Historic Mount Waterman Ski Resort Back on Market After Private Club Plans Fail
A previous deal to transform the iconic Los Angeles-area ski hill into an exclusive members-only destination has fallen through, and the property is now seeking a new owner.
The historic Mount Waterman ski resort, located about 60 miles from Los Angeles in Pearblossom, is once again for sale after plans to convert it into a private members-only club did not materialize.
Angeles Mountain Partners LLC had announced in late 2024 their acquisition of the mountain, which originally opened in 1939. The company had promoted an elite "Waterman 100" membership, promising exclusive access. However, the deal never closed, and the property has been relisted.
"Good old Mount Waterman is listed for sale again," said listing agent Marc Ramirez. He indicated that Mountain Partners proceeded with marketing efforts before escrow was finalized. Ramirez added that staff changes within the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the federal land the resort occupies, stalled the transfer of the operating permit, a critical component of the deal.
Mount Waterman has a long history of operational challenges, often influenced by weather conditions and past ownership changes. The resort was family-owned from its opening until the 1990s. After a period of closure, it briefly reopened in 2008 under new ownership but closed again the following year.
Factors contributing to its prolonged presence on the market include the death of a previous owner, Rick Metcalf, in a roadside accident in 2025, and wildfires that impacted the area the same year. Struggles with the U.S. Forest Service have also been cited.
The resort was initially listed for $2.275 million in 2024. Following the failed transaction, it was relisted last month for $3.275 million. This price primarily covers a 20-year permit from the U.S. Forest Service to operate a resort, rather than the land itself. The sale also includes essential operating equipment such as three chairlifts, snowcats, snowmobiles, a ticket booth, and a warming hut with a full kitchen and bar.
Ramirez expressed a desire to find a buyer who will operate the resort for public use, rather than re-establishing it as a private establishment. He noted that the previous group's plans included helicopter transport for members and exclusive access on prime snow days.
