Hesperus Ski Area is open again, thanks to over a foot of fresh snow and lower temperatures.
On Thursdays and Fridays, the lift will start turning again for night skiing, then throughout the weekends. Conditions are packed powder on a 16-inch base.
“Hesperus is back open, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Tiona Eversole, Purgatory Resort marketing manager. “Our mountain operations continue to groom out the runs.”
The area previously opened Jan. 28, but closed a week later because of warm weather and lack of snow.
The ski area has enacted pandemic precautions, and its operating plan has been approved by San Juan Basin Public Health and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Under the regulations, guests ages 11 and older must wear a mask except when actively engaged in skiing, eating or drinking. Guests must maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other households.
The lodge will be closed, and lift tickets, food and drinks will be sold through a window. Guests can submit their phone number to activate COVID-19 exposure notifications.
Ski and snowboarding lessons are available for all levels, and there is a rental shop. The SnoKatz Kids lesson program will not be offered this year, and the terrain park is closed.
The new hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays (night skiing only); 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays for skiing and tubing; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays for skiing and tubing.
Hesperus offers a range of runs, from steep headwalls to more mellow grades. It is the largest night-skiing operation in the Four Corners.
“Our sunsets are spectacular and are best experienced at the top of the chairlift,” Eversole said. “Night skiing is perfect for guests looking to get a couple of laps at the end of the day while skiing under the stars.”
Hesperus tops out at 8,888 feet in elevation and offers 700 feet of vertical descent. It is on U.S. Highway 160, 11 miles west of Durango and 15 miles east of Mancos.
Children 10 years old and younger and people 75 and older can ski at no cost. Active military personnel also ski free. An active military ID card is required.
The trails feature 30% beginner, 20% intermediate and 50% advanced terrain. The tubing hill is popular with families with small children.
Hesperus Ski Area is managed by Mountain Capital Partners, which also manages Purgatory Resort and a collection of ski resorts and mountain bike parks in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Texas.
For more information and ticket prices, visit www.ski-hesperus.com or call 385-2199.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
