Some throwback news today, it’s not yet Thursday but whatever…first up, semi-throwback…US Forest Service and the Save Our Canyons group waging a public relations battle over proposed improvements at Alta; USFS wants a new tram, a new restaurant, and new parking. Save Our Canyons sez mass transit is the way to go…and now for the big Throwback Thursday news…James Coleman, head of the Mountain Capital Partners Group that operates Purgatory in Colorado and Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff among others, has announced plans to purchase and operate Elk Ridge Ski Area near Williams, AZ. Elk Ridge is one of those throwback surface lift areas that operates sporadically as weather permits. Snowbowl GM J.R. Murray sez the purchase is “a commitment to offering low-cost winter recreational opportunities and restoring its historical relevance and impact to the Williams economy. Our first priority is to evaluate the operations for this coming season, and work with the Kaibab National Forest to open tubing and some level of skiing.” Sounds like a carefully planned statement, but whatever, it’s fantastic news for the southwest ski scene. Mountain Capital Partners eventually would like to add a chair lift at Elk Ridge…photo above gives you an idea of what Elk Ridge is like, it’s not Vail. Heck it’s not even Arizona Snowbowl, but it sure is cool!