MARS HILL – Closing papers were signed Friday transferring ownership of the Big Rock Alpine ski area in Mars Hill to the Maine Winter Sports Center, which plans to offer an affordable downhill ski experiences for Aroostook County residents.

With $1.5 million from the philanthropic Libra Foundation, which has offices in Portland, the sports center purchased the Mars Hill Mountain facility from the Wendall and Marie Pierce family and plans several equipment upgrades.

The center plans to have the ski area open in December, according to sports center board president Brian N. Hamel.

This Alpine area is the latest acquisition for the sports center, which also operates world-class Nordic and biathlon trails in Fort Kent and Presque Isle. The center, staffed with former world-class ski coaches, also has implemented a community ski program, with mini world-class trails in surrounding towns.

To date, the Portland organization has contributed $6 million to the ski program.

“We look forward to implementing an affordable, community-based and family-oriented skiing program for our citizens, and we are confident that the community support and the financial investment and vision of the Libra Foundation will result in vibrant regional asset that will be enjoyed by Maine citizens for years to come,” Hamel said in a prepared statement.

The sports center also announced Chuck Halvorson of Easton has been hired as the Big Rock general manager. Halvorson has Alpine ski experience from Smugglers Notch Ski area in Vermont and Yawgoo Valley Ski area in Rhode Island.

A board of directors also has been appointed to help advise the new ski area. Named were Max Saenger, the sports center executive director, Barry McCrum, Mars Hill; Jay McCrum, Mars Hill; Chris Anderson, Houlton; Melanie Stewart, Presque Isle; Greg Smith, Presque Isle; Carl Soderberg, Caribou; and Sam Collins, Caribou.

After consummating the deal, Hamel offered thanks to the Pierce family, who owned the Mars Hill facility, for their dedication to the facility. In addition, he praised the new board and Big Rock manager.

“We feel that Mr. Halvorson is the perfect addition to our team and we are honored that this first-class group of volunteer board members has accepted our invitation to play a major role in the development of Big Rock,” said Hamel.

Meanwhile, the sports center is planning several training sessions and competitions, beginning this weekend.

Several national competitions already have been scheduled at the Fort Kent facility for the coming season.