Snowflake Center Sells Land, Worries H.S. Ski Team

DULUTH, Minn. -The owner of Duluth’s Snowflake Nordic Ski Center has signed a purchase agreement with an out-of-state developer, Pacific Companies. There are a lot of unknowns at this time, including whether the developer will use the land to construct schools, homes or commercial space. No matter what the property is used for, ski enthusiasts say they are worried about losing a great piece of land with wonderfully groomed trails. Not only are trails at the Snowflake enjoyed by locals, they have also been a part of Duluth East High School’s Nordic Ski Team for years. The team’s coach, Bonnie Fuller-Kask, said the Snowflake isn’t just a set of trails or another ski chalet, it’s a part of her life and the lives of those she coaches. "I've been coaching here since 1999 and skiing here well before that,” stated Fuller-Kask. "I have been thinking over and trying to figure out where we would go. There aren't a lot of buildings that (can) hold 120 some kids – (and) that you can ski from.” said Fuller-Kask. The 170-some acre property provides nine miles of trails for beginners to experts. Skiers we spoke to at the Snowflake were not bashful in raving about the high quality of the park. "This is a great resource for skiers in the Duluth community. It's one of the places you can always count on to have good snow, good grooming here,” said Ellie French, a Duluth East Nordic Skier. A lot of the teens on the team told us they first learned to ski at the Snowflake. "This is like my second home,” said skier Samuel Hayden.“I'm out here 6 to 7 days a week." No matter what it’s a place to prep for the trails ahead and the sharp turns which may be ahead for the ski team. "I hope it's not the beginning of the end,” said Fuller-Kask. At this time it’s a waiting game and unknown what the developer will for sure do with the property. The owner of the Snowflake, George Hovland, told Fox21 that within the purchase agreement it states for a minimum of 5-years to continue the basic “fundamental” operations.