High snowpack levels could mean summer skiing

[Teh One Who Knocks]

Written by Lori Obert - 9 News Colorado


ARAPAHOE BASIN - There is still plenty of snowpack in the mountains that hasn't started melting yet. Arapahoe Basin still has a 94 inch base, and some are saying the ski season could run all the way into the summer.

Snowboarder Isaac Gregg said he can't believe how snowy it still is.

"I've lived in Colorado my whole life and I can remember maybe one year that's been this good," Gregg said.

A-Basin employees said it feels like it hasn't stopped snowing since the ski area opened in October.

"We've received over 420 [inches] this season. Our average is around 350," said Leigh Hierholzer, who works at A-Basin.

She said the staff is determined to take advantage of all that snow as long as they can.

"We just announced today that we'll be open two weekends after June 5 - Friday Saturday and Sunday starting on June 10t," Hierholzer said.

Snowboarder Jane Hand said she was happy to hear the news.

"Most of the resorts that have already closed," she said. "They've closed prematurely, obviously, with a 94 inch base here."

There is a chance Aspen Mountain might reopen for Memorial Day weekend.

Aspen Ski Company Director of Public Relations Jeff Hanle said, "It's very speculative. Everyone in town is talking about us reopening. We are still at least a week away from knowing if we can or will reopen."

Still, it's another holiday that's the Holy Grail for skiers and snowboarders.

"It's possible that we could be open to the Fourth of July this year on the weekend," Hierholzer said.

That all depends on what happens with the weather between now and then, but Gregg said he isn't giving up hope.

"Can you imagine any other place in the world where it's snowing in the middle of July, fireworks going off in the background and you're taking runs?" Gregg said.

A-Basin employees said runoff hasn't been a big issue in that area so far this year. They said right now, the mountain still has nearly double the average snowpack.

[Muddy]

Thats sounds like fun....

[Teh One Who Knocks]

There'll be girls skiing in bikinis if it goes that far into the summer

[Muddy]

Wow... Snow bunnies in bikinis... *spooge*

[Teh One Who Knocks]

[Muddy]

Thats pretty hot... Ahhhh to be 20 again...

[Teh One Who Knocks]

No kidding *sigh*