Ski Martock set to change ownership as sale to Cape Smokey group nears completion
Ski Martock, a beloved ski hill near Windsor, N.S., is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a change in ownership. Martin Kejval, CEO of Cape Smokey Holding Ltd., the group behind Cape Smokey ski hill in Ingonish Beach, has announced that his company has signed a tentative agreement to acquire Ski Martock from long-time owners Heather and Jim Boylan.
The negotiations with the Boylans, who are looking to retire, began around six months ago and the deal is expected to be finalized and closed by the end of June. Ski Martock, standing at 180 meters high, boasts seven trails for skiing and snowboarding, a cozy lounge, and a ski and snowboard school, operating from early December through late March each year.
Kejval, a former professional skier from the Czech Republic, expressed his admiration for the well-run operations at Martock and emphasized that he has no immediate plans to make drastic changes. He believes in observing and understanding the existing setup before implementing any significant alterations. However, in the long term, he is considering the possibility of keeping the hill open year-round, similar to Cape Smokey, where hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible during warmer months.
One of Kejval’s visions is to integrate both Cape Smokey and Martock, offering passes that can be used interchangeably at both locations. He sees the two hills as complementary offerings, with Cape Smokey serving as a weekend or special occasion destination, while Martock, conveniently located near Halifax, caters more towards regular winter visitors.
West Hants Regional Municipality Mayor Abraham Zebian, upon learning about the impending sale, expressed gratitude towards the Boylans for their years of dedication and service to the community. He highlighted the significance of Martock as an integral part of the area, with generations of locals and visitors enjoying the hill over the years.
According to a past release from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Martock currently employs 12 full-time and 200 seasonal workers, attracting over 80,000 visitors annually. CBC News has reached out to Ski Martock, as well as Heather and Jim Boylan, for further comments on the transition.
As Ski Martock prepares for this new chapter under Cape Smokey Holding Ltd.’s ownership, the community eagerly anticipates the continuation of this winter sports tradition with a blend of tradition and potential enhancements on the horizon.
