The exclusive rights deal between Fairfax County and Alpine-X, a McLean-based company with a proposal to build an indoor ski resort in Lorton, ends on December 31. Still, the company will continue to pursue its plans, FFXnow and The Washington Business Journal reported.
The plan for Fairfax Peaks, initially proposed in 2018, would consist of an indoor ski facility, a hotel, and other recreational facilities to be developed on portions of the I-95 Lorton landfill. Under an interim agreement, the county agreed not to consider any alternate plans until December 31, 2024. This deadline has been extended several times since 2019.
Now, as that deal expires, Alpine-X said it will continue to pursue the plan even after it loses exclusive rights to the land. CEO John Emery — the former CEO of the Great Wolf Resorts — told FFXnow that the company is taking time to figure out the project’s finances, as the estimated development cost has increased significantly since the original proposal.
The estimated cost to develop Fairfax Peaks is now between $400,000 and $500,000, according to The Washington Business Journal. When first proposed, it was estimated to cost about $200,000, but added amenities and increased construction costs raised the price.
If it proceeds, Fairfax Peaks would introduce multiple ski slopes, a ski shop, a restaurant, a hotel, a gravity-powered mountain coaster, and a ropes course on the 489-acre site.
Once Alpine-X finds financing and can proceed with its plans, it will still need to gain approval from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. And, since the exclusive rights deal is expiring, it may have some competition if other companies propose alternate plans for the land.
Feature image courtesy Fairfax County
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