Toggenburg Mountain in Fabius has new owners more than a year after its 2021 closure, cnycentral.com reported. The Wheeler Family of Countryside Excavation purchased the property, returning the land the mountain sits on to the family that used to own it before it was sold in 1953. James Wheeler stated that his family previously owned the resort before selling it over seven decades ago.
The Legal Battle Over the Syracuse Ski Resort Monopoly
The purchase follows a years-long court battle initiated by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. In October 2022, the Attorney General sued Intermountain for acquiring Toggenburg—its sole competitor in the immediate area—and subsequently shutting it down. The lawsuit argued that the purchase violated the Donnelly Act by creating a monopoly and limiting ski options for Syracuse-area residents.
In March 2025, a judge ruled in favor of the Attorney General, deciding that Intermountain stifled competition by purchasing and closing the venue. Intermountain also owns Labrador and Song Mountains. Attorney General James noted that her office sought a buyer who would reopen the resort, emphasizing that the Wheeler family’s acquisition restores market competition and provides a win for local skiers.
Restoration Work and Reopening Plans
The Wheeler family faces an extensive rebuilding process before any skiers return to the slopes. Because the acquisition was finalized recently, the new owners have not yet evaluated which existing infrastructure remains functional. The chair lifts are currently down, and the condition of the water pumps, piping, restaurant, and bar facilities remains uncertain.
James Wheeler stated that the family aims to open the resort’s restaurant first, ahead of the broader ski center. The family hopes to have the ski resort fully operational for the 2027 to 2028 winter season. Due to the scale of the undertaking, the owners requested that the public avoid direct messages, phone calls, or unannounced visits while they assess the property and organize their workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toggenburg Mountain
Who previously owned Toggenburg Mountain before Intermountain?
John and Christine Meier previously owned the property before selling it to Intermountain in 2021. The Meiers, alongside other partners, originally purchased the resort in 2015 and secured full land ownership in 2019.
What legal statute did the court use against Intermountain?
The New York State Attorney General prosecuted the case under the Donnelly Act. The statute prohibits contracts, agreements, or business arrangements that establish monopolies or restrict open market competition.
When do the new owners expect to welcome skiers back?
The Wheeler family hopes to have the ski resort operational in time for the 2027 to 2028 season, though significant repairs to lifts, piping, and facilities must be completed first.
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