A Missouri-based resort company has announced it is close to purchasing the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area in Pinkham Notch, N.H.

 In a press release issued early Thursday Peak Resorts, of Wildwood, Mo., said it had entered into a purchase agreement with Wildcat’s current owner, Pat Franchi and the deal was pending U.S. Forest Service approval.

The resort, is one of a handful in the U.S., that lease ski terrain from the federal government.

Wildcat Mountain becomes will be the 12th ski resort  to be owned and operated by Peak Resorts. The company has resorts in six states including Attitash and Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire and Mount Snow in Vermont, according ot the release.

“Wildcat Mountain is a legendary ski resort known to many in the industry and it has a lot of history,” said Peak Resorts CEO Tim Boyd in a prepared statement. “I am pleased to add Wildcat Mountain to Peak Resorts because it offers a unique, year-round experience in a one-of-a-kind location and there are opportunities for growth and improvement over the long-term that we can consider and are familiar with delivering at all of our resorts.”

The first trail on Wildcat was cut by the Civillian Conservation Corps in 1933 and was one of the first ski-racing trails built in the U.S., according to the release.

The Franchi  family purchased Wildcat in 1986 and made significant capital investments to day lodge facilities, snowmaking, summer attractions, and lifts.

Attitash and Wildcat were already talking about joint season passes and other ticket marketing plans.

“Being two of New Hampshire’s larger resorts and located in relative close proximity to one another, there is much to be gained in ticket and season pass products that are valid at both Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain,” said Peak Resorts Vice-President Kent Graham. “Visitors to our valley and locals alike will now be able to gain greater value and access to the best of each resort’s defining attributes and distinctive qualities.”

 Peak Resorts also owns and operates  Boston Mills, Brandywine and Mad River Mountain in Ohio, Hidden Valley and Snow Creek in Missouri , Jack Frost, Big Boulder in Pennsylvania, Mount Snow in Vermont and Paoli Peaks in Indiana.

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