Alpental :(

Saddest news ever. Lifted from the Summit's website.

Winter Operations Update

Maximizing operations with limited snow!


February 11th, 2015

Well, we've put up a solid fight and while it's not over yet, we have to call it for the time being. The main run down to the base area at Alpental continues to deteriorate and the temperatures at night are making it impossible to climb the slope in our groomers to continue repair work. Since we don't see Sessel continuing to provide a route down, we can't keep Alpental open through the weekend. Right now it looks like after today Alpental will close until suitable conditions allow big repair work or significant snow falls. Hopefully we see a change soon.

So what's the uphill travel policy after today? There's still sufficient snow across the upper knolls to satisfy those willing to work for it.

Ah. Dang.

Thanks for the sad news condolences, and to answer the pipedream question - it means a return to shoulder season policies.  Snow Safety Guru BT agree's that we should give it back to the uphill users until we return to some sort of normal winter hazard concerns.  That means it's in the public realm again and we won't try to restrict your access like we do during operations.  I plan to keep working on the hill, we may even work on the slopes.  So please give the lift load and unload areas some space and do expect they could stop or start without warning. It does make the most sense to allow the hikers, climbers, and skinners the ability to enjoy what's still pretty fun above about 4000'.  Today's riders had a pretty fun "last day" lapping Nash in spring conditions.  I sure hope this isn't truly the end and some spring storms bring relief.  For some of us it's like church, if you don't go at least every week, you feel like you're not expressing good faith.  Thanks again for hanging in there with us. /G

It does make the most sense to allow the hikers, climbers, and skinners the ability to enjoy what's still pretty fun above about 4000'.  Today's riders had a pretty fun "last day" lapping Nash in spring conditions.  I sure hope this isn't truly the end and some spring storms bring relief.  For some of us it's like church, if you don't go at least every week, you feel like you're not expressing good faith.  Thanks again for hanging in there with us. /G

I f&*#%ing love you!  Thank you guys for hanging in there this season too, AND now letting those of us willing to work for it the chance to get some easy access alpine terrain. Glad to know you're also a member of the First Church of the Higher Elevation.

Had some fun days there this season...a lucky and accidental opening day, cruising around and making turns on snow the easy way with friends, lonely days in the sun & rain, and thinking of our pal #bossross.

It's never goodbye, just see you later.  See you on the hill tomorrow.

trying to get erik to influence ullr to return.

Thanks for this good decision. Let's hope things change and you can shut us down again.

Thanks Gib...

And thanks for all the effort you guys put in to keep things running as long as you did.
Obviously we would/will ride lifts and ski it to the bitter end...
For now, during this intermission, back to touring season.