SHERIDAN - Bighorn National Forest officials might soon open the process of finding a new company to run the Antelope Butte Ski Area in the Bighorn Mountains.

The U.S. Forest Service assumed ownership of the equipment and buildings at the ski area in 2005 after Antelope Butte Corp. announced that it was ceasing operations.

Skiers have nonetheless continued to use the site by hiking to the top of runs. The area also has remained popular with Nordic skiers and there has been talk of reopening Antelope Butte as a Nordic facility.

The ski area is south of Burgess Junction. It has 16 trails, three lifts and a vertical drop of 1,000 feet. Forest officials say they plan to begin seeking applicants to operate the ski area this March or April.