Time to use those ski passes, Chapman Hill fans. The in-town ski area plans to close for the season March 13 because of warm weather.
Residents are out biking, not skiing, said Matt Morrissey, recreation supervisor at Chapman Hill. The slope will close Saturday through Monday because of warm weather, associated maintenance and slower business, he said. It will reopen Tuesday through Thursday for ski clubs and other after-school activities.
“Sixty-two degrees in mid-March already – even in the drought year, I don’t know if it was this warm,” Morrissey said.
The slope typically closes in mid-March and lasted a week longer than average this year, he said. But the warm weather has turned the snow to slush in some areas, and the quick melt caused water to gather without nearby drainage.
“Usually, we just run out of snow,” Morrissey said. “This year, there’s enough snow; it’s just expensive to move it (to the areas that need it).”
Morrissey said it was the best season he has seen since joining the staff in 1999. Consistent opening and closing dates over time, kids hitting the slopes after school and season pass-holders all contributed, he said.
“I haven’t seen final numbers for the year ... but I’ve never seen that much traffic on the hill,” Morrissey said.
smullane@durangoherald.com
