Denton Hill State Park Master Planning
After more than 50 years of operation, Denton Hill State Park ski operations were suspended following the termination of the ski concession agreement in 2014.
In 2023, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced a public-private partnership was being negotiated to allow Denton Go, LLC. to operate the concession at Denton Hill State Park.
New Recreational Operator Announced for Denton Hill State Park
Denton Go, LLC. is a new company and viable partner that is comprised of three members from the local area formed specifically to operate the concession at Denton Hill State Park.
The company brings a wealth of business and mountain recreation experience that includes ski and hospitality operations.
The next step in the process is for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Denton Go to work out the terms of a 35-year lease, which includes a capital investment from Denton Go.
After the concession agreement has been signed, recreational activity and lodging opportunities will begin at the park in a phased approach, and we will commence the process of selecting a design consultant and ultimately initiate a capital project design.
During this phased implementation process, the focus will be on expanding access to the park from the Adventure Center Lodge, which will serve as a base of operations to support four-season recreation and special events and utilizing the chair lifts to create unique four-season opportunities that will ensure the long-term success of Denton Hill.
Recreation will focus on connectivity and multi-use trails and may include:
- Downhill skiing
- Snowmobiling and all terrain vehicle (ATV) trails
- Snow tubing
- Hiking trails
- International Mountain Bicycling Association-rated mountain biking
- Adventure/recreation courses
- Dark sky viewing
- Activity-specific overnight areas
Phase One Improvements
A first phase of improvements taking place in summer 2024 will include:
- The improvement of current hiking and biking trails
- Upgrading and opening traditional tent camping, recreational vehicle (RV) sites, and modern cabins
- Reopening the iconic lodge as a venue for large events, including weddings.
A Polaris Adventures Site is also planned for the public to rent off-highway utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) for use where allowed in the park and the surrounding Susquehannock State Forest.
The first phase of work at the park also includes the removal of some of the outdated ski lift equipment.
Potential Future Improvements
Other areas of improvement the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Denton Go have identified include:
- Relaunching the ski lift operation for downhill skiing and snowboarding
- Lift-serviced mountain biking
- Mountaintop dark sky viewing
- Expanded overnight cabin, recreational vehicle (RV), and tent camping opportunities
- Numerous additional or expanded daytime recreational activities, including improved trail connections.
History of the Concessionaire Solicitation Process
When ski operations were shut down at Denton Hill in 2014, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources contracted with a Pittsburgh firm to evaluate the feasibility of continued ski operations and infrastructure conditions at the park.
During January 2016, the Department committed to move forward (using the results of the feasibility study) to embark in a master planning process for expanding recreational opportunities across all four seasons.
This process includes acquisition and allocation of funds to repair existing infrastructure and enhancing future park operations.
Timeline of the process:
- December 14, 2018 -- Vendor Forum for Denton Hill State Park.
- April 27, 2021 -- the Department began seeking concessionaire proposals.
- April 18, 2023 -- the Department did not select any proposal within the formal structure but planned to meet with the two interested parties to continue the discussions.
- September 12, 2023 -- the Department announced Denton Go as under contract negotiations for the concession agreement.