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Spirit Mountain presents FY26 operating budget; previews lift replacement and chalet work
Summary
Spirit Mountain executive director Anne Blumack presented the FY26 operating budget to the council, reviewed recent finances, detailed capital work including a new lift and chalet construction starting in 2026, and outlined revenue priorities and community programs.
Anne Blumack, executive director of Spirit Mountain, presented the attraction’s FY26 operating budget and an update on capital projects to the Duluth City Council.
Blumack summarized recent financial performance and operational highlights, saying Spirit Mountain reopened strongly after COVID with a peak in FY22 — a number the Spirit Mountain Task Force had estimated at $22 million in economic impact in 2018, which Blumack adjusted to approximately $27.5 million after inflation. She said Spirit Mountain recorded a loss of about $92,000 in FY24 but expected a solid operating profit for the current fiscal year and reported a successful spring season-pass sale that exceeded targets by roughly 14 percent.
Blumack told the council Spirit Mountain is launching a restoration project that includes replacing two 50-year-old chairlifts and preparing for chalet construction. She said demolition and site work for the lift will begin as soon as spring conditions allow; chalet demolition was described as scheduled to begin in May 2026 with interior remodeling phases to follow so guest services (ski school, rentals) can be staged in the newer chalet areas during the work. Blumack said the organization is conserving cash reserves and aims to replenish them, and that a new groomer is a recurring capital need that costs on the order of several hundred thousand dollars.
Blumack outlined FY26 priorities: ensure operating revenues cover expenses with conservative revenue estimates; continue investment in snowmaking infrastructure; maintain and grow Spirit Mountain’s brand and guest services; and prepare the Grand Avenue Chalet and other facilities for construction and increased usage. She cited a statewide grant, Menards rebates used for small capital replacement, and a Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission grant that enabled mountain-bike trail enhancements.
During Q&A, Councilor Forsman asked about a possible long-term lease and the status of bonding documentation; City staff said pursuit of a long-term lease was briefly paused while outstanding documentation for a $26 million state bonding project was finalized, and staff hoped to resume lease discussions by early May. Councilor Mayo asked whether parts of the upper chalet would be operable during construction; Blumack said some summer banquet and event use would not be possible while demolition occurs and that operations during the construction season would be focused at the Grand Avenue Chalet. Councilors also asked about mountain-bike trail fees; Blumack said lift access requires a season pass or day ticket, while riders who pedal up on their own may use most trails without paying for lift service.
Blumack thanked the council for its support and said Spirit Mountain will present final FY25 figures to the city when year-end results are available.
