Instead, Webb is putting out a "request for qualifications" to private companies interested in pursuing a joint-venture partnership with the city to operate, maintain and develop the Winter Park ski resort. In doing so, Webb has rejected a task force recommendation that favors an outright sale.

The task force, which Webb set up better than six months ago, had wanted to solicit proposals for a sale or joint venture. But the mayor has decided to only pursue the joint venture route. Many on the task force favored an outright sale, which they estimated would net Denver at least $25 million.

"I appreciate the hard work of the Winter Park Advisory Committee," Webb says. "The citizens of Denver consider Winter Park a tremendous asset that is part of the city's rich and historic heritage of parks and recreation opportunities. The joint venture that I'm supporting was developed by the committee and I believe it reaches a balance of preserving the citizens ownership of this crown jewel while also meeting the capital needs necessary to keep Winter Park competitive. The citizens of Denver should be grateful for the tremendous job of this committee."

Webb also says he won't invest the $60 million in equity it's estimated Winter Park needs to be competitive. The ski resort, which opened in 1940, is operated by the non-profit Winter Parks Recreation Association.

If it is structured correctly, the same companies interested in buying it would also be ones that would like to be a joint venture partners, Gary DeFrange, president and CEO of Winter Park tells GlobeSt.com. So far, three companies have been identified that might be interested in working with the city. They are, Houston-bases Hines Development, which has developed 230 condominiums and 28,000 sf of commercial space at the base of Winter Park; Powder Corp., based in Park City, UT; and Intrawest Corp., a Canadian company that owns Copper Mountain in Colorado.