Snow finally falls at local ski areas

Snow finally falls at local ski areas

November 24, 2001

BY JIM THOMAS
Journal Sports Editor

Telluride and Purgatory ski resorts received some much needed snowfall Thursday night and into Friday morning, Nov. 22-23.

Because of one of the warmest and dries Octobers and now into mid-November on record in Southwestern Colorado, the Telluride Ski and Golf Co. (Telski) announced Thursday afternoon, Nov. 15, it has delayed its normal day-before Thanksgiving Day opening to Dec. 1. And Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort officials said it plans to open Dec. 1.

Wolf Creek Ski Area opened on Thanksgiving Day with only one chairlift operating and one run open.

Telluride received six inches of snow at the summit and four at mid-mountain. Purgatory received nine inches on top and about six at mid-way. Wolf Creek received foot of new snow. Wolf Creek is reporting 19 inches at the summit and 11 inches at mid-mountain. It was snowing moderately at mid-morning Friday. It was snowing lightly at Purgatory with partly cloudy skies being reported at Telluride.

More snow is on the way, according to the National Weather Service. A vigorous upper-level low pressure system is expected to bring more snow into the Four Corners by late today, Nov. 24, or early Sunday, Nov. 25. It should remain cloudy with chances of snow each day into mid-week. Colder-than-normal temperatures are expected.

Telski’s Opening Donation Day, which traditionally donates all net lift ticket proceeds to the Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club, will also take place on Dec. 5. This year’s Opening Day will coincide with the Town of Telluride’s Noel Night — a celebration of holiday cheer featuring Christmas carolers, garland and lights to ring in the holiday season.

The Gondola opened as planned on Monday, Nov. 19, with the Chondola beginning operation Dec. 5. Prospect Bowl will open Dec. 20. The official Grand Opening of Prospect Bowl will be Jan. 10-13.

Durango Mountain Resort (Purgatory) announced proceeds from Benefit Day on Dec. 1, will go to local organizations non-profit benefit groups (Southwest Colorado Cares Fund) helping with the Sept. 11 tragedy. Also money raised will be benefiting the San Juan Mountains Association.

Skiers can hit the slopes for only $10 per person. Benefit Day in the past has raised as much as $20,000 for non-profit groups since 1994. Durango Mountain Resort also has donated more than $100,000 to local groups.

Matt Skinner, communications manager for Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, said Friday morning, Nov. 16, "we have delayed our opening date to Dec. 1. But right now it (decisions) will be made on a week by week basis."

Both Purgatory and Telluride have advanced snow-making capabilities. Both have been running snowguns off and on since Nov. 7, however, the much of the man-made snow has since melted.

Hesperus Ski Area, which had one of its better seasons in a number of years last year, will open as soon as there is enough snow. Right now, there is about four inches at the area.