Middlefield Approves Deal to Sell Powder Ridge

Skiing could return to Powder Ridge in Middlefield by as early as 2012, after residents of the town a deal to sell the defunct ski area to Alpine Ridge on Tuesday evening.

At a town meeting held at Memorial Middle School, voters cast 259 "yes" ballots, while 28 "no" ballots were counted. (For video of the meeting, click .)

"This is a long time coming," said Middlefield First Selectman, Jon Brayshaw after the vote.

Alpine will pay the town $1 million for the 250 acre property, and will be required to invest an additional $2 million in the ski area. The sales agreement also requires Alpine to offer downhill skiing by December 31, 2013.

Alpine President Dennis Abplanalp, who has said previously that he's hopeful to open the ski area in some capacity by the end of 2012, presented the company's vision for the future of Powder Ridge during a public hearing.

"We will focus on downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. In pursuit of our goal we will treat our customers and the local community with respect. The customer will experience a satisfying recreational activity," Abplanalp explained.

He said revitalizing Powder Ridge should create as many as 250 full, part-time, and seasonal jobs, including construction and ski area positions.

For Abplanalp's reaction to the vote, click .

Alpine and the town remain in the process of a 90-day due dilegence period, which ends in mid-June. A closing date is expected no later than August 1.