Monday, April 25, 2011

McCall, ID – Fresh snow is falling on Brundage Mountain, and the McCall, Idaho ski resort is extending ski season again, this time through mid-May.

Brundage Mountain is now closed mid-week, but is planning to operate Saturdays and Sundays for Bonus Weekends, at least through May 15, conditions permitting.

Bonus Weekends:

April 30 – May 1

May 7 & 8

May 14 & 15

Brundage Mountain is celebrating its 50^th season this year, and as long as the weather cooperates, it will also celebrate its latest closing date ever.

Brundage Mountain’s latest closing day was May 10 in 2008, a season that brought near-record snowfall. This year, resort operators are confident that slope conditions will hold up through May 15^th and possibly longer.

“We have an extremely healthy snow base, and it actually continues to get deeper,” said resort spokesperson, April Russell. “We’ve watched over ten feet of snow fall in March and April and we’ve seen very little spring melt-off this year. We continue to get fresh snow every week and conditions have been stellar for our first two Bonus Weekends.”

Brundage Mountain got three inches of fresh snow the morning of Monday, April 25^th, with several more inches forecast this week. The mountain’s snow depth currently measures 94 inches at the base and 133 inches on the summit.

View the current snow report.

Brundage Mountain is offering discounted lift tickets for Bonus Weekends. Children 11 & under are free, and all other age groups will enjoy a $10 discount off regular season prices. Any adult who holds a season pass at another ski area receives an extra $5 off. Seniors (70+) and Juniors (17 & under) who hold a season pass at another area can ski for free on Bonus Weekends.

Anyone who purchases their 2011/2012 Brundage Mountain Season pass can ski or ride for free on all Bonus Weekends this season. 2011/2012 season passes are now on sale, and purchasing that pass by closing day can save the buyer up to $120.

“Extending our season is a great way for us to add value for our season pass holders,” said Russell. “Long after other resorts have shut down, our pass holders can still enjoy their investment.”

The extended season also benefits the local economy by keeping seasonal employees working longer into the shoulder season and keeping tourist traffic moving through the nearby communities.

“If we can attract people to our area and boost traffic even a little bit, that really helps this time of year,” added Russell.

Resort operators are hopeful that slope conditions will remain favorable for weeks to come. Brundage Mountain will be assessing conditions in the coming weeks in hopes of adding even more Bonus Weekends beyond the May 15^th date.