JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Area ski resorts will try to make a go of it this week and take advantage of traditional Thanksgiving holiday traffic serving pent up demand. The problem is, weather hasn’t been cooperative.
In a region where winter shows up halfway through autumn, things have been remarkably dry and warm.
Grand Targhee Resort announced it will spin lifts today, Wednesday, November 24, to begin its 53rd season. With limited snow cover, the resort will not be going great guns yet, but the 8 inches overnight sure helped.
Two of the five lifts are operating today at the Ghee with 66 of 97 trails accessible. Shoshone and Dreamcatcher started spinning this morning. The resort is recommending skiers and riders stay out of terrain north of Chief Joe Bowl or any south facing slopes.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort expects to get its season underway tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day as planned.
JHMR is also dealing with scant snow in the early season. The lower mountain base is coming around, however, thanks to increased snowmaking capacity.
“Mother Nature has been off to a slow start on the lower mountain, but with increased snowmaking capacity and a dedicated staff working around the clock, we are thrilled to open our lifts this Thursday,” said JHMR President Mary Kate Buckley. “We are opening limited terrain and as conditions allow, we plan to run all lifts at full capacity while limiting daily capacity in an effort to make an even more memorable guest experience.”
On Thursday, Nov. 25, at 9 a.m., JHMR will open the Teewinot Chairlift, Sweetwater Gondola to the mid-station, Après Vous Lift and the Solitude covered surface lift. Early conditions exist; please watch for unmarked obstacles.
Lifts scheduled to run Thursday include Teewinot Chairlift, Sweetwater Gondola to the mid-station, Après Vous Lift, and Solitude covered surface lift which will run daily from 9am to 4pm.
The JHMR Aerial Tram will run for sightseeing and waffles service at Corbet’s Cabin from 10am to 2pm, Friday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 28. No ski equipment is allowed, and masks are required in the Aerial Tram and inside buildings.
Snow King is eyeing a December 4 opening.
Face coverings are required in all indoor settings.
