SAM Magazine—Sheridan, Wyo., June 29, 2015—The board of directors of the Antelope Butte Foundation (ABF) signed a purchase and sale agreement with the U. S. Forest Service on June 19, paving the way for the purchase of the ski area located in the Bighorn Mountains near Dayton, Wyo.

Mark Weitz, ABF board president, said the Foundation is purchasing the property, lifts, lodge, and outbuildings for $275,000. A first payment of 20 percent of the purchase price will be due within 45 days. Two more payments of 40 percent each will be due in March and November, 2016.

Weitz said that the deal came about after nearly four years of collaboration between the USFS, the ABF board and ABF’s counsel, the law firm of Hogan Lovells US LLP. Weitz added that the board will now access the lodge and lifts and determine the best strategies for reopening the area that has sat idle for the past decade.

Antelope Butte will host its second annual summer festival July 17–19 to raise funds and promote summer activities.