It was reported today that the Davenport Hotel Group in Spokane has been sold. This is a group of very nice properties that were developed and owned by a local real estate investor and his wife, both of whom are retiring.
The new owners are KSL Capital Partners, an investor group from Denver. They are also the owners of Alterra. So, it would seem they may have a stay and ski strategy that would participate with Schweitzer and the Ikon pass in the future. It should be interesting to see how this unfolds but I'm concerned.
As I noted over a year ago, KSL/Alterra have a strategy in play that is concerning to me. Now that Alterra is buying Schweitzer, I think my concerns are amplified. I don't hold anything against businesses making good business decisions to enhance their top and bottom lines but when those decisions could have adverse effects on me as a consumer, I have concerns.
Schweitzer has already been getting fairly busy with parking challenges and increased liftlines being issues. This will only exacerbate existing conditions while I recognize steps are being taken to mitigate those challenges. Those who say 'Schweitzer doesn't really have lines and isn't really crowded so what's the beef?' don't get that we locals like it that way. How this plays out will be interesting but if it turns out to be anything like the sh*t shows I've heard about from these other conglomerate resorts, I'm out. 49 Degrees North is looking better and better all the time that Schweitzer goes 'big time'.
On the upside, my condo that I've had for over 30 years is looking like a great investment return and can fund my skiing for the rest of my life should I sell and go elsewhere so, there's that....