We’re back(!) with a spring edition of State of the Mountain. Since we last gave a big ops update the mountain has gone through it’s full spring metamorphosis, albeit while unfortunately skipping right over our typical snowy March. After an historically snowy two months in January and February, March was relatively light on snowfall this year (26″). Hopefully you all heeded our advice of get here while the getting’s good because you never know what’s around the corner. That mantra encapsulates this winter well.
Despite that, we’ve still managed to surpass our snowfall average of 250″, and the season certainly isn’t done yet with where our snow depths are. Right now our last weekend is slated for May 3rd/4th, so all you Stein’s spring bump lovers shouldn’t be fretting. We’ll likely operate the Gate House side through next weekend, closing it after a final day on April 13th. From there, we’ll continue to operate as much terrain as we can off of the Bravo/HG/VH side through April 20th. After that, we’ll reassess whether we can stay open midweek or move to weekends only until that first one in May.
For those still hoping to scratch the uphill itch, Mt. Ellen is now fully open for uphill travel anywhere on the mountain with the exception of Riemergasse. Just please remain aware of ongoing mountain operations over there, including vehicles on the hill. As of this writing, we’ve closed all uphill at Lincoln Peak given that our grooming teams are working a more flexible schedule based on weather and aren’t necessarily relegated to one side of the hill at certain times. If that changes we’ll have it in the snow report.
Of course I’d be remiss to not mention the awesome spring events still on the docket this season. First up is Pond Skimming this Saturday. We’ll have some celebrity judges on hand including our sponsored athlete Ali Nullmeyer (fresh off a 9th place finish at the World Cup Finals), as well as Tyler Jankowski and Jack Main from NBC5. Plus, we’ll have both Darian and Mark returning to MC the event. Right now the weather is looking like it could get a little wet, and not just for the competitors. Pack a raincoat, enjoy a beer at our outdoor Lawson’s bar next to the pond, and cheer on the skimmers. Or, if that’s not your vibe, we should be livestreaming the event on social as well.
Next weekend we have two more huge events in Spring Fling and the Mad River Valley Triathlon. Spring Fling will be highlighted by Talking Dreads featuring the Jamaican-born musician Mystic Bowie. The concert will also include performances from Van Gordon Martin and Reggae DJ Satta Sound. If you haven’t been to a Spring Fling, you’re missing out. It’s easily the best party of the season, with good times all day in the Lincoln Peak Courtyard, and plenty of food and drink to be had. But if bobbing to the beat isn’t enough of a thrill for you, consider signing up for the Mad River Valley Triathlon. A combination of running, paddling, biking, and then finally a skin up and ski down of part of Mt. Ellen. It’s an awesome community event full of good vibes and passionate folk.
So enjoy this last month of spring, easily one of my if not the favorite month of the year. We’ll circle back as we approach the end of the season to give you an update on our summer plans and a look ahead to next year. In the meantime, have fun out there.
See you on the mountain.