Ski Lodge, Home Of American Birkebeiner Race, Shuts Its Doors

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The centerpiece of the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race has closed. The fate of Telemark Lodge in Cable now depends on whether a new ownership group is willing to buy the 41-year-old facility.

Phone and electrical service have been cut. The Telemark Lodge mortgage-holder says the 1100-acre resort is closed, but is not in foreclosure – at least not yet. Glance Incorporated’s Dick Short says he is optimistic that a new ownership group will be formed. He says talks in the next one to two weeks should determine its future.

Telemark closed two weeks ago, ostensibly for spring cleaning. Cable Chamber of Commerce director James Bolen says they have been getting mixed messages about its closing.

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“We would certainly be encouraged by the fact that that may not be true and that something can happen there [that’s] positive. That was kind of our hope and take all along, is that we know there were interested parties and potentials, but you’re still waiting for someone to pull the trigger on an investment plan.”

Telemark got a boost recently from the Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible” program when it paid the 150-room lodge a visit:

“I can see back in the day how this place was first class. I mean, I can’t imagine what it took to build this. So far you’ve got my attention. I’m thinking 4 1/2 stars. I’m thinking first class. I’m thinking this is the place to be in Wisconsin.”

But the host found a few problems too. “That’s a hospitality room? It’s disgusting. Isn’t that disgusting?”

Mortgage holder Short says a buyer would have some upfront expenses but he says the problems are not insurmountable.