Park improvements include the addition of 128-acres of expanded area for downhill skiing, a comprehensive network of mountain biking, multi-use and hiking trails, and climbing areas
A comprehensive update of the Master Plan for the Rib Mountain State Park was approved at the meeting of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board in Madison on Wednesday, December 14. The update is a revision to the 2005 Master Plan for the Park and culminated from a three-year public process led by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Master Plan Revision presented by the DNR to the Natural Resources Board included input from 6,000 public comments and four public hearings.
The approved improvements to the Park’s Master Plan include a comprehensive network of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and for multiple use. Additionally, a perimeter trail encircling the mountain, reintroduction of camping, a new nature center and the expansion of climbing options are also planned. Two new areas for skiing were also approved, including a new lift and ski trails to the east of the existing Cupid Lift and a new lift and ski trails to the west of the Dasher Lift.
Following the public testimony portion of the meeting, the Board began deliberations on the DNR’s proposal. A modification was proposed to add to the western ski development which would enable a lift to the top of the mountain supporting three family-friendly ski runs and lift-served mountain bike trails. The Board approved the DNR’s proposal, with a 28-acre addition, by a vote of 6-0 with one abstention.
“I taught each of my daughters to ski at Granite Peak and it was a wonderful experience, but there were some challenges.” said Matt Rowe, President of Ruder Ware LLSC and Chair of the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership. “Because of the topography currently found at Granite Peak Ski Resort, introducing young skiers to this outdoor activity is difficult. Expansion to the west would allow for more gradual, family-friendly runs and expose this wonderful outdoor resource to a wider range of Wisconsin residents. I’m confident that this can be done with minimal impact to the natural area at Rib Mountain State Park.”
The Natural Resources Board is the governing body of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Board’s authority includes approval of state park master plans, land acquisitions, new or amended rules and the department’s budget. A full recording of the Natural Resources Board meeting on December 14 is available on the WIDNRTV YouTube channel.
“The passing of the Rib Mountain State Park Master Plan with the additional approval of enhanced year-round access sets the vision for the future of the state park and surrounding area.” said Jamie Polley, Director, Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry. “The addition of mountain biking and the expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities further advances the county’s desire to be an outdoor recreation destination. This Master Plan, in connection with local and regional park facilities, will improve the quality of life for residents, draw in visitors and grow the economic impact of central Wisconsin.”
Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary-designee Anne Sayers and Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Mary Monroe Brown, announced earlier this month that annual data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry contributed a record-setting $8.7 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021. The economic impact of the full implementation of the Rib Mountain State Park Master Plan is projected to achieve an additional $26 million in economic impacts annually.
“With the approval of the DNR’s Rib Mountain State Park Master Plan, adding biking, skiing and trail options for outdoor lovers of all skill levels, it is becoming quite clear what makes our area unique; premiere outdoor recreation.” said Tim White, Executive Director of the Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The greater Wausau area is becoming Wisconsin’s outdoor basecamp. All the comforts of culture, art, dining and more can be found at the foot of the mountain, coupled with outdoor adventure all year long. We are grateful for the work of the DNR along with the tremendous input from our community.”
“The adoption of the master plan sets the course for our community to create a robust mountain bike trail network at Rib Mountain State Park, including lift-access mountain biking at Granite Peak Ski Area.” said Aaron Ruff, President of the Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coalition. “This is a historic step forward that will enable our community to become one of the premier year-round outdoor recreation destinations in the Midwest.”
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The Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership is a collaborative group of business and community leaders coming together to help develop a stronger, more competitive economic development platform for our community. Our primary purpose is to assist in the implementation and execution of the Greater Wausau Region Economic Development Strategic Plan. The primary objectives of the plan are to 1) attract and retain talent, 2) embrace technology to grow local enterprises, and 3) engage in placemaking to enhance amenities and quality of life. For questions or more information, contact info@elevateribmountain.com.
About the Natural Resources Board
The Natural Resources Board is the governing body of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Board’s authority includes approval of state park master plans, land acquisitions, new or amended rules and the department’s budget. The Board is comprised of 7 citizens appointed by the Governor. The current board includes 4 members appointed by former Governor Walker and 3 appointed by Governor Evers.
About the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership
The Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership (GWPP) was established to assist in an inclusive manner with the implementation and execution of the Greater Wausau Region Economic Development Strategic Plan. The GWPP is an example of a collective group of business and community leaders coming together to lead efforts to enhance our ability to develop a stronger, more competitive economic development platform for our community. Directors, advisory members, and supporters of the GWPP include university, college and K-12 educators, nonprofit philanthropic associations, local government officials, the Hmong community center, health care organizations, the regional chamber, economic development, and visitors and events organizations, and manufacturing, financial and engineering enterprises.
About Rib Mountain State Park
Wausau residents started hiking up and skiing down Rib Mountain, Wisconsin’s tallest ski mountain, in the 1920s. Wausau raised funds to purchase land and the State established Rib Mountain State Park in 1927. The ski area opened in 1937 as one of the first in the U.S., with America’s longest ski lift. While land leased to the ski area comprised more than half of the park for decades, 412 acres of the 1556-acre park are presently leased to the ski area. Leased ski area acreage will increase to 540 acres with the Master Plan Revision approved by the Natural Resources Board last week. Skier visits presently account for 50% of park visits and are expected to increase with development of the additional 128 acres. Granite Peak is the current lessee.
About Granite Peak and Midwest Family Ski Resorts
Granite Peak is one of three ski areas operated Midwest Family Ski Resorts and owned by Charles Skinner. The Skinner family has operated Midwest ski areas that cater to Midwest families for 60 years and continuing into the third generation with 30-year-old Charlotte Skinner. Midwest Family Ski Resorts also operates Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota and Snowriver in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Snowriver includes the two ski areas previously named Blackjack and Indianhead and was purchased in August of this year. The ski area operated in Rib Mountain State Park by Granite Peak is Wisconsin’s oldest ski area with the most vertical at 700 feet and seven lifts including three high speed lifts. The Granite Peak team is led by 20-year ski area veteran, General Manager Gregory Fisher.