RESORT PROFILE
years,” said Towle. “We have adapted
to shorter seasons and reduced snow-fall
– not that it happens all the time,
mind you; we did have a 371-inch
season in 2016/17!”
The ski area has added loading
ramps at the lifts, farms snow from the
parking lot using adapted equipment
and utilizes a more aggressive slope
management program that reduces the
amount of snow needed to operate.
of global climate change, Mt. Ashland
has stood on the precipice of closure
many times.
However, true to its history of never
giving up, the ski area has implemented
creative solutions designed to help it
stay open in those low snow years and
financially difficult times.
“We have a business model that
allows investment in the good years
and incredibly efficient operations that
still put money in the bank in the lean
All of these efforts are making a
noticeable difference. Towle explains
that the ski area traditionally needed
between 24 and 36 inches to operate
depending on the quality of the snow,
but that this 2018/19 season they
opened a day ahead of target on only 21
inches of snow.
Capital plans for the coming summer
include further low-snow prep such as
installing snow fences, load/unload
decks and slope trimming.
The ski area continues to work to-wards
year-round operation and it does
currently host events, weddings and an
assortment of gatherings. “We would
like to take the next step and develop
a summer outdoor recreation offering
that would include zip lines, rock-climbing
walls and all the usual alpine
attractions,” said Towle. “It may take a
few years, but efforts are underway.”
With a forward-thinking, sustainable
plan in place and a strong commu-nity
dedicated to making it happen,
the Mt. Ashland Ski Area is fulfill-ing
its vision to be here today and for
future generations.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MT ASHLAND SKI AREA
“We have adapted to shorter
seasons and reduced snowfall.”
– Hiram Towle, Mt. Ashland Ski Area
TUCKER
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8 April/May 2019 | snowopsmag.com
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