Sun Valley Resort has decided to extend the 2005-2006 ski season by one week.
"Bald Mountain will remain open for skiing and snowboarding through Sunday, April 23," General Manager Wally Huffman announced Wednesday after a meeting of company managers.
Although company officials had hinted earlier in the week that the ski season on the resort's primary mountain would be extended, no formal decision was made until Wednesday.
Dollar Mountain, the resort's beginners' ski area in Sun Valley, is set to close on its originally scheduled date, Sunday, April 16.
Sun Valley's full schedule for gradually closing down mountain operations includes:
· Closing Roundhouse Restaurant after lunch service Friday, March 31.
· From Monday, April 3, through Sunday, April 9, operating the Lower River Run, Lookout Express, Christmas, Seattle Ridge, Mayday and Challenger chair lifts on Bald Mountain.
· From Monday, April 3, through Sunday, April 9, operating the Full Dollar, Quarter Dollar and Magic Carpet lifts on Dollar Mountain.
· From Monday, April 10, through Sunday, April 16, operating the Quarter Dollar and Magic Carpet lifts on Dollar Mountain.
· From Monday, April 10, through Sunday, April 16, operating the Lower River Run, Christmas, Lookout Express and Challenger lifts on Bald Mountain.
· From Monday, April 17, through Sunday, April 23, operating only the Lower River Run, Lookout Express and Challenger lifts on Bald Mountain.
The last day this season for operating the Mayday lift and the Seattle Ridge lift, which together access the entire southern part of Bald Mountain, will be Sunday, April 9. The Seattle Ridge Lodge will also close after lunch service April 9.
Carol's Dollar Mountain Lodge will close after lunch service Sunday, April 16, when Dollar Mountain closes.
The decision to extend the season has been anticipated by some skiers. Sun Valley this season has been the beneficiary of one of the best snow years in a decade. The resort reported Thursday that Baldy had received 269 inches of natural snow this season and had a snow base of 94 inches at the summit.
However, other factors, including keeping key seasonal positions staffed, must be considered by the resort when deciding whether to extend the closing date.
Resort officials noted that the operations schedule is subject to change depending upon weather and snow conditions. For updated mountain reports, visit www.sunvalley.com or call (800) 635-4150.
