The Manning Park ski resort will be closing for good this season on April 1 unless a buyer can be found to take over the financially-challenged operation.

The resort went into receivership in 2009 and Vancouver-based Bowra Group was appointed to return the operation to financial stability.

President David Bowra says they've seen steady numbers since the takeover, but operating costs have increased as well.

The Manning Park Resort went into receivership in 2009 after it racked up $4.2 million in debt. ((Manning Park Resort))

"You've got a ski facility that is some-40 years old. In the winter we incur a lot of costs in repairing the ski facilities. As years go by, it gets more and more expensive," said Bowra.

About 15 full-time employees will lose their jobs. Another 15 to 20 part-time employees won't be hired for the summer season, but local campgrounds will remain open, said Bowra.

The Manning Park ski resort is approximately 70 km southeast of Hope, along B.C. Highway 3, within E.C. Manning Provincial Park.