Little Switzerland ski hill in Slinger, which closed after the 2006-'07 season, will reopen later this year with a new owner.

Wayne Erickson, who operates the nearby Slinger Speedway, bought Little Switzerland earlier this year from Jane Herte, whose family had operated it since the ski hill opened in 1941.

Erickson told me Thursday that he hopes to have portions of Little Switzerland, including a remodeled chalet and runs for tubing and snowboarding, open by late fall. He said he plans to spend over $2 million on his new business, a price that includes the cost of acquiring the real estate.

Erickson, who's owned Slinger Speedway since 1976, said he believes Little Switzerland's reputation will help draw customers.

"I think it is something that Slinger is kind of known for," Erickson said. "It was probably the best skiing hill in the area."

Erickson's plans to renovate the chalet into an upgraded restaurant, bar and banquet facility drew favorable comments during a Wednesday night meeting of the Slinger Plan Commission, said Village Administrator Maureen Murphy.

Those plans, which need zoning approval, will be the subject of a public hearing before the commission on June 15, with the Village Board to review the plans on June 20, Murphy said.