DULUTH, Minn. –Mayor Emily Larson says the financially troubled Spirit Mountain ski area needs a cash infusion to survive and has the potential to thrive. Her plan, based on task force recommendations, seeks $24 million. The promise: An additional 50,000 visitors annually to Duluth. Key components:
> $12 million in state-borrowed funds.
> $6 million from a tourism tax on hotel, restaurant and bar spending.
>$6 million from Spirit Mountain revenue.
In addition, the city would forgive $1 million that’s been loaned to Spirit Mountain. The task force recommendations were drawn from data similar city-operated ski areas around the country. “I really don’t want to do anymore Band-Aids,” Larson said. “It is time for a good fix.” Improvement she foresees:
> A new skiing infrastructure.
> Cross-country ski and mountain bike trails.
> A high ropes summer course.
> Renovation ay the summit chalet and campground.
Spirit Mountain. The 1952 Olympic skier George Hovland of Duluth proposed the ski area in 1974. It’s the second tallest ski hill in Minnesota. The vertical drop: 700 feet. Jumps range from 15 to 60 feet. Spirit Mountain faces north to St. Louis Bay at the tip of Lake Superior.