ashland.news
December 8, 2023

Mt. Ashland announces season closure Saturday afternoon

A sunny and snowy morning at Mt. Ashland Ski Area. Mt. Ashland Ski Area photo
March 25, 2022

Ski area will be open until 4 p.m.; only received half of average snowfall 

By Lee Juillerat

The downhill ski and snowboard season is coming to an end Saturday afternoon, March 26, at Mt. Ashland Ski Area, but plans are already being made for the winter of 2022-23.

The ski area will close for the season at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Mt. Ashland received only 141 inches of snow this season, which is just over half of average, General Manager Hiram Towle said, but the area still had a very successful season with more than 92,000 visits, 30 percent more than average. He said that because of the north-facing slopes and area’s high elevation, the skiing and snowboarding remained good throughout a relatively dry winter.  

“We want to finish strong with a fun and exciting final day,” Towle said in a news release issued Thursday. “The snowpack is diminishing quickly. With the current forecast we feel finishing up the season under sunny skies and the good conditions that remain, this is the only way to go. I am proud of our team’s efforts to keep the ski area looking and running as good as it did this season. Despite the challenges of low snow, COVID-19, and a low labor pool, our team really nailed it. Just ask anyone, Mt. Ashland employees are the best and our guests were thrilled to be here with them.” 

The closure, however, caused the cancellation of the annual Dummy Downhill sponsored by Valley Immediate Care.   

Lifts will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. As an added bonus, live music with Eric Leadbetter playing out on the bar deck until 5 o’clock. All services will be available including lessons, rentals, retail shop, T-bar Lounge, and the Granite Grill. The free shuttle service will continue to run hourly through Saturday, departing from the Ashland Hills Hotel from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seating is limited and is first-come, first-served. 

Towle said the area is already looking toward next season with a Spring Season Pass Sale that starts April 1.  

In addition, a new “Magic Carpet Conveyor” lift will be installed this summer. The lift is a conveyor belt that allows people to slide onto the belt and stand on a moving “carpet.” A $250,000 fundraising drive was accomplished in only three weeks. The carpet is expected to attract more beginners who might otherwise be intimidated by a rope tow.

“We thank all of the skiers and riders, donors, and supporters for another amazing season at our local nonprofit ski area,” Towle said in the release. “The camaraderie and stellar vibe continues to grow on the mountain, whether it’s a season of big storms or endless sunny days. In the end, we are all here for the same thing. Sliding downhill on snow and spending time with the members of our mountain family.”

Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.

Bert Etling

Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at betling@ashland.news.

Related Posts...

Ashland City Council approves camping ordinance in split vote

On a 4-2 vote, the Ashland City Council on Tuesday approved the first of two required readings of an ordinance to control time, place and manner of camping in Ashland. The ordinance will control occupation of public spaces and enforce behavior, rather than status, and does not seek to punish those who are homeless, the acting city attorney told the council.

Read More »

Mt. Ashland Ski Area pushes back opening day, despite snowstorm

Andrew Gast, general manager of the Mt. Ashland Ski Area, had hoped that this Saturday would be opening day for skiing this season, but he admitted defeat on Thursday, despite the latest snowstorm. Things are now day to day, while he, a couple hundred employees and untold numbers of skiers wait for more snow.

Read More »

Latest posts

Relocations: Politics far and near

Herbert Rothschild: Apparently, Kissinger insisted on recording practically every word he said. His aides later commented that he needed to keep track of which lie he told to whom.

Read More >

Ashland City Council approves camping ordinance in split vote

On a 4-2 vote, the Ashland City Council on Tuesday approved the first of two required readings of an ordinance to control time, place and manner of camping in Ashland. The ordinance will control occupation of public spaces and enforce behavior, rather than status, and does not seek to punish those who are homeless, the acting city attorney told the council.

Read More >

Mt. Ashland Ski Area pushes back opening day, despite snowstorm

Andrew Gast, general manager of the Mt. Ashland Ski Area, had hoped that this Saturday would be opening day for skiing this season, but he admitted defeat on Thursday, despite the latest snowstorm. Things are now day to day, while he, a couple hundred employees and untold numbers of skiers wait for more snow.

Read More >

Explore More...

Relocations: Politics far and near

Herbert Rothschild: Apparently, Kissinger insisted on recording practically every word he said. His aides later commented that he needed to keep track of which lie he told to whom.

Read More>

Ashland City Council approves camping ordinance in split vote

On a 4-2 vote, the Ashland City Council on Tuesday approved the first of two required readings of an ordinance to control time, place and manner of camping in Ashland. The ordinance will control occupation of public spaces and enforce behavior, rather than status, and does not seek to punish those who are homeless, the acting city attorney told the council.

Read More>
ashland.news logo

Subscribe to the newsletter and get local news sent directly to your inbox.

(It’s free)

Don't Miss Our Top Stories

Get our newsletter delivered to your inbox three times a week.
It’s FREE and you can cancel anytime.

NewsMatch is here! For a limited time, your donation to Ashland.news will be DOUBLED.