The Mt. Ashland Ski Area is owned by the 501(c)3 nonprofit Mt. Ashland Association, governed by an 11-member Board of Directors. The ski area was constructed in 1963 and opened in the winter of 1964. In 1992, the Southern Oregon community, faced with the loss of the ski area, raised $1.7 million to “Save Mt. Ashland.” The organization’s mission is to “provide and promote a quality experience in an alpine environment.” Each year, thousands of local families, organizations, and businesses donate funds to support Mt. Ashland’s youth programs and capital expenditures. Youth programs include the heavily-subsidized After School Youth Program, the 7,500′ Crew internship program, Winter Wellness Day, ACCESS Ski and Ride Against Hunger day, Special Olympics, and the Mt. Ashland Racing Association (MARA).