Buck Hill has big expansion plans under new owners

Buck Hill has new managers who have big plans for expanding the small Burnsville-based ski area.

The property was recently sold to current and longtime general manager Don McClure and new business partners David and Corrine "Chip" Solner. The new owners hope to turn the seasonal ski area into a year-round destination for skiing, snowboarding and entertainment, said David Solner.

The terms of sale have not been disclosed.

Buck Hill was founded by Chuck and Nancy Stone in 1954. Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn and World Cup skier Kristina Koznick both learned to ski and race at Buck Hill.

David Solner said future plans call for adding a restaurant, lodging and more facilities for indoor training. He also wants to add "dry slope" products that would make it possible to ski and snowboard year-round. He said there is currently only one ski area in North America that offers dry slope.

Buck Hill visitors can expect to begin seeing changes this winter.

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