A "True Test of Resilience": After Tough Winters, Wisconsin Ski Area Exits Bankruptcy
After a bumpy few ski seasons, Wisconsin's Whitecap Mountains Resort has exited bankruptcy and has a court-approved debt repayment plan.
The ski area's owner, David Dziuban, shared the news in a Facebook post last week, writing, "The journey here was a true test of resilience."
Both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons didn't treat Whitecap well, with historically low snowfall and a significant drop in revenue. During the 2023-24 season, the resort generated around $197,000-a sharp contrast to the winter before, which saw approximately $1.4 million in revenue.
A modest bump in snowfall came during the 2024-25 season, but Whitecap still undershot $1 million. The ski area lost a lodge in a 2019 fire, too.
Dziuban noted that the uncooperative weather "led to Governor Evers declaring our region an economic disaster."
In the aftermath, Whitecap filed for bankruptcy in November of 2025, but remained open through the 2025-26 season, announcing at the time that it was "still business as usual around here." Thankfully for the once ailing ski area, last winter proved fruitful, with more normal snowfall totals.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that, according to court documents, Whitecap believes that, based on the stronger winter, it can pay off its debts. Selling off some of the ski area's property will also fund debt repayments, the outlet noted.
Whitecap also recently joined the Indy Pass, the increasingly popular independent-ski-area-focused multi-pass-a potential boon for visitation from near and far.
"For our pass holders & visitors, this means: Massive Visibility: People from all over the country who hunt for ‘hidden gems' will now have Whitecap on their radar," a post from Whitecap sharing the news read.
Dziuban, in his announcement about Whitecap leaving bankruptcy, tipped his ski helmet to the ski area's "incredible" staff, loyal guests, and the bankruptcy attorneys that helped, noting that despite "massive challenges, we pushed through to reach this moment."
The ski area's now looking ahead to next winter, with early-bird passes on sale through July 15.
Whitecap's slopes span more than 400 acres and include 48 runs.
"We aren't a cookie-cutter resort. We have character," the ski area wrote. "We have ‘glades for days' & some of the best natural snow in the Midwest thanks to our proximity to the Big Lake."
Related: Adventures In Underskiing
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This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 6:47 AM.