More North American Resorts Plan To Open Through May
More North American Resorts Plan To Open Through May
Published : 14-Apr-2011 01:31
Whistler - Extended Season
Whistler Blackcomb is the latest resort to announce an extended ski season following the incredible snowfall on North America's west coast that has seen Squaw Valley, Mammoth and several others post 'most-ever' snowfall totals in recent weeks.
So far Squaw has said it will open weekends through May and Mammoth says it will be open daily until at least July 4th. Both areas have snow bases of more than six metres/20 feet after receiving more than 15m/50 feet of snow in the past six months.
Snowbird in Utah will also be open through May and whistler Blackcomb says they'll be open until the end of May too – before re-opening for summer glacier ski and board camps a few weeks later.
"This winter has been incredible for skiers and snowboarders but people are definitely ready for spring," says Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb mountain operations manager. "Goggle tans, Gaper Days and Slush Cups are all classic elements of spring skiing and riding and we haven't been able to enjoy any of these with the mid-winter conditions that keep pummeling the mountains. The decision to keep Blackcomb Mountain open one week longer so we can all enjoy some of the best spring conditions we've ever had; it's a no brainer."
Over in Europe the Alps suffered their latest major melt down last weekend when temperatures hit 20C at some resorts. However conditions picked up dramatically over the past 48 hours, at least in the West of the Region, with St Anton, Gstaad, Kaprun, Solden and others reporting heavy snowfall bringing fresh accumulations of up to 50cm, so all is not lost for the late Easter week!
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