AUBURN — Working to expand into a four-season resort, Lost Valley Ski Area is adding an outdoor water park this summer.

Featuring nine large inflatable waterslides and play features, the resort has set a grand opening for Monday, June 20, but will have several “preview days” starting June 16. The resort intends to be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days per week.

Tad Bettcher, the resort’s group sales and marketing director, said Lost Valley’s new owners, April and Scott Shanaman, are investing time and money to remake the iconic ski hill into a place of four-season fun. 

The large, inflatable slides are part of a larger plan that includes a dual climbing wall and a Euro-bungee jump device. The resort also will serve Gifford’s Ice Cream  this summer.

Bettcher, who is also the resort’s ski school director in the winter, said the new ownership is trying to build a year-round community resource.

“We are trying to create a place that people think about coming to for fun family times all year round,” Bettcher said.

The resort, which was previously only used mostly for banquets and weddings in the summer and fall, has been adding events and activities, including a series of music festivals to start July 23.

Families or groups also can make arrangements for birthday parties or other celebrations to be held at what the resort has dubbed its “Adventure Park.”

Also ongoing at the resort are ski trail, chairlift, snowmaking and facility upgrades to enhance winter operations.

Bettcher said other developments will be announced in the weeks ahead.

shistle@sunjournal.com