Wausau-Area Ski Resort Asks To Use More State Park Land For Proposed Expansion

A Wausau area ski resort wants to acquire more land from Rib Mountain State Park.

Granite Peak has asked the Department of Natural Resources to approve an expansion of its leased area in the park by 150 acres for additional downhill runs and cross-country trails that can be used for hiking during the summer.

Granite Peak president and owner Charles Skinner promised he would protect the environment on any land his business acquires.

“We are very conscious and really take our responsibility to be good stewards of the environment seriously. We’re using the existing land as best we can, and minimizing clearing on the 150 acres of additional land that we requested,” he said.

Skinner said there will be public hearings before the development plans go before the Natural Resources Board.

Granite Peak is also planning to build lodging on 25 acres it already owns near the state park.