What to Expect at Brundage Mountain for the 2021/22 Winter Season

Dear Friends of Brundage:

As we inch closer and closer to announcing an opening day for the 2021-2022 ski season, I want to share some thoughts on what to expect for Winter 2021-22.

Last Friday night, the Brundage Downtown Shop hosted an Employee Job Fair, Season Pass pick-up and Shop Late Shop Local event during McCall’s Annual Christmas Tree lighting. It was so great to see so many of your familiar faces again and it was clear by the guest traffic in the shop that people are just as eager as we are to get this party started!

The top questions I fielded that night were:

1. 1. When are you going to open?
   2. How are you feeling about the season?
   3. What will the season look like?

To answer the first question: When will you open?

We will open as soon as we possibly can, with the significant help of Mother Nature. As most of you know, we currently have very limited snowmaking and only on the private land in the base area. Our focus is always to provide a quality snow surface and great overall guest experience. We saw a dryer, warmer October and November than we’ve seen in a few years, so we are behind the curve on early season snow totals.

In just the last few days, we’re starting to see some changes in our weather patterns that look promising for the week ahead. We invite you to keep an eye on our snow report page and social media channels for the latest on conditions and updates on a new target opening day.

The second question: How are you feeling about the season?

I always get excited, anxious, and nervous about any upcoming season. The internal questions abound: Did we do enough to prepare? What did we miss? Have we wrapped up our annual maintenance? Are we ready?

And yes, when will we open? (I ask myself that question multiple times EVERY DAY…)

Well, I do feel good about the prospects for the season, but I will recognize and share that we are currently experiencing some staffing shortages very similar to what is happening locally, regionally and industry wide. Our renewed focus on recruiting and being a great employer is helping, but like everything, we always have opportunity to be better and do better.

If you or any one you know are looking for employment this winter, please send them our way. We are a great bunch, like to provide great experiences, have an excellent employment benefits package including a FREE season pass among other benefits and we all like to have fun!

View Job Openings Here

The third question: What will the season look like?

Guests can expect a much more typical outdoor experience at Brundage Mountain this ski season, but the resort will continue to take precautions, including enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures and steps to limit overall capacity (daily visitation) at the resort.

Outside:

• • Face coverings will NOT be required in lift lines or on lifts
  • Guests will be encouraged to physically distance themselves when possible
  • Lift operators will load chairlifts to capacity, however, if someone wants to ride by themselves, we will accommodate that request. Guests will just need to inform lift operators of their request.

Daily visits:

• • Brundage will closely monitor daily visitation levels.
  • Season passes and Select 4-Paks, which allow for unlimited visitation, are already sold out, with the exception of the Mid-Week Season Pass.
  • Daily lift ticket sales will be capped as necessary. Guests are encouraged to pre-purchase on-line to guarantee access. Tickets are already available for sale online so guests can plan ahead for holiday periods and busy weekends.

Indoor Precautions:

• • Our indoor operations will remain more fluid and indoor protocols may change as conditions warrant. At this point, Brundage is strongly encouraging ALL guests to wear face coverings when entering buildings and facilities.

Our team:

• • Brundage Mountain is encouraging staff to get vaccinated
  • Brundage Mountain is encouraging staff to wear face coverings while inside buildings and facilities
  • Daily employee health screenings will be in place

Additionally, we are asking all guests and employees to STAY HOME if they are sick. These protocols may change based on CDC and local health professional guidance, but this is our current safety plan as we inch closer to opening day.

We also ask that you recognize how hard our team is working to deliver great experiences for you, your friends, and your family. Let’s all be kind, be safe, and have fun.

Keep doing those snow dances and I hope to see you all up here soon when we get this party started!

Ken Rider

General Manager