Blue Hills, with 300 vertical feet, is the closest winter resort to Boston. For the past six years, the slopes have been operated by Ski Blue Hills Management LLC, which also manages another publicly-owned metro-area resort, Campgaw Mountain in northern New Jersey.

Vero Piacentini, general manager of Blue Hills Ski Area, says Ski Blue Hills Management aims to continue running the resort for the long haul. For that, though, the company wants a longer-term lease, so that it has time to earn a return on capital investments it feels the area needs, such as expanding the base lodge or adding a lift. Historically, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation has offered only five-year leases. But officials have said they recognize the benefit of a longer lease and are considering that option.