Mt. Baker Ski and Recreation Area Lodge
Partnership Availability
An E-2 Visa Opportunity to the United States
The Mt. Baker Trailhead Group Inc. has a single 50% partnership option available to build and operate a resort lodge complex in Glacier, Washington. This is an E-2 Treaty Investor opportunity. If you are interested, look into or ask your immigration attorney to advise you as to the E-2 Visa process. The investment level is $1.23M, Canadian.
Preliminary E-2 Visa information can be found here.
The Trailhead Project Map shows the location in reference to the adjacent resort communities.
- The site is located one-tenth mile east of Glacier, Washington and one-half mile west of the Mt. Baker/ Snoqualmie National Forest entrance (mile 34 on Highway 542).
- The Mt. Baker Ski area is located 17 miles east of the Trailhead property. Our Lodge will adjoin the national park and will be the closest resort complex to the Mt Baker ski recreation area, and the entrance to the Mt. Baker/ Snoqualmie National Forest.
- The site is positioned to provide visitors with a beautiful view of Mt. Baker and Church Mountain (elev. 6315’). The area is a destination for travelers wishing to fish, hike, climb, bike, raft, ski, snowboard, and visit the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest and the Mt. Baker Ski area.
For more information about this project, click here to contact us.
The ownership team brings an immense amount of experience and passion for success to this venture. Two of the partners have created successful businesses and have the enthusiasm of hard working people coming together to create an exceptional product. The Group has acquired a right of way from the Forest Service, and has demolished the existing buildings on the land. The lots have been cleared and one third of the adjoining parking lot has been completed. Permits are acquired and construction can begin when terms are complete. In addition, we have permits for a future 32 bedroom hotel complex on the far eastern 2.4 acres.
The Market Analysis
The local market based on visibility: according to data provided by the Department of Transportation, traffic passing near our location (at Gallop Creek) mile 33.5 of SR 542 during the standard tourist season day was as follows:
- 2009: 1,500 total cars per day
- 2008: 1,400 total cars per day
- 2007: 1,700 total cars per day
- 2006: 1,700 total cars per day
The busy summer tourist season begins July 4th. The average number of cars passing our location during the prime summer and winter season during the past two years is approximately 1,700+ per day.
Visitor data prepared by the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University found that $88 million was spent on accommodations and $92 million was spent on eating and drinking in Whatcom County during the 2007/2008 season. Destination facilities received $311 million in revenue during that same period.
Data also indicated the origin of visitors to Whatcom County was 66.4 % from the U.S. and 32.1% from Canada in the summer, and 80.6% from the U.S. and 19% from Canada in the winter season. The bulk of these visitors reside in Western British Columbia and the Puget Sound area. About 72% of the visitors are repeat customers, and the bulk of visitors come to vacation (summer) and/or ski/snowboard (winter).
The average stay for visitors in Whatcom County in the summer is 3.5 nights and 4.3 nights in the winter. Fifty percent of the visitors have incomes of $60,000 or more with 25% of those having income of more than $100,000. Also, 50% of visitors have graduated from college and 25% of those have graduate degrees. The average age of visitors was 47.5 in the summer and 42.2 in the fall and winter. According to industry standards, these profiles are similar to those of persons searching for three- and four-diamond rated accommodations in the Glacier area.
Groups of five or more seeking adventures comprise the largest group, with couples rating second in the bulk of visitors. The Mt. Baker Rim, located across the highway, is a 300 home subdivision with 30 of its residents renting their homes either monthly or by the day.
The Market Strategy
- The seasonal market is predominantly (85%) drawn from Seattle and Vancouver with 15% coming from out of state or out of the Pacific Northwest. The limited number of lodging facilities in the Glacier area experience full capacity from late December through mid March and from late June through mid September. Data from economic, demographic and societal factors indicate the capacity seasons are increasing in length and more travelers are searching for quality travel accommodations. This market segment also enjoys dancing and music.
- Off-season markets are the many businesses, groups and organizations searching for live-in retreat centers. Our strategy is to recruit business and organizational training sessions, conferences, special national and international forums, local social events such as weddings and banquets, and to facilitate learning camps, retreats, and entertainment events. We will capitalize on the natural wonders by sponsoring outdoor events such as mountain biking competitions and photography symposiums, and develop an international market attracting nature lovers wishing to experience the great Pacific Northwest. We anticipate using the slow tourist seasons to offer exclusive use of the pub facilities to special industry groups.
- Local full-time resident events will be those events that are focused on the needs and interests of local Whatcom county residents such as local talent shows and open-mic events promoting local area musicians, story tellers, poets, comedians, actors, special interest workshops, etc. Glacier has approximately 200 full-time week-day residents.
- Weekend resident events are the events that cater to the 2 to 3,000 Seattle and Vancouver residents that reside in the Glacier area on weekends.
- Sponsored events are the events that the Trailhead will sponsor such as photographers seminars, climbing and biking clinics, races, fundraising events for local charities, music camps, and educational seminars.
- Leased events are those events in which the facilities are rented, such as weddings, training events, conferences, and private parties.
The Trailhead will develop a local reputation for great northwest experiences and a place to relax and enjoy a blend of local and national talent. The Glacier area swells to 2 to 3,000 people on weekends during the busy seasons. During the off-season weekends and holidays, 800 to 1000 people live within five miles of the Trailhead in get-away homes. Summer season visitors are both weekday and weekend residents. Winter season population tends to swell on weekends (depending on snow conditions) and full-time residents diminish to 200+ people on weekdays. The Trailhead will be providing live entertainment and dancing on weekends.
Serving the Growing Entrepreneur Spirit
- The Bellingham Mountaineers Organization and other alpine adventure groups have expressed interest in using our Lodge as a staging area for their group outings and return parties.
- The Mt. Baker Ski Area has expressed interest in using the Trailhead for special events connected to their mountain sports agenda.
- Several catering services have contacted us in hopes of offering clients a location for activities and banquets.
- Canadian holidays. We will coordinate many special events to coincide with the abundance of Canadian holidays, and market the Canadian musical groups we hire for those special times.
Owner Profiles
Dr. Joseph Garcia is the founder of Stratton Kehl Publications and was the nucleus for the successful "Sign with your Baby" program that started with personal resources and has developed into a million-dollar-a-year business. Prior to is academic achievements, he worked in resorts for several years and managed a resort located in Lake Tahoe California for two years. He also co-managed a resort lodge for two years in Knik, Alaska. He has firmly established relationships within the entertainment industry and with local computer marketing experts and restauranteurs. He has experience in running several successful businesses and has strong public relations and marketing skills with specialties in graphic design creation, radio, and television.
Joseph’s education is multi-faceted with extensive experience in management, human resources, and adult learning. His contacts in the educational arena will serve in the effort to attract educational seminars and programs. He holds degrees from Central Washington University, Alaska Pacific University, and Nova Southeastern University. Joseph will be responsible for establishing and guiding operations and procedures, hiring and training management and staff, and guiding the marketing and public relations effort.
Rod Cheney is a building contractor who has 7 years experience owning and operating a successful business. Mr. Cheney will oversee the plumbing, heating and refrigeration, and electrical components, and assist in the Lodge’s operation. Rod is a competitive bicyclist and will help establish several annual biking events that the Trailhead will host.
The Trailhead Lodge
The completed 23,000 Sq. Ft. pub/restaurant has an approved conditional use permit for multi-purpose meeting room, banquet/dining room, dance facility,
nightclub, live music, and gaming area.
Click Here for more pictures and information about the pub.
Disclaimer
This website is not a solicitation of investment.