Industry News
After five decades of family ownership and hard-earned legacy, Mt. Dobson Ski Area is officially on the market. Peter Foote, now 82, confirmed he is selling the South Island, New Zealand, ski field he first envisioned in the early 1970s. The announcement, reported by the New Zealand Herald, marks the end of an era for one of the country’s most unique, family-built ski areas.
Located near Fairlie, Mt. Dobson is known for its high-altitude terrain, dry powder snow, and sweeping views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and the Mackenzie Basin. The resort’s base area, at 1,740 meters (5,708 feet), boasts the highest ski field parking area in the country.
Foote’s journey began with a falling out at a local club field and a determination to carve his own path—literally. The New Zealand Herald reports that in 1976, he started constructing an access road with a $2,000 bulldozer, building the ski area over the next several years through grit and resourcefulness. By 1979, a rope tow was in place, and the resort officially opened with a platter lift, T-bar, and beginner slope.
Financing the project was reportedly a challenge. High-interest loans and lean winters threatened the field’s survival, but a successful 1989 season helped Foote pay off debts and fund future development from revenue alone. Over time, Mt. Dobson grew into a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike, known for its reliable snowpack and family atmosphere.
Now, with his sons opting to step back and Foote ready to explore other passions like jet boating, the ski area is being listed for sale through Bayleys Realty.
“We’ve never missed a season through lack of snow,” Foote told the Herald, reflecting on the property’s reputation for consistent conditions. “It’s certainly an amazing occupation to get involved in.”
At this time, Mt. Dobson remains in full operation, offering a rare opportunity for buyers to acquire a fully functional, privately built ski resort in one of the world’s most scenic alpine regions.
