Still skiing strong
Lookout Pass closed for the season Sunday.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort closed the week before that.
Silver Mountain is still skiing strong.
“Our snowpack is in great shape for this time of year, the late-season storms have really allowed us to keep the party going,” said general manager Jeff Colburn.
The ski hill has received nearly 300 inches of snow this year at the summit and 260 at the base, which is about average. But what hasn’t been average is how late in the season the snow has fallen.
It received 5 inches of snow Monday night and early Tuesday, and more fell throughout the day.
“That combined with sustained cold temperatures have kept our snowpack in excellent shape for skiing and snowboarding,” said Gus Colburn, Silver Mountain marketing director.
He said Silver Mountain was originally scheduled to close April 22, but extended operations to include Sunday and next weekend, and plans to have all seven lifts running, with a majority of its terrain open.
“We will evaluate conditions and visitation to make a decision if we will operate in May,” Gus Colburn said.
Schweitzer recorded 292 inches of snow this winter, which is just below its average of 300 inches and just above its 10-year average of 280 inches. This season ties the mark for its second-longest in the last 10 years at 138 days of continuous operation.
Lookout Pass closed Sunday.
“It was a fabulous snow season,” said Shasta Polsgrove, Lookout human resources assistant.
Silver Mountain is keeping things going this weekend with its 19th annual Leadman Triathlon. The skiing, biking and running race and is organized by Silver Mountain Resort and Kellogg Rotary, with 100% of the proceeds going to local nonprofits.
Over the past 18 years, Leadman has raised more than $168,000. The race is sold out, but there will be an afterparty in the village with a barbecue, live music and beer.
Gus Colburn said Silver Mountain was one of eight resorts in the country to be open Memorial Day last year.
“Our closing day last year was May 30,” he said. “We'll see if we can make it that far again.”
