Add another resort to James Coleman’s Mountain Capital Partners collection of ski mountains.

Earlier this month, plans were announced that Flagstaff’s Arizona Snowbowl will purchase Elk Ridge Ski Area, a 37-acre ski area south of Williams, Arizona, with a summit elevation of 8,150 feet.

The sale is pending a U.S. Forest Service approval of a special-use permit.

“Elk Ridge offers unique opportunities to partner with the community to provide more outdoor recreation to residents and guests,” James Coleman, managing partner of Mountain Capital Partners, which owns Arizona Snowbowl as well as Purgatory Resort north of Durango, said in a prepared statement.

Elk Ridge Ski Area was founded in the early 1960s, according to a news release, and is known locally for providing low-cost skiing for beginners and families.

Upon purchase, old surface lifts will be replaced, and year-round activities will be expanded. Owners hope expanding recreational opportunities at Elk Ridge Ski Area will take pressure off Arizona Snowbowl.

“If a special use permit is approved by the Kaibab National Forest, the plan is to open Elk Ridge as soon as possible under the current operating plan until proposed updates can receive appropriate environmental review and approval,” the news release said.

Kim Oyler, spokeswoman for Purgatory Resort, said once a permit is approved, plans for winter operations at Elk Ridge, as well as any possible pass benefits, will be announced.

“Elk Ridge has been open very little in the past, and the Forest would like to see that change so that more visitors are able to take advantage of winter recreation opportunities in the Williams area,” Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio said in a prepared statement. “We look forward to seeing the permit proposal, which we hope will demonstrate the ability to sustainably offer safe and positive snowplay opportunities for the public at Elk Ridge.”

Mountain Capital Partners now operates Arizona Snowbowl; Purgatory Resort and Hesperus Ski Area, both in Colorado; and Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort and Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, both in New Mexico.

jromeo@durangoherald.com