Why Foreclosing On Telemark Lodge Might See It Open Sooner

Foreclosure against the operators of Telemark Lodge in Cable has been filed in Bayfield County Court.

One of the key players says that just brings them closer to selling the storied resort.

The historic 150-room lodge closed in March, one of several times over the past decade that it’s alternated between open or closed. Mortgage holder Dick Short says starting the long process of foreclosure is another step to get control from the Telemark operators so he can sell the 1,000-acre resort. He says he’s negotiating with three different groups of potential buyers.

“There’s a few people who have contacted me, and we’re trying to work out some things, maybe, and answer some of their questions. (Is there anything close or is this a ways away?) Oh, we don’t even have a contract on anything.”

Re-opening Telemark is important for northern Wisconsin. It’s the starting point of the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race and a large local employer. Despite the challenges, Short is optimistic Telemark will re-open soon.

“It’s got a really, really good chance of something happening by summer. We’re working with the Birkie, so we’re trying to ensure things. So, there’s some things we’re trying to put to bed to help go on to the next thing. It’s kind of like a moving target, a little bit, but it is a great piece of country. The economy’s doing a little bit better so that might make more people think about buying Telemark. Three years ago everybody was scared to death.”

But Telemark faces several civil suits for back taxes and $42,000 in small claims by local businesses that have gone unpaid by previous operators.