Still some good skiing/snowboarding left

Still some good skiing/snowboarding left

Mar. 29, 2001

STAFF REPORT

The 2000-2001 ski/snowboard season is winding down but there still seems to be plenty of snow in the Southwestern Colorado mountains.

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, Telluride Resort, and Wolf Creek Ski Area all are open. Only Hesperus, which had some lift violations, is closed for the season.

There is no lack of snow at all three areas. In fact, more is on the way according to the National Weather Service.

Snow showers are forecast for today, March 29, with more chances for Friday through Monday, March 30-April 2, as several systems are expected to move across the Four Corners region. Colder temperatures are forecast for Friday and Saturday.

All the Southwestern Colorado ski areas are reporting spring surface conditions. Icy conditions may exist in shady spots while it could be slushy at the base levels, especially in sunny spots.

Wolf Creek Ski Area, which is located east of Pagosa Springs on U.S. Highway 160, is reporting excellent conditions on top and fair to good conditions on the bottom. It has the most all-natural snow in Colorado with a summit snow depth of 122 inches with 108 at mid-mountain. The area, which has the highest base level in Colorado at 11,000 feet above sea level, has received 404 inches so far this season.

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, located about 25 miles north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550, has a mid-way snow depth of 60 inches. Surface conditions are good on top and fair to good at the bottom.

Telluride Resort, located about 60 miles north of Cortez on Colorado Highway 145, is reporting 60 inches at the top with 58 at mid-mountain. Surface conditions are reported as good on top and fair to good at the bottom.

There are quite a few promotions going on right now.

Telluride has the United States Ski Association Power Bar/Bula Season Finale Friday through Saturday. The Telluride Synchronized Ski Team’s annual auction is set for Friday. Phone (970) 728-7508 for more information. Purgatory has several lower-priced lift ticket promotions going on right now. At Wolf Creek Ski Area, the ninth race in the Wolf Creek Fun Race Series will be held on Saturday. A Costume Contest is planned for April 8.