Casper Will Install New Hogadon Basin Ski Lift
The city approved a multi-million dollar contract to upgrade chairlift infrastructure for the 2027-2028 winter season.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Inflation
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The Casper City Council has authorized staff to proceed with the procurement and installation of a new chairlift at the Hogadon Basin Ski Area. Construction is set to occur during the summer of 2027 to ensure the project is ready for the 2027-28 winter season.
Why it matters
Securing the contract in advance guarantees adequate fabrication time for the equipment to arrive by summer 2027. The project relies on a mix of state loans and donor funds to complete the $4.1 million infrastructure upgrade.
The city currently has $3,374,500 in secured funding, including a $794,500 zero-interest state loan. The approved base contract for the lift, removal of the old equipment, and installation totals $3,323,250, including a 5% contingency.
The players
Casper City Council
This is the governing body for Casper, Wyoming, responsible for approving municipal budgets, infrastructure projects, and public policy.
State Loan and Investment Board
This Wyoming state agency manages financial assistance programs and provides infrastructure funding for local government projects.
Friends of Hogadon
This organization facilitates fundraising efforts to support capital improvements at the municipal ski area.
The details
The city moved forward after receiving two manufacturer bids in September 2026 following an August request for proposals. Plans include utilizing the 10% Hogadon facility fee established in 2025 to manage repayment of the state-provided loan.
Timeline
The 10% Hogadon facility fee was established in 2025.
The city advertised a request for proposals in August 2026.
Two manufacturer bids were received in September 2026.
A state loan was approved on October 1, 2026.
Installation will take place in the summer of 2027.
Market Landscape
This investment aligns with modern municipal strategies to leverage dedicated facility fees for capital improvement funding. Such targeted revenue streams allow cities to maintain competitive recreational assets without relying solely on general fund appropriations.
Skiers and visitors can expect continued use of the Hogadon Basin facility, with the project slated for completion by the 2027-28 winter season. Residents should note that the 10% facility fee remains in effect to support the repayment of the state loan.
The takeaway
Maintaining aging infrastructure through a combination of private donations and low-interest loans provides a sustainable model for municipal recreation. Residents can continue to support ongoing fundraising efforts to finance additional equipment accessories.
What happens next
Friends of Hogadon will transfer collected donor funds to the city at the end of October 2026.
Further reading
For more context on local economic trends and project financing, visit the Casper Inflation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oil City News.
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