Hurricane Ridge ski manager Craig Hofer just won’t quit. After clearing the path last weekend for yet another go at a ski season opener – Hofer did the same thing the week before – he and his crew drove up the mountain on Thursday to find their work covered yet again.
Such is the Sisiphean task of readying the Ridge for skiers in search of a lift.
“It’s a vicious circle,” Hofer said, “there’s no doubt about it.”
But don’t fret, the Ridge crew should be able to have the rope tows up and running on Saturday morning to kick off the ski season.
“Anything could happen, but it’s looking like it is going to work [this weekend],” Hofer said.
After that, it’s off to the other side to begin working on the Poma lift.
The weekend’s opening couldn’t come at a better time, with Hurricane Ridge Road scheduled to remain open from Dec. 22 through Jan. 1 – with the exception of Dec. 25.
That means downhill skiers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, sledders and tubers should have a full week to enjoy the winter wonderland that is Hurricane Ridge . . . weather permitting, of course.
Before you load up your car, however, make sure you get a report on road conditions.
Call the Olympic National Park road and weather update hot line at 360-565-3131.
There will likely be fresh powder – approximately eight inches – this weekend for skiers and snowboarders looking shred some new tracks.
There was more than 80 inches of snow reported Thursday.
The only bad news:
It looks as if there won’t be a snow bus in operation when the ski school opens up on Jan. 13 due to a lack of volunteer drivers.
(See story above)
