase is crucial for setting the stage for subsequent development.
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Phase Two: Limited Opening and Assessment (First Year): Following the initial restoration, the ski area will undergo a limited reopening. This will involve reactivating select lifts and opening key facilities to the public. This phase will serve as a crucial period for testing systems, gathering operational feedback, and gauging public response, while also allowing for further refinements based on real-world usage.
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Phase Three: Expansion and Diversification (Years Two and Three): The most extensive phase will involve a significant expansion of both winter and summer recreational offerings. This includes broadening the scope of winter sports activities, introducing a variety of summer attractions, and implementing targeted marketing strategies to foster community engagement and attract a wider visitor base.
Comprehensive Vision for Winter and Summer Recreation
The operational plan for Spout Springs is ambitious, aiming to cater to a broad spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts. For winter sports, the immediate priority is to refurbish the existing lift infrastructure and associated facilities. This will be followed by efforts to enhance the appeal for a wider range of skiers and riders. A key innovation in the plan is the introduction of backcountry snowcat operations, offering experienced skiers and snowboarders access to more challenging terrain and a unique backcountry experience. This initiative also aims to provide a means for backcountry skiers to ascend to higher elevations, expanding the accessible skiable area. Furthermore, the plans include the development of a snowcross course and a dedicated sledding and tubing area, broadening the appeal to families and those seeking more accessible winter fun.
Beyond the traditional winter season, the new operators are placing a strong emphasis on developing year-round attractions to ensure Spout Springs becomes a destination throughout the calendar. The proposed summer activities are diverse and designed to leverage the natural beauty of the region. These include the establishment of disc golf courses, the development of dedicated mountain biking trails, the creation of an archery range, and the construction of a motocross track. The vision also includes operating a year-round restaurant, providing a consistent hub for visitors and locals alike.
Regulatory Hurdles and Community Impact
While the excitement surrounding the revival of Spout Springs is palpable, it is important to note that all proposed developments, particularly those involving land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, will be subject to their approval. Given the history of operational disputes and the Forest Service’s interest in seeing the area thrive, it is anticipated that they will be collaborative and supportive of a well-conceived and viable plan. The potential for a successful, long-term operation at Spout Springs could significantly boost the local economy, creating jobs and attracting tourism to the region.
The announcement has sparked considerable optimism within the local community. The prospect of Spout Springs reopening, even in a limited capacity, could occur as early as the 2026-27 ski season. However, the significant amount of work required to restore the ski area to full functionality means that this timeline is subject to various factors, including regulatory approvals and construction timelines. The successful revival of this once-popular destination would represent a significant win for outdoor recreation in Eastern Oregon.
Evaluating Alternative Proposals
The selection process involved reviewing multiple proposals, each offering a distinct vision for Spout Springs. In addition to Trevor Abell’s winning bid, two other proposals were considered by the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners.
Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association Proposal
One alternative came from the operator of the nearby Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. Their proposal outlined a more extended timeline for development, emphasizing a phased approach that initially focused on repairs and the development of non-lift-served activities.
- Year 1: Dedicated to facility repairs and essential maintenance.
- Years 2-5: Focused on adding hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, and a beginner lift. A significant emphasis was placed on developing the backcountry, human-powered ski area.
- Years 5-10: This long-term vision included the return of lift-served operations to the summit, the establishment of a campground, further expansion of trails, and the growth of a Nordic ski network.
While this proposal offered a measured approach and a deep understanding of the work involved, its longer timeline and somewhat less aggressive stance on downhill skiing operations may have factored into the county’s decision.
Geoffrey LeGault Proposal
The third proposal was submitted by local resident Geoffrey LeGault. This plan was characterized as the least comprehensive of the three. LeGault’s primary stated intention was to operate Spout Springs as a non-profit entity. However, the proposal lacked detailed future plans beyond the initial refurbishment of facilities. It mentioned an analysis of potential summer activities, such as mountain biking and ziplining, but did not provide a concrete roadmap for development.
Historical Context of Spout Springs Ski Area
Nestled in the scenic landscape of northeastern Oregon, Spout Springs holds a rich history in the state’s outdoor recreation heritage. The ski area first opened its doors in the late 1940s and continued to operate until 2016. Throughout its operational years, Spout Springs offered a variety of terrain and amenities. It boasted 13 designated trails, serviced by two chairlifts, and provided the popular option of night skiing on select runs. The area featured a vertical drop of 530 feet, making it suitable for a range of skiing abilities. In addition to its downhill skiing facilities, Spout Springs also maintained an extensive network of trails for Nordic skiing, appealing to cross-country enthusiasts. The ski area’s closure in 2016 left a void in the region’s recreational offerings, prompting the recent efforts to find a viable operator to bring it back to life. The county’s selection of Trevor Abell and his team represents a significant step towards filling that void and restoring Spout Springs to its former glory, and potentially, surpassing it with new and diverse recreational opportunities.
The full proposals, offering detailed insights into each applicant’s vision and operational strategies, can be accessed through the Umatilla County records, providing a transparent view into the decision-making process. The renewed focus on Spout Springs underscores a broader trend of investing in and revitalizing regional outdoor recreation assets across the Pacific Northwest.
