Abandoned Sugar Loaf Ski Resort to Become Outdoor Recreation Hub

Leelanau Conservancy finalizes $8M deal to purchase and restore former Northern Michigan ski resort

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:18pm

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The Leelanau Conservancy has finalized the purchase of the long-defunct Sugar Loaf ski resort in Leelanau County, Michigan, with plans to transform the 288-acre property into a public outdoor recreation destination. The $8 million fundraising campaign was supported by the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, which previously acquired the blighted property in 2020 and funded demolition and remediation work.

Why it matters

The restoration of the Sugar Loaf property represents an opportunity to revitalize a once-popular Northern Michigan landmark and create new opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental conservation in the region. The project also highlights the role of private philanthropic support in preserving and reimagining abandoned public spaces.

The details

The Leelanau Conservancy plans to develop a network of hiking and biking trails on the property, as well as offering winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other proposed amenities include universal-access features, a family sledding hill, a nature play area, and a summit pavilion with views of Lake Michigan. Conservation efforts will focus on removing invasive species and improving local water quality.

  • The Leelanau Conservancy finalized the $8 million purchase on March 11, 2026.
  • The Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation anonymously purchased the property in 2020 through a subsidiary called SPC 45 LLC and funded demolition and remediation work.

The players

Leelanau Conservancy

A nonprofit land protection agency that has finalized the purchase of the former Sugar Loaf ski resort and will oversee the property's restoration and development as a public outdoor recreation hub.

Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation

A philanthropic organization that anonymously purchased the abandoned Sugar Loaf property in 2020 and funded demolition and remediation work, paving the way for the Leelanau Conservancy's acquisition and redevelopment of the site.

Tom Nelson

The executive director of the Leelanau Conservancy, who stated that the acquisition of Sugar Loaf "reflects years of hard work, extraordinary generosity, and a shared belief that this place should be protected forever and thoughtfully cared for."

Ross Satterwhite

A representative for the Ball family, who noted that the family was involved in the original development of Sugar Loaf in the 1960s and has now "come full circle to reacquire, clean up and then make this generational gift to preserve and return Sugar Loaf to the community."

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What they’re saying

“This moment belongs to the entire community. Sugar Loaf has inspired so many generations, and this transfer reflects years of hard work, extraordinary generosity, and a shared belief that this place should be protected forever and thoughtfully cared for.”

— Tom Nelson, Executive Director, Leelanau Conservancy

“The Ball family was involved in the original development of Sugar Loaf beginning in the 1960s, and now through their incredible vision and generosity have come full circle to reacquire, clean up and then make this generational gift to preserve and return Sugar Loaf to the community.”

— Ross Satterwhite, Representative for the Ball Family

What’s next

The Leelanau Conservancy will finalize plans for the property and begin the process of restoring the site and developing the proposed network of hiking, biking, and winter recreation trails, as well as other amenities. Volunteers are expected to be needed this spring to assist with the initial conservation and restoration work.

The takeaway

The revitalization of the abandoned Sugar Loaf ski resort demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships and philanthropic support in preserving and reimagining underutilized public spaces for the benefit of the local community. This project will not only restore an iconic Northern Michigan landmark but also create new opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental conservation, and community engagement.