As we move into the latter part of the season, we want to take a straightforward look at how this yo-yo of a winter has played out.
Natural snowfall has been lighter than we would like and we’ve had warmer temperatures that didn’t line up for sustained snowmaking. Fewer storms paired with shorter cold windows puts pressure on operations and requires tight coordination across teams.
We are proud of our teams and how they have responded.
Each time conditions dipped into an optimal range for snowmaking, our crews were ready to move. Overnight pushes and early morning production have made a real difference. In a typical season, we would have wrapped up snowmaking operations long before this point. This year, we are still taking advantage of every available window to resurface and pad trails with snowmaking to ensure the snow surface is the best it can be for our guests. In a winter like this, preparation, a committed team, and infrastructure are what allow you to capitalize on those opportunities.
The snowmaking expansion on Legends Express (Lift 8) has been especially important. The ability to make snow down the length of Legends and routinely strengthen coverage on Legends Bypass and lower Ray’s has helped us maintain connectivity and consistent conditions in that terrain pod. Without this expansion to the snowmaking system, providing the ski experience everyone has enjoyed this season at the far western end of the resort may not have been possible.
We know conditions matter. Thankfully, the storms over President’s week dropped 50” of snow and improved our base depths across the mountain. This snowfall allowed us to increase our open trail count to 103 of 107 (96%). While this hasn’t been a banner snow year and the temperatures spiked again this week, the effort behind the scenes has been steady and intentional and we are proud of the product that we have right now.
And we are not done yet.
Spring at Purgatory brings longer days, softer snow, and a different kind of energy on the mountain. Pond Skim is on the calendar, along with live music and other spring events that make this time of year a favorite for many of our guests. We are focused on finishing this winter season strong and making the most of every remaining day.
Looking beyond winter, we also have an ambitious summer ahead. The Gelande triple chair and trail network construction will be completed, creating a new way to access the top of the mountain while adding advanced and expert terrain on the frontside. The Purgatory Express (Lift 1) upgrade will also be completed ensuring this important lift will be capable of operating using the latest control system for years into the future. These lift projects represent another major step in our long-term plan to enhance the ski and ride experience and continue investing in the future of the resort.
In addition to Gelande and Purg Express projects, the Purgatory Bike Park returns to operation along with a full slate of capital improvements and summer events. From resort upgrades to music, signature events, and new experiences, there will be a great deal to look forward to in the months ahead.
There is still plenty of season left, and just as much excitement building for what comes next.
We look forward to seeing you up here.
Best regards,
Dave Rathbun
General Manager
Purgspective Blog Feedback
The point of Purgspective is to give you an inside view, and we want you to be able to give us the same. Let us know what you think about our post.
