Warm Weather Delays Sipapu Ski Resort’s Opening

Snowmaking machine. Photo by Sipapu Ski Resort/Albert Graves

SKI News:

Vadito — Sipapu Ski Resort officials announce the ski area is delaying its opening a week due to unseasonably warm weather.  The resort was originally scheduled to open Saturday, Nov. 12, one of the earliest openings in resort history.

A high pressure system over the western US has delayed the opening dates for many ski areas already. Temperatures are now getting cooler, which makes it ideal for snowmaking efforts.  Colder temperatures allowed Sipapu’s mountain crews to make snow Tues., Nov. 8 and they expect to continue snowmaking efforts as temperatures allow this week.

“Our mountain crews continue to monitor temperatures, and we wanted to wait to see what conditions would be like before officially delaying our opening date,” stated John Paul Bradley, general manager of Sipapu.  “Our mountain team is working hard and continuing to make snow and prep the mountain for opening day, which we’ve targeted as Sat., Nov. 19, as conditions allow.  Should we not be able to open on the 19th, then Sipapu will open as soon as possible.”

Sipapu Ski Resort is known for being the first resort to open and the last to close in New Mexico. Last year, Sipapu opened Nov. 14, and had received more than two feet of natural snow by Nov. 18.

“Everyone at Sipapu is excited to kick off the ski season, and we’ll be able to make up ground as temperatures continue this cooling trend,” Bradley said. “Our mountain crews will be working around the clock to get the mountain ready for opening day. With the help of Mother Nature, coupled with our advanced snowmaking system, we’ll be able to provide a great ski season for our guests.”

New this Season! Sipapu’s mountain crews are clearing 5 acres of skiable terrain for the Howdy Extension, extending both Howdy and Lower Bambi. Skiers who ride Sipapu’s newest quad, which opened in 2015, will have access to these new trails. The resort added 3,100 feet of snowmaking pipeline on Howdy’s Extension trail, which provides additional snow making on adjacent trails, enhancing skiers’ experience on opening day and throughout the season.

On the Horizon. Sipapu’s historic lodge and day room is being renovated. The Paradise Riverside Bar & Grill caught fire in 2013, destroying the Grill and damaging part of the Lodge. The renovation keeps the iconic style of the lodge while making necessary updates to accommodate Sipapu’s future. The day room’s historic stone fireplace is being preserved and continues to serve as the central focal point, and the original vigas, which were created decades ago from wood harvested at Sipapu, are also being preserved. The outdoor balcony is being restored and expanded. Sipapu will also add 2,141 square feet to the west side of the Lodge, improving the traffic flow with more gathering space, a locker room, ticket office, and rental shop.

For details on opening day and conditions, visit Sipapu’s website.

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