Record snowfall extends season for numerous North American resorts
The snow activities will be getting a little prolonged in many North American resorts due to a record snowfall this season. Their usual shutdown dates will be getting pushed ahead, keeping the hills operational and allowing the people to enjoy the extended
season.
With the exception of the Ski Area in Oregon, the mountain that is expected to remain open for the longest duration is Mammoth Mountain. The mountain will be closing its gate for the season on the July 4. The mountain will be enjoying one of the longest
lift-served ski season in the region. According to the forecasts, Mammoth is expected to receive more snowfalls this week. The fresh snowfall will potentially add to the season total of 626 inches.
While talking about their extended season operations, the spokesperson of Mammoth, Daniel Hansen said, “We love people to ride as long as possible. It varies every year, but we have the longest lift-served ski season in the U.S. The exception is Timberline
[Ski Area in Oregon].”
Mammoth enjoyed their longest season in 1995, where it remained operational till August 13. Normally, the ski resort remains open through Memorial Day in May. However, in four of the last seven years, the Fourth of July fireworks had marked the closing of
the season at Mammoth Mountain.
The only mountain in America that enjoys a longer season than Mammoth is Timberline. Its Palmer Glacier snowfield attracts the skiers and riders throughout the summer. The location is a traditional host of ski races, as well as ski and snowboard freestyle
camps. However, Mammoth offers something different to its visitors. The extension in season at Mammoth translates into prolonging the spring break atmosphere. While talking about the atmosphere that normally prevails at the resort during this time, Hansen
said that people are seen tailgating in the parking lots or skiing in t-shirts. Girls are found snowboarding in bikini. The atmosphere resembles that of a beach.
The Squaw Valley in Tahoe is another resort that is taking advantage of the record-breaking season by extending the closing date to May 30. It received a total snowfall of 711 inches this winter and it is not done yet. The resort’s spokesperson, Amelia Richmond
said that aside from extending the ski season, they are also extending the spring experience.
The extension of ski season in Squaw Valley will also allow the people to enjoy the only 22-foot halfpipe in Tahoe for a longer time. The halfpipe, constructed as a part of the Red Bull athlete training facility, will remain open to public from April 29
to May 8.
Squaw Valley will be open to public seven days a week till May 8. After that, it will operate from Friday to Sunday and also on May 16 and May 30, the last day of the season for it.
A few other resorts in Tahoe have also extended their season. This includes the Alpine Meadows and the Kirkwood Mountain. Alpine will be running their spring operations through May 15, though the hours will be reduced and only selected lifts will remain
in operation. Kirkwood is extending its closing day to May 1.
Arapahoe Basin in Colorado is another resort that will be offering an extended spring season. The Basin has the highest ski terrain in North America. It also features other attractions such as the parking lot called The Beach down below, live music and brewpub
festival during its spring operations. The resort regularly closes in June.
The Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain in Oregon is another destination for the skiers and riders this spring. The 535 inches of snow this season has tempted the resort to continue operations till June 12, though it will be open to public on selected days
only.
The generous amount of snowfall this season has kept the skiers and riders from locking up their winter stuff in the cupboard. With an extension in the season of various resorts, the winter sports lovers will definitely not miss winters too much.
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