Top of Tamarack

The Tamarack Municipal Association has reached an agreement with the State of Idaho and Credit Suisse that ensures Tamarack Resort will have a 2011-12 ski and snowboard season. The resort is on target to open Dec.15, a release from Tamarack said on Wednesday. Tamarack’s snow making could make Tamarack be the only open ski area next week. 

 Tamarack Municipal Association and Credit Suisse will make full payment on a 2012 mountain land lease to the Idaho Department of Lands by Dec. 16, the release said. The association will pay $100,000, and Credit Suisse will provide $150,000.

  The agreement was reached after TMA submitted a business plan for the $1.6-million operation to members of the Idaho Land Board. TMA also got approvals from both Tamarack Resort LLC and Credit Suisse to operate the resort for the second consecutive year. The financially troubled resort is facing foreclosure, but operated its lifts and restaurants for skiers last winter to show it’s financially viable to do so.

The ski operations showed a slim profit last winter, Tamarack officials said. “TMA appreciates the hard work and cooperation of the Idaho Land Board’s staff making it possible to have a winter season at Tamarack,” said Tim Flaherty, TMA Executive Director. “More than 130 jobs are created and preserved through this agreement. The economic stimulus will be much appreciated by the local communities– not to mention the fun we expect our association members and guests to experience on the mountain this winter.”

Tamarack plans a 15-week season from Dec. 15 to April 1. The resort will be open Thursdays through Sundays, with extended days during holidays of Christmas, New Year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day and Spring Break.