Mad River Mountain plans new $6.5M lodge after massive fire

Peak Resorts Inc., the operator of Mad River Mountain, announced plans this week to build a new permanent lodge that will be nearly twice the size of the old one for the 2016-2017 ski season.

“We’re very pleased that Peak Resorts has agreed to reinvesting in that complex because it is very important to Logan County,” said Paul Benedetti, Logan County Chamber of Commerce President.

The mountain is one of the main tourist attractions in Logan County, drawing about 150,000 people per season and employing up to 500 workers during its peak time.

Mad River opened in 1962 and is the largest ski resort in Ohio. It has 144 acres of skiing, a vertical drop of 300 feet and 14 lifts, as well as a snow tubing area.

The new loft will have dining space for more than 800 visitors, Mad River Mountain said in a statement. It will also have a second-floor bar that seats more than 300 people.

Two other buildings at the resort will be removed to make room for the new lodge. Administrative offices, ski school programs and ski patrol operations will all function out of the new building.

The design also includes stained-glass windows and a cathedral-style ceiling like the old lodge, according to renderings of the new building.

“Mad River Mountain is one of the biggest attractions that Logan County has, bringing thousands of people annually,” Benedetti said.

The new lodge is exciting news for the Logan County economy, he said. Construction is expected to be completed by Nov. 1.

“A lot of events and weddings and community activities have happened there over the years,” he said. “And we hope that tradition will continue.”

Local business owners are also excited about the new construction.

Business suffered at the Vertical Drop Ski Shop near Mad River Mountain this ski season, owner Jonathan Southworth said. He’s hopeful things will turn around next season.

“It was pretty slow,” he said. “Being one of the warmest winters in 45 years isn’t great. Plus then with Mad River, the loft burning down, a lot of people weren’t aware that it was open for business.”