Snow expected for ski resorts

Snow expected for ski resorts

Jan. 17, 2001

By Jim Thomas
Journal Sports Editor

January has not been the best of months for snowfall in Southwestern Colorado. In fact, less than 8 inches has fallen since the beginning of the month at the local ski areas.

However, a storm was scheduled to move into the Four Corners Region Wednesday afternoon with scattered snowshowers predicted through Friday, Jan. 18, according to the National Weather Service. But it is still not the big storm. From 1-3 inches were forecast for the mountains Wednesday night. which the ski areas are looking for right now. Some scattered snowshowers are forecast through Tuesday over the higher terrain.

Durango Mountain Resort (Purgatory) is reporting fair to good conditions on 25 inches of man-made and natural snow at mid-mountain. Purgatory is located about 25 miles north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550.

The resort is offering a $99 deal (per person based on double occupancy) which includes two nights lodging and lift tickets for both days. Phone 1-(800)-525-0892 for more information.

Durango Mountain Resort, despite opening nearly two weeks late, is reporting a 20 percent increase in the number of skiers/snowboarders during the holiday period of Dec. 26-Jan. 4. The total skier days for December was virtually the same as a year ago, despite the Dec. 7 opening (compared to a Nov. 22 opening a year ago). The numbers were up 20 percent for the holiday week.

"In this difficult year (Sept. 11 tragedy), many vacationers focused their holiday seasons on spending time with friends and family," Scott Fortner, DMR marketing director, said. "Guest came in three waves: Christmas, New Year’s, and post-New Year’s, and stayed from three to four days to more than a week."

Fortner said license plates from New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas and Colorado were noticed in the parking lot.

The Purgatory Ski Team Family Fun Race will be held this Saturday, Jan. 19. The races, located at the Paradise Race Arena, are open to those with USSA/RMD membership. A Snowboard Cross is slated that day as well. Registration is from 8-9:30 a.m. on first floor of Purgy’s with racing starting at 11. A Skier Cross is slated for Sunday, Jan. 20, with racing at 11 a.m.

Telluride Resort, located about 60 miles north of Cortez on Colorado Highway 145, reported 31 inches of snow at mid-mountain. Conditions are fair to good on packed powder.

Guests and locals seeking nighttime activities won't need to look any farther than Station Recreation, the new Mountain Village outdoor fun center.

Tubing, sledding, and snow biking are all part of the action packed menu available for all ages and skill levels. Open daily from 4:30-8:30 p.m., Station Recreation is located on Competition Hill, accessed by Lift 2. Station Recreation is $12/ hour for adults and $8/hour for children or guests can spend the entire evening at Station Recreation for $15 for adults and $10 for children. Season pass holders receive 50 percent off the hourly rate while Telluride Card holders receive 25 percent off the hourly rate.

"Station Recreation is easy to get to, loads of fun for kids and adults and can entertain you until your head is ready to hit the pillow!" said Johnnie Stevens, chief operating officer of the Telluride Ski & Golf Company (Telski).

For an extra helping of adventure, snowbiking off the gondola is now available from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays for only $50 (price includes lift access, headlamp, equipment and guide). In addition, racing will be available to the public on Wednesdays during the B League Town Race Series and open to the telluride Ski & Snowboard Club on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Tickets for Station Recreation will be available at all ticket windows in Telluride and Mountain Village during daytime hours and available for purchase at Station Recreation during the evening. The Pizza Chalet and Skiers Union Cafe, adjacent to Station Recreation, will be open to offer guests a place to warm up and enjoy a bite to eat.

For more information, call the Mountain Adventures Department at 970-728-7538. For lodging reservations, call Telluride Central Reservations at (866) 287-5016. Information is also available at www.tellurideskiresort.com.

Wolf Creek Ski Area, located about 15 miles east of Pagosa Springs at the summit of Wolf Creek Pass on U.S. Highway 160, is reporting 37 inches at mid-way. Conditions are good to excellent on packed powder.

Hesperus, located about 36 miles east of Cortez on U.S. Highway 160, has a 24-inch base. Conditions are fair on packed powder. The Sno-Katz Kids Program is starting up. Phone 259-3711 for more details.