April 12, 2013 (Cable, WI) – Telemark Resort, a destination cross-country ski centre in northwestern Wisconsin, has closed again due to financial difficulties reports The Ashland Daily Press. Foreclosure proceedings have begun against the resort, employees have received their last pay cheque of the season, and the electricity has been cut off by the local utility. Financial problems here have been a recurring theme.

Just over two years ago, the resort was “reborn” under new ownership. Ric Ahern and Steve Kaufman, the principals at Telemark Partners, reported in 2011 that, “Putting this deal together has been a marathon much like the world famous American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race which calls Telemark home.  The negotiations have had their ups and downs and seemed to be never ending. Now we have reached the finish line in the acquisition and we feel that we are all winners!”

Telemark, named after the Telemark region of Norway, was founded in 1946 by Tony Wise as one of America’s first alpine ski areas. In 1973 Wise started the American Birkebeiner, modeled after the Norwegian race of the same name.  The current lodge, which sits amid Telemark’s 1,100 plus acres of beautiful rolling and tree covered hills, was built in 1972.

By that time, Telemark had become the centerpiece of cross-country skiing in America and a destination for skiers worldwide.  In addition to the Birkie, Telemark traditionally hosts numerous regional, national and international cross-country skiing, cycling and running events annually. The Chequamegon Fat Tire (Mtn Bike) Festival has gained a reputation for fun and furious competition. We believe that the alpine ski activities closed down a few years ago at Telemark.

Cable Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director James Bolen said that he and the entire village of Cable were disappointed to see another apparent financial failure at Telemark. He expressed sorrow for locals who volunteered for various World Cup events and the Birkie, and now sees everything endangered again.

It is uncertain how recent events will impact the 2014 American Birkebeiner (Birkie), one of the longest cross-country ski races in North America, attracting 10,000 skiers.

Ashland Daily Press HERE.
Telemark Resort reborn (2011) HERE.
Telemark Resort homepage HERE