Brighton began as a rope tow in 1936. In 1943, during WWII, Zane Doyle bought a T-bar. More lifts were added, and later in partnership with his father-in-law, Doyle consolidated all of the lifts, equipment and base facilities under single ownership. Until that time, pieces were owned separately by different groups and individuals. And so Doyle became the father of Brighton. In 1987, Boyne USA , a family owned corporation established in 1947 by Everett Kircher, purchased the resort. Everett’s son John continued to guide the resort. And the Doyle family continued to manage Brighton. In 2007, Brighton was bought by CNL Income Properties Inc, a real estate investment trust in Orlando, Florida, and it agreed that John Kircher/Boyne USA would continue to operate the resort under a long term lease.