There were no takers in a recent government RFP seeking interest in the operation of the Marble Mountain ski resort.

Once a winter recreation jewel on the province’s west coast, the operation has been faced with challenges over the years, largely due to a succession of mild winters.

The province has been trying to divest itself of the facility for some time, recognizing both its potential as a year-round tourist draw and the challenges of making it a commercial success.

Government issued an Expression of Interest which indicated that there was greater interest in purchasing the facility than leasing it from government. However, Tourism Minister Fred Hutton says the RFP closed on April 9th with no takers.

Hutton says government remains committed to maintaining the resort as a tourism draw and will continue discussions with local interests to figure out how to proceed.

“We’re sort of back to square one,” says Hutton, “but what we are going to do is continue on with discussions with stakeholders in the area, town councils, and the City of Corner Brook to see how we proceed with this. But make no mistake, Marble Mountain is seen as a cornerstone of tourism in that region and we’re fully supporting it.”