By Jim Stanford on December 4, 2012
A webcam snapshot sums up what the past few weeks have been like in town.
In what should be obvious to all but the most optimistic skiers, barring a huge dump, Snow King Ski Area is unlikely to open its lifts Saturday as planned.
“Not looking good at all,” mountain operations manager Adam Shankland wrote.
Persistent rain and warm weather in recent weeks have put snowmaking well behind schedule. The King generally relies on a man-made base even when conditions are good.
Much colder nighttime temperatures are expected this weekend, with the National Weather Service calling for a low Sunday of 3 degrees.
Meanwhile, snow continues to accumulate above 8,000 feet, prompting Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to consider opening more terrain. The snow depth at 9,600 feet is 44 inches, according to the Bridger-Teton avalanche forecast.
Update 12/6: JHMR will open the new Casper high-speed quad Thursday, followed by the gondola and Marmot on Friday and tram, Thunder and Sublette on Sunday. The resort moved up the gondola and summit openings by a day.
(Photo via All Jackson Hole)
Posted under Economy, Environment, Ski Resorts, Sports, Weather
It’s to bad. We need some snow. Lopez needs some snow. I hate the idea of giving Lopez state money – his million dollar payout – or is it bailout? Better to have him earn it with a snow covered mtn.
Snow King is so misnamed.
It’s obviously become time to abandon Snow King as a lift serviced ski area. The lifts are aged, unsafe and an eyesore.
An obvious eyesore would be an out of business ski area sitting right above the richest town/county in America. Rename it to Jackson Ridge, sell lifetime passes, get some actual skiers and snowboarders to manage it. Management has a poor track record and seems to have no idea what the priorities are.
It doesn’t help that everyone forgot about the King over the last decade because the only new things have been cutbacks. I don’t blame anyone for not supporting the king, just management.
The King projects Dec. 22 as its new opening date. “If Mother Nature cooperates we will be open earlier,” the website states.