CAMDEN, Maine — Town officials agreed Tuesday night to offer full refunds to any season pass holder who wants their money back with the late opening of the Camden Snow Bowl.
But the town leaders also said they hope that with the opening of the town-owned ski resort on Jan. 31, that skiers will not want their money refunded.
The Select Board voted 5-0 to offer full refunds for anyone who requests, Town Manager Patricia Finnigan said. There are about 1,200 season pass holders.
Refunds will be offered for four days — Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 4 and 5.
“We’re hoping that when people come out and see how great it is, they will not ask for refunds,” she said.
The opening is six weeks later than what had been planned. She said the town agrees that to keep faith with the public, this was the right action to take.
The resort has undergone a major expansion that includes new chair lifts, new trails and new snow making machines. A new lodge is also planned and is expected to be built before the next ski season starts.
The $6.5 million project began in the spring. In November 2012, Camden voters approved borrowing $2 million for the project with the remainder coming from private donations.
The town has acknowledged that the project has gone about $800,000 over budget. The Ragged Mountain Redevelopment Foundation has agreed to try to raise the additional money.