Frost Fire Ski and Snowboard Area in Walhalla, ND, is in the process of being sold to the Pembina Gorge Foundation.

After one of the previous owners, Dick Johnson, passed away early last year, his wife Judith decided it was time to pass the resort on to new hands. The approximate $1.1 million transaction is expected to close sometime this week.

Once the PGF officially takes over the resort, Interim Foundation Director Kristi Wilfahrt said it will operate the resort as normal, but plans to enhance the recreational programs, while also preserving the surrounding environment.

Some of these changes will include renovations to the ski lodge, a mountain bike terrain course and ADA compliant additions to the buildings.

The resort first opened on Christmas Day in 1976 and it quickly became a popular site for both American and Canadian winter athletes. With over 40 years in the hands of Johnsons, Wilfahrt said revamping the resort will be something of a legacy project for North Dakota.

“I grew up going to Frost Fire and knowing how important it was to the community and the economic impact it had on the region. We just thought we’re going to have to figure out how to help take care of this and make sure it survives moving forward,” she said.

The Pembina Gorge Foundation is a non-profit organization that was officially incorporated in 2017 with the goal of preserving the Walhalla hot spot and creating a four season recreation destination.