The final, climactic chapter of the 2004-2005 ski season at Sun Valley Resort will unfold this weekend on and around Bald Mountain.
Sun Valley's mountain managers will shut down the ski lifts on Baldy at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 17. For the three remaining days of the season, the River Run, Lookout Express, Christmas, Challenger and Frenchman's lifts are scheduled to stay in operation.
The Seattle Ridge area, the Seattle Ridge Lodge and the surrounding bowls serviced by the Mayday lift all closed for the season on April 11. Dollar Mountain and Carol's Dollar Mountain Lodge have also closed for the season.
While excellent late-season conditions prevail on Baldy, much of the action will take place at the bottom of the mountain, in Warm Springs Village. For three consecutive days, Friday through Sunday, après-ski parties will celebrate the season.
"We've had a great season and the skiing is really good right now," said Hank Minor, owner of Apple's Bar & Grill in Warm Springs. "Now we just need to close the mountain down properly."
Apple's on Friday, April 15 will host an après-ski pig roast party featuring live music and outdoor festivities. The event will kick off at approximately 4 p.m.
On Saturday, April 16, The Outabounds Lounge will host an end-of-season party and street dance in Warm Springs Village. The festivities are scheduled to run from 2 p.m. into the night.
Finally, on Sunday, April 17, Apple's will host a second street party featuring live music, food and drinks. The event will start in the early afternoon and is expected to hit full stride at approximately 4 p.m.
"It's the best weekend out here," Minor said.
Discounted late-season ski rates for Bald Mountain are in effect. A full-day adult lift ticket is selling for $48 and a full-day child lift ticket costs $27. Late-season ski passes will also be accepted on the mountain through Sunday.
On Thursday, Bald Mountain was reported to have an approximately 60-inch snow base at the summit.
For updated ski conditions, call (800) 635-4150, or check the resort's World Wide Web site at www.sunvalley.com.
