Industry News
The main focus of the almost $30-million investment at Winter Park, CO has been the $16-million, 10-man gondola replacing the aged Zephyr four-pack. But the new lift that takes riders to the summit of Winter Park mountain is no good if there is no snow to shred on.
Alterra Mountain Company knew this, so for a quarter of the price of the new gondola, Winter Park Resort has also totally overhauled their even more aged snowmaking system. After a summer of putting the new system in place, the resort’s new snowmaking system is officially up and running, and snowmaking operations can begin as soon as temperatures drop below freezing.
Steve Hurlbert, director of public relations and communications for the resort, said the new snowmaking system allows the resort to produce more snow and allows for the production of snow even in less than ideal conditions.
“I think people are going to really notice a difference when we open up here in about a month,” Hurlbert said. “Being able to start operations earlier in the year is a good sign for opening day.
Last year, the resort started snowmaking operations on Oct. 26 due to warmer temperatures later into the month. The resort has already seen eight inches of natural snowfall over the past two days.
Winter Park Resort’s opening day will be Nov. 14 for the 2018-19 season. The resort’s new 10-person gondola, officially named The Gondola, is expected to open mid-December.
Winter Park Resort, CO is one of 36 iconic destinations available on the Ikon Pass.
