Saddleback says fundraising for new chair lift fell short, resort is now for sale

The popular Saddleback ski area says it has fallen short on fundraising for a new chairlift but that there may be a buyer to save the upcoming season.

Owner Mark Berry said previously that the resort would close if it could not replace a 51-year-old double chairlift with a faster, modern four-person lift.

The resort used Facebook to report that fundraising fell short but said there has been "significant interest" by several parties in purchasing of the resort.

The Sun Journal (http://bit.ly/1hXXJmG ) reports that options include a potential buyer who'd upgrade the lift before the winter season; another who'd close the resort and install the lift in the spring; and two who'd continue the status quo and make improvements next summer. The resort said all discussions are confidential.

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Information from: Sun-Journal, http://www.sunjournal.com