If it seems like we’ve been waiting forever for Brundage to open, it’s because WE HAVE!

Thankfully, opening day is tomorrow, it will be the second latest opening day in our 50 year history. (The latest was on January 8, 1977).

We want all of our visitors to know that things may look a little different here at Brundage Mountain than on Opening Days past.

Due to this week’s weather and slope conditions, we are not able to groom many of the slopes that you would normally expect to be groomed.

You will find that 45th Parallel, Temptation, North, Thumper, Griz, Bear and Easy Street have been groomed. There are some thin spots in the groomed runs, so we’re encouraging everyone to ski and ride with caution.

This photo was taken from the top of the Centennial Chairlift earlier today.

Here is a view from farther down Temptation. We plan to run Easy Street, the Bear Chair, The Centennial Triple and the Blue Bird Quad. BUT, please note, the only run that has been groomed on the “BlueBird side” of the mountain is North.

We have groomed the cat track that runs across the top so that you can cruise over the 45th and Temptation, but we do not expect to be able to groom Main Street, Alpine or Engen.

In this photo, you can see the shadow of the Centennial Lift on the top of Engen. The reason we can’t groom these runs is that there are too many obstacles below the snow surface for us to be able to put our 18,000 pound grooming machines on the slopes. We’re hoping that the weather is kind to us and that more snow will allow us to do so in the near future. But for now, we wanted to open as many runs as possible so our loyal visitors can enjoy some skiing and riding this holiday season.

Here is a shot from the top of Bear.

Here is a look at the bottom of Griz, which comes off of Bear toward the lodge.

The base area is another place where people should be expecting the unexpected. We got some rain down here overnight, and as you can see in these photos, the terrain is not as smooth as normal.

This picture gives an idea of how this slope is terraced and undulating more than usual. Early season conditions exist both on- and off-trail. We know you’re excited to hit the slopes, but we ask that you adjust your expectations and riding habits according to the early season conditions.

That said, we were very happy to be able to announce our opening day plans at last night’s Light Up the Night Party.

Courtesy: Sam Marvin, LMP Photography

Nearly 1000 people showed up to enjoy the slope side fireworks show.

Courtesy: Sam Marvin, LMP Photography

Our “Pray for Snow” bonfire was also a huge hit.

Several of our visitors showed up ready to sacrifice their Christmas trees for the cause.

We joined together to submit this prayer to the powers that be as we made our sacrifices:

We’re so glad you could join us for our big birthday party.

Even though, the guest of honor is a little bit tardy

We waited patiently through October, got our hopes up in November, now here we are – still waiting – at the end of December.

When the snow shows up late, there’s no winter enjoyment.

There’s no fun to be had, no winter employment.

Whether snowshoes, sleds, boards or skis are your chosen devices, it’s high time to offer our snow sacrifices.

This wooden figure – we will torch – as a symbol of our hopes.

We’ll dance and we’ll scream as you bless our dear slopes.

Hey Ullr… Old man winter, Mother Nature…La Nina. Who ever’s in charge, we sure haven’t seen ya.

So tonight – our prayers go to the good lord above us, please send us more snow and show our mountain town you love us.

More than 200 other guests enjoyed a lasagna feast on the third floor of the lodge after the fireworks show. Jeff Crosby provided the music and our new chef’s food was a huge hit.

Here’s a note we got from our friend Jo Conn:

“What a wonderful celebration in honor of Brundage’s 50th Anniversary! Seeing the jammed parking lot, all the people around the bonfire, the crowded bar area (love the expansion!!), the amazing fireworks…..brought tears to my eyes! Kudos to the new Food and Beverage crew….I’ve never had a better veggie lasagna! I could have used a knife to help with some of the large vegetable pieces; but, lack of one didn’t stop me from eating every last bite! Delicious! Congratulations on 50 years of fun and to opening another great year of skiing!! Happy New Year!”

– April