Telemark official optimistic about resort's future

The new president of the Telemark Interval Owners Association is optimistic about the future of Telemark Resort in Cable.

Mike Kocon of Stillwater, Minn., was appointed to the post Oct. 16. He replaces Gary Crandall, who had been president since 2004. Kocon first visited the resort in 2001 and became a timeshare owner two years ago.

Although Telemark Lodge has been closed since May, the resort's grounds (more than 800 acres of land) and condominiums remain open. A deal to sell the resort to a group called Telemark Partners fell through earlier this year.

"We have stable membership, lowered rates and a physical plant in very good shape," Kocon said. "And the northwoods haven't changed."

A deed in lieu of foreclosure agreement with the resort's lender currently is being pursued. TIOA owes Glance Inc. approximately $1.27 million, according to Crandall. The agreement would involve a friendly surrender of Telemark Lodge and surrounding land to the lender to satisfy outstanding debt.

Kocon, who works for Transportation Certification Services, is a Superior native.

"(Telemark) was the closest resort and the one you'd always talk about," he said. "I still have those memories.

"It's been a northwoods icon for nearly 40 years. Our dream is that whoever purchases it from the holder restores Telemark to its glory. Most people who've danced with (the lender) so far (also) have that dream."

Developments at Telemark have led to some changes for the area's top annual event, the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race.

The next installment of the event will be held Feb. 26. The main race, along with the Kortelopet and Haakon 12K races, will remain the same with the start at the airport near the lodge. The Kortelopet and 12K still will finish at the lodge and a second large, heated tent will be installed at the start.

Skier expos and demonstrations, in addition to race bib pick-up, have been moved to Hayward Middle School. The Junior Birkie on Feb. 25 still will take place at Telemark, but the 5K/10K Family Ski event has been moved to Hayward.

"We are disappointed that the lodge is unavailable, but hope to be back there in 2012," said Ned Zuelsdorff, executive director for the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. "The 2011 event will take place with what will very likely be record numbers, and we are doing everything we can to make it a great event and experience for all 11,000 anticipated skiers."

Copyright (c) 2010, The Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, Wis./Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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