Jim and Kim Engel, the owners of Sunburst Ski Hill in Kewaskum have entered into an agreement to sell the business to Rob and Jennifer Friedl of Cedarburg.
The ski hill recently celebrated its 51st anniversary. Founded in 1961, the family-run ski hill originally operated under the name Wunderburg Ski Area.
The Engels purchased the business from Herb Smith in 1984. The couple built Sunburst with a mission “to offer wholesome recreation to families.”
Over the past 28 years the Engel’s have remodeled every building on the property, including the chalet and ticket office. They built a new rental building and increased the number of rental skis and added snowboards.
In a letter distributed to employees this week, the Engels wrote, “We have entered into an agreement with the Friedls to sell Sunburst. They have assured us that our dream to provide wholesome recreation is their dream too. Their plan is to continue to focus on families and to take Sunburst to a new level, even better than what we see now. Please welcome Rob and Jen and their family to Sunburst. Share with them the same dedication you have shared with us over the years; encourage them when it rains and join their joy when it snows. God has blessed us at Sunburst for many years. Each of you has been a part of that blessing and we are so grateful for your devotion, loyalty and friendship. We pray that He will continue to keep Sunburst under His wing and guide it to where He wants it to be: a place for families.”
