AUBURN — With the ski season just around the corner, Lost Valley Ski Area has tweaked its ownership, added new staff, will soon upgrade the lifts and lodge, and is getting ready for another season with some of its tried-and-true events and programs.

Linc Hayes and Connie King are now the sole owners of Lost Valley Ski Area and Banquet Facility. The two, and Diane Moreau, took over ownership in 2004 with the death of longtime owner Fern Pontbriand. King and Hayes bought Moreau out this fall.

Other changes at the local slope include the hiring of Bentley Hamilton from “Destoy,” a company he co-owns that makes terrain park equipment. Hamilton will be in charge of the terrain park this winter. According to King, Hamilton has years of experience with terrain parks and is redesigning Lost Valley’s park and adding new features. He is also lining up competitions for skiers and snowboarders.

Another new face to the slope this year is Eric Anderson, who has joined the management team and will be in charge of the retail and rental shop and help out with marketing. Also, the ski area has purchased a stone grinder for the ski shop to tune skis and snowboards, and will now also be able to tune racing skis.

Despite the altered ownership team, King said the ski area’s popular events will continue, including corporate racing nights on Thursdays and teen nights on Saturdays, this year featuring local teen bands for the first time.

And next spring, King confirmed that Lost Valley will do a face-lift on the lodge with new carpets and bathroom upgrades.

The ski area is projecting opening day to be Dec. 18.

Linc Hayes and Connie King are now the sole owners of Lost Valley Ski Area in Auburn. They have hired some new faces and have big plans for the upcoming season.