Spout Springs Ski Area in northeastern Oregon is one step closer to reopening after Umatilla County selected a local ownership group led by Tollgate Crossing owner Trevor Abell to operate the long-dormant ski area. Tollgate Crossing is a popular destination resort in the area with a store, restaurant, and activities for snowmobilers, hikers, and hunters.
The announcement comes just weeks after Umatilla County issued a Request for Proposals seeking a partner to revive the 1,413-acre property, which has been closed to the public since the 2017-18 winter season. Abell’s proposal was chosen over competing bids from the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA) and Geoffrey LeGault of Klamath Falls.
The ownership group brings together several recognizable names from Oregon’s recreation and business communities. Joining Abell are Dennis Murphy, CEO of Hayden Homes and a longtime Tollgate resident, while Timberline Lodge President Jeff Kohnstamm is serving as an honorary advisor.
“We are truly grateful and blessed to be a part of this next phase for such a staple in our community,” Abell said following the announcement to the Elkhorn Media Group. “It is an honor to be able to work alongside Umatilla County and the Walla Walla Ranger District to bring the full potential to the community with such an amazing resource.”
Plans Extend Beyond Winter
One of the factors that reportedly helped Abell’s proposal stand out was its focus on transforming Spout Springs into a year-round recreation destination. According to the proposal, the group plans to reintroduce skiing and snowboarding while also developing warm-season activities such as:
- Mountain biking
- Disc golf
- Live music events
- Summer recreation programming
Winter expansion ideas include:
- Backcountry snowcat skiing
- Family sledding areas
- A snowcross track
Umatilla County Commissioner Cindy Timmons said community members have consistently expressed interest in year-round recreation opportunities, making the proposal particularly attractive.
Located in the Blue Mountains within the Umatilla National Forest, Spout Springs was once a popular destination for skiers from eastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. The ski area sits at 4,920 feet and features a modest but family-friendly 530 feet of vertical served by two fixed-grip double chairlifts.
The mountain includes 13 alpine ski runs and more than 20 miles of Nordic trails. Although small by modern resort standards, Spout Springs occupies an important place in Oregon skiing history and has long been viewed as a community ski hill with significant potential.
When the county began searching for a new operator earlier this spring, the package included ownership of the existing lodge, rental facilities, grooming equipment, lifts, and other infrastructure. The land itself remains under U.S. Forest Service ownership and will continue to operate under a special-use permit structure.
The proposal outlines a phased approach to reopening. Limited winter operations are expected to return within the first year, although organizers have not yet specified whether that means skiers could be back on the mountain as soon as the 2026-27 season.
Broader improvements and year-round operations are targeted for years two and three. “Our priority is to reopen operations as quickly as possible while ensuring safety, compliance, and long-term sustainability,” the proposal states. While significant work remains, the selection of an operator represents the most substantial progress toward reopening Spout Springs in nearly a decade.
For Oregon skiers, especially those in the eastern part of the state, the news offers renewed hope that another community ski area may soon return to life. At a time when independent ski areas continue to face mounting challenges, the potential revival of Spout Springs could provide an important boost to local skiing, mountain biking, and outdoor recreation in the Blue Mountains.