PARK CITY, Utah -- Main Street in Park City is a great place to visit in the summer, but most business owners will tell you it’s the winter season that allows them to thrive, thanks in large part to Park City Mountain Resort.
"It's the best part of our year, basically from December to March you'll do half to maybe 70 percent of your business for the whole year," said Doug Hollinger, who owns the Park City Clothing Company.
Hollinger has been selling old west clothing for 20 years, and he's never been more worried than right now. With PCMR and landlord Talisker battling over the resort in court, the upcoming ski season could be in jeopardy. A judge signed an eviction order for PCMR, click here for details.
"If there weren't any skiing this winter it would devastate everybody," Hollinger said.
Mayor Jack Thomas also spoke about the issue.
"This is a resort community: All the businesses here are fundamentally anchored into the success of the ski industry," he said.
Thomas has sent letters to both parties alerting them to how crucial this issue is to everyone in Park City.
"From the city council and the mayor's point of view we just want to see resolution and continued operation," Thomas said.
Thomas said he's optimistic a solution will come before the winter begins.
"I was a little bit concerned that we weren't seeing any action, but I think my enthusiasm has increased here recently because of the court order of mediation and I maintain it's in their interests and our interests from a financial point of view to get this resolved," Thomas said.
PCMR and Talisker have until August 27 to come to an agreement, or else PCMR will have 60 days to vacate the resort. However, what makes it complicated is that Talisker only owns the top of the mountain. PCMR owns the base, parking lot and ski lifts.
Businesses hope the matter is resolved sooner than later, because there's lots of competition for those tourist dollars and people need to plan ahead.
"Sundancers might not find the need to come here and spend the money at the stores here on Main Street," said Courtney Luttmer of Rocky Mountain Christmas.
A few businesses down the road, Jessica McCleary of Mountain Town Olive Oil said she doesn't really care who operates the resort, as long as it's open.
"I want to see skiing, I want to see happy visitors, and I want to see returning visitors," McCleary said.
