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Resident urges feasibility study for Hogadon ski area, questions $4 million lift purchase
Summary
A resident urged Casper City Council to commission a feasibility study for the city-owned Hogadon ski area, citing operating losses and questioning whether a proposed $4 million lift replacement would be justified.
A Casper resident urged the City Council on Aug. 5 to commission a complete feasibility study of Hogadon ski area and to examine alternatives before committing to major capital spending.
"I request a complete feasibility study," the commenter said, addressing the council during public comment and urging the city to contact the owners of the state's other ski facilities and to learn how they operate profitably. The commenter said the city faces substantial annual operating losses at Hogadon and questioned whether a $4,000,000 lift replacement would increase revenue enough to close the gap.
The speaker suggested alternatives — including reinstating a tow rope, using a snowmobile shuttle, or exploring less expensive ways to move skiers uphill — and urged the council to determine how many unique local participants and out-of-area visitors actually use the hill.
He also cited public opposition to financing a lift through taxes, saying "more than 11,000 local citizens voted not to raise our taxes to pay for the lift," and warned that a loan would obligate current and future taxpayers to repay principal and interest.
Councilors responded during the council response period. Councilor Haskins said Casper subsidizes several quality-of-life amenities and that closing recreation facilities such as the rec center, ice arena, event center or pools to eliminate subsidies would not be acceptable. Other councilors thanked the commenter for raising the topic and noted that the city should weigh community priorities.
No formal motion or decision on Hogadon was made at the meeting. The speaker said he would take clarifying questions from council members; the council limited the comment period to clarifying questions only.
Why it matters: Hogadon is a city-owned recreation asset; the choice to invest in a new lift or change its operating model could affect capital budgets, operating subsidies, and residents who use the ski area. The commenter urged the city to determine whether alternatives or operational changes could reduce losses before approving major capital spending.
