Thirteen inches of new snow awaited skiers and snowboarders who showed up at Brundage Mountain today to celebrate the ski area’s final day of the 2009/2010 season. This is only the second time in the resort’s history that it has operated in the month of May. Brundage Mountain is the only ski resort in Idaho to operate into the month of May this season. Late season snowfall in late March and through the month of April allowed Brundage to extend its regular season for the past three weekends.

Snow was falling as hundreds of snow lovers turned out to enjoy the impressive conditions. Resort operators had even more to celebrate as Brundage Mountain is reporting its most successful season to date. The ski area is reporting record revenues and a record Early Season Pass sale, both in the total number of season pass holders and revenues.

“We want to thank our longtime supporters and also our new season pass holders for contributing to the continued success of Brundage Mountain,” said resort spokesperson, April Russell.

The last time Brundage Mountain was able to operate in May was during the 2007/2008 season, when the resort had near-record season snowfall of 428 inches. In comparison, this season’s cumulative total is a modest 245 inches.

“We’re very proud to be able to report such robust business in a year with modest snowfall and challenging economic conditions,” said Russell. “We attribute our success to our ongoing efforts to improve the experience for our guests and to invest in upgrades that directly affect the quality of the time they spend here.”

In 2007/2008, Brundage Mountain invested in two new chairlifts, the Lakeview Lift and the Bear Chair. This opened up new terrain and continues to help the ski area maintain short lift lines and uncrowded slopes even as business levels rise. Over the past three seasons, the resort has upgraded its grooming fleet, with two new Prinoth BR 350 groomers and a winch cat. This equipment has allowed the mountain to provide higher quality slope conditions during periods with modest snowfall. Brundage has also invested in an ongoing brush cutting program, which allows for more skiable off-trail terrain early in the season or when snow levels are lower. In 2008/2009, Brundage also constructed a new mid-mountain food and beverage facility to help ease crowding in the base area lodge.

Brundage has also invested considerable human resources in a program it calls “Focus on the Guest”. This continued effort focuses on offering the highest levels of customer service possible.

“We’ve worked hard to get input from our guests and put their suggestions into practice,” said Russell. “That feedback has made it possible for us to invest in things that directly benefit the visitors. I think our customer base is noticing and that support shows up in the form of a healthy bottom line.”