What Happened to Vernon Valley Ski Resort?

By Michael Ferguson

Vernon Valley Ski Resort was once a popular ski destination located in Vernon Township, New Jersey. It was founded in the 1960s and operated for several decades before it closed its doors permanently in 2005. The resort was part of the larger Great Gorge Resort Complex, which included two other ski areas – Great Gorge and Mountain Creek.

The Rise of Vernon Valley Ski Resort

In its prime, Vernon Valley Ski Resort was known for its excellent skiing conditions and state-of-the-art facilities. The resort boasted several lifts that could transport skiers to the top of the mountain quickly, making it possible to enjoy more runs per day. It also had a large lodge with a restaurant, bar, and other amenities.

The Decline of Vernon Valley Ski Resort

Despite its early success, Vernon Valley Ski Resort began to experience financial difficulties in the 1990s. Several factors contributed to this decline, including competition from other ski resorts in the area and changing weather patterns that made it difficult to maintain consistent snow conditions.

The resort’s owners attempted to revitalize the business by investing in new equipment and building additional amenities like a water park and golf course. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, and the resort eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2001.

The Closure of Vernon Valley Ski Resort

After several years of financial struggles and failed revitalization attempts, Vernon Valley Ski Resort closed its doors permanently in 2005. The property was eventually acquired by Mountain Creek Resort, which operates two adjacent ski areas – Great Gorge and Mountain Creek.

Today, visitors can still enjoy skiing at Mountain Creek Resort, which has invested heavily in modernizing its facilities and improving skiing conditions. However, many former patrons of Vernon Valley Ski Resort still remember it fondly as a beloved destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

  • Conclusion: Vernon Valley Ski Resort was one of the premier ski destinations in New Jersey for many years. Despite its early success, changing weather patterns and increased competition eventually led to its decline and closure in 2005. Today, the property is part of Mountain Creek Resort, which continues to offer skiing and other outdoor activities.