Southern California skiers may be in for good news this winter.
Mt. Waterman Ski Resort, located roughly an hour from Los Angeles in the Angeles National Forest, is officially back on the market for $3,275,000.
The 390-acre property returns to the market after an ambitious sale collapsed. The previous deal failed when earlier buyers hit funding roadblocks and could not secure crucial federal approvals.
Now, with a long-term operating permit secured and snow season approaching, the mountain is ready for its next chapter.
What sank the previous ‘country-club’ bid
In 2024, investment group Angeles Mountain Partners LLC announced plans to purchase the historic resort.
Their proposal pitched a private, country-club retreat featuring private memberships and exclusive helipad access when Angeles Crest Highway closed.
However, the resort sits on federal land, meaning any private-club model required strict approval.
According to listing agent Marc Ramirez of Pacific West Business Properties, the group announced the deal before escrow closed. Justin Seastrand of the U.S. Forest Service told the Los Angeles Times in 2024 that the agency would not allow exclusive use on public land.
Between federal pushback, a government shutdown, and funding issues, the deal disintegrated. Winter weather added further complications when a severe Pineapple Express storm damaged Chair 1.
A fresh start with a 20-year federal permit
The newly relisted property is priced $1 million higher than its 2024 asking price. Crucially, the listing now includes a transferable 20-year special-use permit to operate an all-season recreation area.
Seastrand confirmed to SFGATE that the Forest Service remains dedicated to keeping the site active for the public. The agency stands ready to work with incoming operators to process the permit transfer smoothly.
Ramirez noted that the on-site helipad remains part of the property, but its role has changed. It is designated for emergency evacuations rather than private club access.
Serious buyer interest as winter approaches
The listing arrives just as winter weather trends look promising across California. Mammoth Mountain plans to open in mid-November, while Nevada’s Mt. Rose announced an early kickoff for the season.
Mt. Waterman holds a unique place in local ski lore. Known for steep, challenging terrain, the mountain features three chairlifts and two cabins.
Ramirez, who grew up nearby and previously taught snowboarding on the mountain, says he receives roughly 25 calls a day and is in active talks with two potential buyers.
For skiers around L.A., the appeal is unmatched: you can tackle advanced black diamond runs in the morning and easily make it back to the city in time for dinner.
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